The Luna Choosing Game by Jane Above Story

Chapter 0435

That night, Nicholas and Julian joined the rest of the candidates and me in the dining room for dinner together. Elva was tired from the day’s events, so I returned her to our room where the nanny was waiting to keep an eye on her. Julian joined me at the door, to walk down to the dining room together.

When we entered, Bridget had taken her usual spot, with Nicholas on her one side. The other side was open, presumably for Julian. She spotted us as we came in, and tried to wave us or, well, Julian – over.

“She wants you to sit next to her,” I whispered to him.

“I need space from her tonight,” he replied.

Nodding, I led him away from Bridget and over to where my usual spot was beside Susie, and across from Tiffany and Veronica. Since Elva was absent, her seat was empty. Julian sat down in that seat now.

Bridget watched us from her spot at the table. Her ever–present smile seemed slightly dimmer than before.

“You should have been the lead, Prince Julian,” Tiffany said. “No offense to Prince Nicholas, but you are a true actor. It’s like you were born to be on stage.

The compliment seemed to puff Julian back up and he returned to life. His grin slid right back on his face very easily.

“Thank you, my dear,” he said.

“I like Bridget,” Tiffany continued, “But I’m not so convinced about her giving the perfect. roles to everyone. Piper, didn’t she try to make you a maid?”

I groaned, and everyone around me chuckled a little. Even Julian.

“God, I forgot about that,” he said.

Maybe he forgot. Or maybe he’d been so blindsided by love that he hadn’t noticed Bridget’s slights against me to start with.

Bottles of champagne came out then, and glasses were filled all around.

Nicholas, holding his glass, stood up. He held it up like he was going to make a toast.

Yet before he could speak, Bridget bounced to her feet and held up her own glass. “Nicholas

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speaking tonight about how wonderful this event has been. Granted, I haven’t been around for the

had me hide my laugh behind my

a fraction of a second

theater is how every person is an imperative moving part. It is only through everyone’s great effort that this event will be a success. Yes, Nicholas and I will draw

shoulder. “Is this supposed to be motivating?” she

gave her a shrug.

notice this time.

She lifted her glass. “You should all pat yourselves on the back for your accomplishments here. To us!” She drank. The rest of us

pretended to sip at hers, then slipped some of it into my glass under the table when I motioned her to. No one was the wiser.

turned and smiled at Nicholas. He gave a small smile in return, then

cleared his throat.

Though some roles are smaller than others, there are no unimportant parts in this show. Your dedication to

said, the words absent when Bridget had toasted. Her smile tightened at little, but by the time she had finished drinking,

and have a good time. Though, not too long later, Julian kissed me on the cheek.

said. “I want to turn in

smiled at

you tomorrow.”

on it.” He winked at me. Then he stood

having some fun,” Tiffany said. “He hasn’t really

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“He has been absent from the library

“Does he usually visit

least for a

Tiffany said. “I hope I didn’t offend him

make time for each of us so often. Though now, his fascination with Bridget felt even sadder. Whether he hung out with

much,” Susie

until the champagne ran dry and people began to yawn. We truly had a long day and would likely have an even longer one the next

first, then Veronica. Tiffany stayed a bit longer, chatting

ready to leave,” he said,

”

where Bridget had been sitting, her seat was empty. Did she slip out? When? I couldn’t

asked. I

lost track of her,” he said. “But