CHAPTER 38

ARIENNE CALLOWAY

A deep yawn slipped from my lips as I leaned heavily against Jenni's side. My body felt like lead, exhaustion sinking into my bones after a completely sleepless night thanks to a certain little demon—who was currently running around with endless energy. I had no idea how kids functioned on zero sleep, but I sure as hell wasn't built for it.

Jenni chuckled, nudging me. "You look like you're about to pass out."

"I am about to pass out," I mumbled, cracking my eyes open just in time to see her hold out a piece of toast.

I blinked at it, then at her.

"Seriously?" I asked, raising a brow.

Jenni smirked. "Open."

I groaned but leaned forward, letting her feed me as I chewed slowly, too tired to even pretend to be annoyed.

Zayn snorted. "Didn't peg you as the babying type, Jen."

Jenni rolled her eyes. "She's exhausted. Unlike some people, I actually care."

I barely had the energy to glare at Zayn, who was watching me with that usual half-smirk of his. "Jealous?" I muttered through a mouthful of toast.

He scoffed, arms crossed. "Not even close."

Lily suddenly ran past, giggling as she tossed flowers into the air, and I swore my eye twitched.

"That kid better take a nap soon," I muttered, slumping lower against Jenni.

The conversation somehow circled back to prom.

"So, Ari," Nicole said, sipping her coffee, "are you seriously not going to prom?"

I exhaled heavily. *Again with this?*

"Maybe," I said. "I haven't decided."

"Have you even thought about a dress?" Jenni asked.

I shot her a look. "I barely thought about sleep, and you think I'm planning prom?"

Zayn scoffed. "Figures."

I snapped my gaze to him. "What does that mean?"

He smirked. "Just that you don't seem like the type to dress up for a fancy event."

I narrowed my eyes. "I can dress up."

"Uh-huh."

Was he—was he challenging me?

I straightened, pointing at him. "You wish you could handle me in a dress."

His eyes darkened for a fraction of a second before he leaned in slightly. "Oh, I know I can handle you."

My stomach flipped, heat rising up my neck as I quickly turned away, stuffing another bite of toast into my mouth to avoid responding.

Michelle suddenly sighed, breaking the tension. "I'd love to stay and chat, but I have a meeting. I need to head back."

Nicole nodded. "We should get going too."

I groaned dramatically. "Can I just stay here and sleep?"

Mom shot me a pointed look. "No."

Jenni chuckled, standing up. "Alright, pack up, guys."

Zayn nudged me with his foot. "Come on, princess, time to move."

I slapped his leg away, shooting him a glare before dragging myself up.