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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haven’t been around for

flat look that had me hide my laugh behind my napkin.

narrowed her eyes at me for a fraction of a second before

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

looked at me now, back over her shoulder. “Is this supposed to

her

notice this

on the back for your accomplishments here.

hers, then slipped some of it into my glass under the table when I motioned

and smiled at Nicholas. He gave a

cleared his throat.

for their hard work. Though some roles are smaller than others, there are no unimportant parts in this show. Your dedication to this event has been seen and appreciated. Thank you all very much. To

us!” Everyone said, the words absent when Bridget had toasted. Her smile tightened at little, but by the

have a good time. Though, not too long later, Julian

said.

smiled at him. “See

you tomorrow.”

at me. Then he stood and left the

Tiffany said. “He

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has been absent from the library these past few

“Does he usually visit

least

used to play cards in the afternoon most days,” Tiffany said. “I hope I didn’t offend him when I caught him counting. Though he seemed more humored

idea Julian worked so hard to make time for each of us so often. Though now, his fascination with Bridget felt even sadder. Whether he hung out with the three of us for romantic pursuits or for friendship, those relationships began to wilt the moment she returned to the

as much,” Susie said, and we all agreed.

began to yawn. We truly had a long day and would likely have an even longer one the next day. The real party could happen when the event

excused herself first, then Veronica. Tiffany stayed a bit longer, chatting up Jessica

his arm. “If you are ready to leave,”

”

glanced to where Bridget had been sitting, her seat was empty. Did she slip out? When? I couldn’t remember. After the toasts, I’d had such a good time, I stopped paying her

I asked. I couldn’t help

by my question. “I lost track of her,” he said. “But I think she