Stealing Bradford

“No.” She opened the door wider. “Of course, not. Come on in. It’s just that I didn’t know we were having guests.” She eyed Bradford with suspicion. This had to be Taylor’s doing. She’d probably assumed if Bradford came with Harry and Conner, it would be acceptable. But how was this going to make Rhiannon feel? And should DJ warn her?

“The living room is this way,” she said as she led them through the foyer. “Maybe we should’ve ordered more pizza.”

“Pizza!” Conner smacked his lips.

“Hey, guys,” called out Eliza. “You’re just in time.”

“I’m going to phone in more pizza,” said DJ. She nodded to Conner now. “Make yourself at home.” Then she glanced over at Rhiannon, who looked uncomfortable, as if she’d been trapped. “Hey, Rhiannon,” called DJ. “I need a hand in the kitchen, okay?”

Rhiannon looked relieved to get out of there, and DJ walked ahead and led her through the dining room into the kitchen. At least it would be private. “I’m sure this is Taylor’s doing,” she said. “I can’t imagine what she’s up to.”

“It doesn’t really matter,” said Rhiannon sadly.

“Yes, it does,” insisted DJ. “It’s just plain mean.”

Rhiannon took in a choppy breath. “I’m trying to be mature about this. Really, I am. But it’s hard. And Taylor isn’t helping much either.”

“Of course, it’s hard. Taylor is the most selfish person I’ve ever met. And I feel so bad that you’re stuck rooming with her.”

“It is pretty awkward.”

“Look, Rhiannon. If you want to switch, I will. You can room with Casey. You guys get along okay, don’t you?”

“You don’t have to—”

“No,” she insisted. “I think I do.”

Rhiannon hugged her now. “Thank you, DJ. You really are a good friend.”

“I’m trying to be a good Christian too,” admitted DJ. “But sometimes, like when I get mad at Taylor, I sort of forget.”

“Yeah, I have to admit that I’ve entertained a few fantasies myself.”

DJ tried not to look shocked. “Really?”

Rhiannon looked uncomfortable. “Yes, it’s kind of embarrassing to say it out loud, but I’ve imagined her being publicly humiliated, and I’ve even wished that the mean girls would get her cornered behind the gym and really let her have it.”

“No way!” Rhiannon nodded. “Yeah. I’m a Christian, but I’m not perfect.”

“Well, that’s kind of a relief.”

“Even so, I’d like to handle this right. I’ve been praying for God to help me.”

“Right.” DJ pressed her lips together. How could she fault Rhiannon for taking her faith this seriously? Besides, DJ reminded herself, Rhiannon had a pretty easy-going sort of temperament. DJ had noticed that last year when she’d seen Rhiannon interacting with her mom. At times, DJ had wished that Rhiannon would stand up to her mom and tell the stupid woman off. But Rhiannon never had. At least not when DJ was there to witness it. Still, it seemed nothing short of saintliness that Rhiannon hadn’t torn into Taylor yet. DJ felt certain she wouldn’t do half as well in the same situation. And she couldn’t believe she’d just offered to become Taylor’s roommate. Had she lost her mind?

“In light of our unexpected visitors, I think I’ll skip the movie tonight,” said Rhiannon. Then she brightened slightly. “In fact, maybe I’ll use the time to switch some things into your room while everyone is down there. If you don’t mind?”

“Sure,” said DJ, although the idea of them doing the switch tonight had not occurred to her.

“Do you want me to move anything for you while I’m at it?” she asked.

“Sure, if you want. I suppose you’ll need some drawer and closet space for your things. Go ahead and do some switching if you want. Then maybe we can tackle the rest of it during the weekend.”

“I’m sure Taylor will be glad to get rid of me,” said Rhiannon.

“Only because she’s crazy.”

“Thanks again. I really appreciate it.”

“I think I hear Eliza calling. I better phone in for some more pizza,” she said. “Want me to make any excuses for you not being there for the movie?” Rhiannon shook her head. “No. I doubt anyone will notice anyway.”

“I’ll notice.”

“Thanks.”

But when DJ returned to the living room, where they’d all decided to watch the movie from the beginning since half of them hadn’t seen it yet, it seemed that Rhiannon was right. They didn’t seem to notice that she was missing. Conner had saved DJ a space beside him, and Harry and Eliza were already in the loveseat. For some reason DJ felt relieved to see that Taylor and Bradford weren’t sitting together. Of course, she figured that might change before the night was over. But at least Rhiannon wouldn’t be around to witness it if it did. She wondered how Taylor would react to swapping roommates.