I followed Julian back up the beach, but when he returned to the mansion, I veered back to the bonfire. By now, the fire was dying down. Veronica and Jessica were sitting with their backs to it, facing the ocean. They each had a glass of wine and a marshmallow in hand. The opened bag sat between them.

I walked over to them. “Where’s Nicholas?” “He went inside soon after you left,” Veronica said.

“He didn’t even say goodnight,” Jessica added.

“It’s been a long day today,” Veronica told her.

Jessica shrugged. “True.” “Why don’t you join us for a while, Piper?” Veronica added.

I looked back at the mansion, where Julian and just disappeared inside. I tried to imagine myself going to my room and trying to sleep. With the thought of that kiss in the front of my mind, sleep didn’t seem likely.

“Okay,” I said, and plopped myself down onto the soft sand on the other side of Veronica. She grabbed the bag of marshmallows and held it out for me. I accepted one and plopped it in my mouth. Ah, sugar! So sweet and delicious.

“What a night. I

“It must have been somewhat freeing for her to not have to worry about that for a change.” Although

terribly,” Jessica said. “I mean, sure, she probably should have switched to water for a bit there, but...” Jessica sipped at her own wine. Everyone was a little bit

“T'wasn’t thinking it,” Veronica said Jessica rolled

You must wonder too.” “Wonder

“Which of the two princes do

began to pound wildly in my

a warning kind of

is a bit extreme,” Jessica admitted. “That’s probably

of the two princes you are pursuing, Piper?” I didn’t know how to answer that. My tongue felt too big for my mouth every time

you at the elimination ceremony,”

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