Albert’s assistant didn’t even have time to complain. The moment the message came through, they were scrambling for their laptop, already bracing for a long night.
[I want everything on Dorothea’s new company. You have thirty minutes.]
***
After getting out of the car, Carmen made a decision. She was going to steer clear of Albert and his group. No way was she about to waste her energy on them today.
But as soon as she spotted Carola among the crowd, her mood tanked even further. Carmen felt her stomach twist. Great, just what she needed.
She leaned closer to Dorothea and whispered, “I honestly cannot stand her.”
Without missing a beat, Carola bounced over and practically threw herself into Albert’s arms. He greeted her with a soft smile and that infuriatingly gentle tone. “Slow down, Carola. You’ll trip if you keep running like that.”
Carmen rolled her eyes so hard she almost hurt herself. She turned to share her annoyance with Dorothea, but Dorothea had her back turned, picking up some leaves like she was already over this whole scene.
Albert couldn’t help glancing at Dorothea from time to time, probably thinking he was being subtle. But Dorothea didn’t even spare him a look.
Was she really that indifferent, or was she just pretending?
Tents and canopies went up while everyone settled in for their camping trip. Someone rented a portable stove, and soon the air was filled with the promise of barbecue.
Dorothea didn’t join the chatter. She sat off to the side, looking perfectly content to be left alone.
Then someone suggested a game. “Let’s play Truth or Dare. But only Dares. Whoever refuses gets punished.”
Dorothea finally spoke up, her voice calm. “I’ll pass on the game.”
Carola flashed a sweet, fake smile. “You’re already here. Come on, just have some fun with us.”
The others piled on. “Yeah, don’t be a buzzkill! What’s the point of coming if you’re not even going to join in?”
Carmen was ready to fire back, but Dorothea just gave her hand a reassuring pat and smiled. “Fine, I’ll play.”
The bottle spun. The first few dares were harmless and nobody got too close for comfort. Then the bottle pointed straight at Dorothea.
She picked a card, her face changing just a little.
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