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.

her wine. “What a night. I can’t believe

on camera,” I said. “It must have been somewhat freeing for her to not have to worry about that for a change.” Although I wished she had used her new freedom in a way that didn’t involve asking me such probing, unnecessary

don’t think she behaved all that terribly,” Jessica said. “I mean, sure, she

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

on, Veronica. You must wonder

the two princes

body froze, while my heart began to

a warning kind of

Jessica admitted. “That’s

know which of the two princes you are pursuing, Piper?” I didn’t know how to answer that.

at the elimination ceremony,”

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