Between Us

Chapter 37

Two hours later and we finally got to our Airbnb, and right before the check-in time. The key was placed in the little nook above the doorframe that Caden grabbed easily.

The townhouse that we rented was tucked away behind a small row of trees that was automatically parted on both sides. It was a double-storey with a singular cream garage door, clouded in shadows by its own hood.

Above it were two floors; there was green lining along the white vinyl and a green roof arched over the triangular first floor with one large window right in the middle.

The middle floor in the middle was horizontally laid out with glass pane windows and red porches and porch columns. Red stairs curved from the bottom to the middle floor. There were vines growing around the base of the walls, twining together to create an eerie, almost mystical feel.

"Looks a little old," commented Sai.

"I think it's cute," I said.

When everyone went inside, Trixie with Caden and Leilani, Leo and Paris by themselves, and Sai by the dining table on her phone, I found myself exploring alone.

Almost everything—the tables, the doors, the staircase, the frames, the barred divider from the kitchen to the living, even the chandelier that was sharply carved—was made of actual wood. From the way it was made down to the carvings and hammerings, it was authentic.

I found Paris checking out the bathroom with its polished white tiles and gold lining. It was the perfect time to speak to her.

"Paris," I whispered, making sure no one was spying. "Is everything okay? You've been acting so weird."

"It's nothing," she said, forcing a smile, "don't worry about it."

"You know you can talk to me, right?"

She studied me for a long time before her face relaxed. "I know. Thanks for asking, Shyla. You're sweet."

Paris left as if she couldn't get out of there fast enough. I stood there in the mirror looking at myself in the bikini. The earlier joy I felt had dissipated since Paris had taken the concern I had for her with her. I wanted to know what was going on, but how could I force someone to tell me what the issue was?

Would Caden tell me? Of course not. He wouldn't share someone else's secret, just as much as I wouldn't. I went out the bathroom door and headed up the stairs. I checked out a couple of bedrooms—there were only four rooms but six beds and I knew I was sharing with Sai—when I glimpsed Leo speaking with someone. I couldn't see who it was, but their figure seemed similar to that of Paris'.

I shrugged. It wasn't out of the ordinary that they were speaking. Leo did say that they met up twice outside of school.

Then I stilled as I headed down the stairs.

Hadn't Paris told me she only ever spoke to him once?

***

I told Sai this since it was nagging at me all day. "I told you she was weird," she hissed, pulling me under a nook that hid us away from the others. "Did I or did I not tell you that?"

"This doesn't prove she's weird. Just that..."

"That she lied to you. You need to stop defending her. It's clear as day that there's something going on."

"It doesn't make sense. What could possibly be going on? I mean, it wouldn't be weird if Leo wanted to speak to Paris. She's nice and funny."

Sai shut her eyes and placed her hands in front of her, palms facing me. "I can't with you. You're so—ugh."