were there, getting takeout. Though they didn’t stop to say hi, both of them waved. Odette had the nerve to blow a kiss to Theo, and his cheeks turned pink.
By the gods. What was I gonna do with this girl?
Stefan winked at Delmare as we passed— Delmare ducked her head and looked away. Stefan frowned, seemingly embarrassed.
“What’s the deal with you?” I asked as we moved through the lunch line. I piled shrimp cocktail high on my plate as I said, “You could at least acknowledge he’s alive.”
“I’ve already told you. I don’t need a guy,” Delmare said. “I just need space.”
I don’t think an Arcanea in the existence of ever had said that, until Delmare. “Why are you avoiding him? He’s into you.”
Delmare gave an obnoxious noise. “I’m not into him.”
“You’re a liar.” I fucking knew that Delmare liked Stefan. She had a crush on him, at least. That much had been obvious at the King’s Ball last year. I couldn’t figure out why she was pushing him away.
Delmare blushed, but she rearranged her features and said, “You’re looking too far into it.”
“He could be your mate,” I offered. “Why don’t you give him a chance?”
Secretly, I was a bit jealous. If Delmare and Stefan were mates, they could tell each other. They could show their affection without all this stuff hanging over their heads, like Ethan and I. Their love wouldn’t have to be a performance put on for the entertainment of other people.
“I’m not ready to have a mate. I like my privacy,” she said.
“Why can’t you go on one date with him? It’s not going to kill you, and I know you’ll have fun,” I said.
Delmare rolled her eyes. “Trust me, Em. I’m better off alone. It’s what I deserve.”
Before I could say another word, Delmare hurried off, leaving her food behind.
A pit grew in my stomach as Delmare drew farther and farther away. I wouldn’t care if Delmare wanted to be single if that’s what she truly desired... but I didn’t think it was that way. Something in my gut told me she wanted to be with Stefan, but she didn’t think she was worthy of him.
“What’s with her?” Odette asked. The only things on her tray was a slice of cake, a cup of ice cream, and a couple of brownies. So healthy.
“I have no idea.” I shook my head. I wish I could get through to Delmare somehow. But her walls were so high, I didn’t know how to break them down.
Odette gabbed all throughout lunch about ballet camp while I played with my food listlessly. My stomach kind of hurt, and it made it hard to eat. I’d been looking around all day for Ethan, and I hadn’t seen him yet. I didn’t know if he was purposefully avoiding me or what.
Odette twirled a blonde strand around her finger. “What’s wrong, Emma? You seem rather gloomy.”
I looked up from the remnants of my meal. “I’m just worried about facing Ethan,” I confessed. “What if he hates me?”
“He doesn’t hate you. He never could,” Odette said innocently. “He loves you.”
I know, I thought. But would love be enough? My actions had cost him his dream.
“If he’s still mad, just show em the goods.” Odette cupped her boobs and wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. I laughed out loud.
“Odette, Ethan isn’t going to magically stop being angry at me because I took my shirt off and flashed him my breasts,” I cracked.
“He might. Boobs create peace. Boobs change the world,” Odette insisted. “Men can’t resist their power. Try it once.”
“I think not.” Though it’d be hilarious to see. The thought of Ethan’s jaw dropping open once I ripped my bra off and let my tits fly was enough to send me spiraling into a fit of giggles all over again.
“That’s the spirit.” Odette got up and patted me on the shoulder. “Theo and I are bustling off to ballet, but don’t you let your hopes fall. Your prince charming has forgiven you, I’m sure.”
A slight smile crossed my face as Odette skipped away. Odette had such a positive way of looking at things. I wished I could be like her.
Things still felt heavy as I left the lunchroom. There was too much on my mind; Gabby, Lady Korva, Delmare... Ethan. I couldn’t sit here by myself for hours and ponder it all. I had to clear my head, before I went fucking nuts.
The only place that made me feel better anymore was the ice. All my