All's Fair in Love and Leaderboards by Alina Lane

Author:Alina Lane [Lane, Alina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Von Rips LLC

19

Meadow

I can’t sleep. I feel like shit, my brain won’t quiet down, and I’m pissed at Griffin.

I thought that we had come to an understanding—I’m more than capable of taking care of myself—but he just cut me out without hesitation at the first tiny sign of perceived danger.

All because something doesn’t add up.

What a crock of bullshit.

I’ve been a private investigator for eight years. In that time, I’ve had a handful of close scrapes, but no one has ever questioned my abilities as an investigator like Griffin has.

Being betrayed by my own family fucking sucks—and that’s exactly what it was, betrayal. Once Griffin got done with his analysis of the case, everyone unilaterally decided he was right, and no amount of arguing from me changed their minds. I did something that I’ve never done in my entire life. I gave up and hid in my bedroom. Let my sisters handle the guard duty tonight, because I’m done with the day.

Mom knocked on the door and told me dinner was done, but I faked being asleep until she left me alone. I don’t know if Griffin stayed for dinner or not, but if he did, I hope he choked on a chicken bone.

When cornered, I usually come out swinging with logic and facts until I’ve pulverized the opposing arguments. But how do you fight against feeling and emotions? Especially when you’re outgunned and up against your family?

You don’t.

My stomach gurgles hard. I’m starving, but the low sounds of the TV in the living room keep me in my room. I’m not sure if anyone is still awake, but I’d rather not deal with any of them right now.

A faint knock sounds through the wall behind my headboard. Probably just Griffin getting ready for bed. My phone buzzes on the table next to me.

I snag the device and unlock it.

Griffin Asshat Gallagher: How’re you feeling?

I start to rage text but then waffle on what I want to say, typing then deleting over and over.

“Meadow, I can see the floating dots. Just fucking send it already,” Griffin calls through the wall. He’s a little muffled but understandable.

Fuck. I should have turned off read receipts.

Me: *middle finger emoji*

There’s a snorting laugh from the other side of the wall before a new message comes through.

Griffin Asshat Gallagher: I guess I deserve that, huh?

Me: You do.

Griffin Asshat Gallagher: Wildflower…

Me: Nope. You do NOT get to use a cutesy nickname when you stabbed me in the back.

Griffin Asshat Gallagher: Okay. Let’s get something straight.

Me: This oughta be good.

Griffin Asshat Gallagher: I did not stab you in the back. I agreed that you’re capable didn’t I?

Me: That doesn’t count when you turn around and tell my father that I can’t be involved in the more physical aspects of the case. Do you know how stupid you made me sound? How awful that felt?

And the fact that my dad sided with him? That sucked too.

The bubbles bounce and disappear for a few seconds before they just don’t come back.

Good riddance.

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