Chapter 174

"What did she say?" Kat asked, scooting to the edge of the couch cushion.

"She didn’t say anything at first," Jess said. "But her eyes told me a lot. There was so much excitement in them. I really can read Kayla. She and I are so alike in so many ways."

"And?" Rita asked.

"Manny answered for her," Jess said flatly, her voice taking on a sour note. "He said without hesitation that it wasn’t enough."

"And then he asked about his stake, right?" I said.

Jess laughed and said, "How did you know?"

I just smiled at her.

"So, yeah, um, that’s where it got a little awkward and heated," Jess said. "I have to admit it. I really was scared there for a little bit. I thought about caving. You know how I can run from confrontation sometimes. And I knew -- I just knew -- this was coming. That Manny would blow up."

"Tell us!" Katie said anxious