Chapter 22. Spilled

MAVIS

As soon as we got into my room, Estelle called me on the phone. I tried to hide the caller’s name from Isabel.

I felt a twinge of guilt as I saw Isabel’s curious look, but I quickly covered the screen of my phone. I didn’t want her to feel hurt or left out, and I knew that a call from Estelle might do just that.

“Excuse me for a moment,” I said, trying to sound casual. “I need to take this.”

I turned my back to her and answered the call, my heart beating faster.

“Hello?” I said, my voice betraying my nervousness.

“Hi, it’s Estelle,” came the voice on the other end of the line.

“Hi,” I said avoiding her name. “What’s up?”

“I’m good, but…” She paused. “Can I talk with you briefly?”

“Umm, no.” Isabel turned to look at me and looked away again.

“I can’t really talk right now,” I said, trying to sound apologetic. “Can I call you back later?”

Estelle hesitated for a moment, and I held my breath.

“Sure,” she fina