Good Girls Have Secrets

Chapter 20

Three days, that's how long I had to think about what to say to Courtney. Running over everything in my head, I can't figure out how she knew. I don't remember having a conversation or anything else that could have tipped her off.

Other than Courtney, every other thought feels like it's about Matt. Sitting next to Audrey in Design class, Matt casually nods, then goes back to talking to Kyle. He doesn't acknowledge me again, leaving me in a bad mood.

At work, I slide my sketches for the new store logo and letterhead onto Isabella's desk. Noting her jacket and purse are not in their usual spot, I assume she's gone out, leaving me alone with Courtney.

Dusting shelves, Courtney's air pods hanging out of her ears. She's oblivious to the fact that I'm behind her.

Tapping her on the shoulder, she screams. "What the..."

"Sorry. I didn't know how to get your attention." I yell, waiting for her to remove her headphones. "Can I talk to you?"

"I don't answer to you, so don't give me any crap about the headphones." She practically snarls at me.

Ignoring her comment, I ask, "Did you tell Will that I'm pregnant?"

"You mean the stuck-up preppy guy? Yeah, I told him that. So what?" Crossing her arms, her stare is harsh and threating.

"How did you know?" I respond, taking a step back.

Throwing her head back with a howl. She snaps, "I didn't, but figured even if it wasn't true, you two would have a great fight."

I repeat myself. "How did you know?"

"I put the pieces together. You didn't drink the night we went out. Isabella said she met you outside the hospital nursery." Looking at my stomach. "Frankly, you're getting fat, so I guessed."

Looking down at my belly, I know it's huge. Curious, I ask, "Why do you hate me so much? I didn't do anything to you."

The back-door jingles, signaling Isabella's back. I want an answer. "Tell me."

"Don't tell me what to do. Just because you're her little pet, doesn't mean you're my boss." Narrowing her eyes, she threatens, "If you try to have me fired, a scratch in your car will be the least of your worries. Remember who my friends are."

Taking note that Isabella's in her office, I lean into Courtney, narrowing my eyes and gritting my teeth, I scowl. "Don't threaten me. You have no idea the high-powered people I know in California. I will put you all in jail." With that I stomp off to the restroom.

Closing the door, I fall apart. Furious that she keyed my car, I consider doing the same thing to hers, but decide it will only start a war. I could call the cops, but it would be her word against mine. There's nothing I can do. Why do so many people hate me?

A few minutes later, I run into Isabella as I come out of the bathroom. Her smile turns to concern. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." I justify the lie is to protect her. I can only imagine what Courtney's friends would do to Isabella or the store.

Changing the subject, I ask, "What do you think of my sketches? I can change anything you don't like."

"I haven't looked at them. When did you bring them?"

"Today."

Gesturing for me to follow her into her office, I follow. Pulling them off her desk, she studies them. Her eyes glisten with tears, as she gushes, "They're perfect. You captured every detail that I told you." She gives me a tight squeeze. "I can't wait to introduce you to some of the influencers this weekend. They'll absolutely love you. Do you think you could bring your portfolio; in case someone wants to see it?"