Main Character Energy by Jamie Varon

Author:Jamie Varon
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Park Row Books
Published: 2023-07-11T13:38:13+00:00

* * *

When I get back from Nice, the mood at the villa is lively. Evie, Jasmyn, Kerry, Caroline, and Beau are seated at the large dining room table. Beau has his own chair, his fluffy head peeking out above the table. When he sees me, he rushes to say hello. I pick him up brightly and carry him over to the table and deposit him back on a chair, then say hi to everyone.

“You look glowy and tan,” Jasmyn says. “And smiley. Did something happen in Nice?”

I laugh and spread my hands across my face, remembering the way Mauro looked at me.

“Something did happen!” Evie exclaims with genuine excitement. “Look at her!”

“Tell us!” Caroline trills, smiling.

“Well, I had a great day,” I say, being purposefully obtuse. “Got some new journals. Always love the thrill of a new journal.” I take a dramatic pause. “And I may have a date tonight with a very sexy Italian man.”

“Yesssssss,” Evie screams out gutturally.

“Get it,” Kerry says, smiling widely.

“It’s casual,” I say, laughing. “Very casual. Just fun. Good research for my romance novel.”

“Right, research,” Jasmyn says, eyeing me.

“You’re my hero, Poppy. I love how you just go for it,” Evie says. “You would go to Nice for a day and land a hot date with a stranger.”

I would? Since when?

Huh. I don’t see myself that way at all. This isn’t the first time that someone has a perception of me that is wildly different than my own. Before I can respond and tell her I’m flattered, Stella approaches from the backyard with Oliver following behind her.

“Who’s going on a hot date with a stranger?” Stella asks. My stomach drops. Oliver and Stella, together again.

“I’m going on a date tonight,” I tell her, looking at both of them but focusing on Oliver, whose eyes widen in surprise. He quickly maneuvers his face into a neutral expression. This strengthens my resolve to go out with Mauro. My feelings are too complicated when it comes to Oliver. Just seeing him makes my mind spin. It could never be casual with him. There’s way too much between us with the villa, with Margot, with the residency. And if he’s dating Stella, then, well, that makes it easier all around.

I just wish I could stop myself from feeling anything for him. Stop that flood of jealousy when I see them together. Get him out of my head.

“How fun,” Stella says, showing sincere excitement, but looking at Oliver with narrowed eyes. I don’t understand this dynamic at all.

“Okay, most importantly, what are you going to wear?” Caroline asks me. I watch Stella and Oliver shuffle by together and head into the kitchen.

“I don’t know,” I say, pretending to be distressed for all their benefit. They laugh.

“I’ll help you get ready,” Caroline says. “It will be so fun!”

Beau, Caroline, and I head upstairs. When we get to my room, I lower my voice and I ask Caroline, “Not that I care, but do you think Stella and Oliver are like...together now?”

Caroline’s eyes narrow at me.

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