Vega POV.
If there was ever a time the slow-motion music walk should be used, this was it. I could already hear that song "I'm so fancy" playing in my head.
I made a show of getting out of Andrianna's car cause why not. The makeover had turned out great. I kept my curls, detoxed, got my nails done, and got new clothes and shoes, the weather was looking great, and I could already see myself winning the money. Facts. I was wearing a black crop top, with black shorts, and high boots. I preferred the getup because being in a dress just didn't work for me, except if it was a very formal gathering.
Andrianna grinned as she took in our audience, she was in a yellow print dress, a darker shade of heels in the same color, with a purse to match. Jake was the last to come out, but he came out looking like a billion dollars CEO, and all smooth edges. I think we made an awesome pair.
The crowds kept staring at us, and it was a new sort of attention that was a bit unnerving, I didn't think I changed that much, but well, Andria didn't let me look in the mirror either, but I knew I looked great after seeing myself on Andria's sleek ride.
I turned to see Arielle and two new girls approaching us. I wondered where her other minions were. Here we go again, I groaned internally.
Arielle got to us, eyeing the three of us. Surprise does not flare in her gaze when she levels her two brown eyes at me, but there was a new emotion on her face that caught me off guard. Was she envious of me? No way. Arielle tore her gaze away from me, then forced a smile as she faced Andrianna.
"Hey Andria, introduce your new friend to us. She looks fab. I always knew you'd dump that psycho girl called Vega, whose god awful hair is always half covering her face, looking cringy as fuck, she could never be on your level, so it's great you got rid of her".
My jaw almost hit the ground. She doesn't even know it's me. I cleared my throat as I moved closer to her, putting on my new eyeglasses. She gasped, recognition flaring in her gaze, and she was so shocked that she stumbled back into her friends. The comic way they are gaping at me made this whole experience more fun than it should.
"Sorry to burst your bubble Arielle, but this friendship is going to stand the test of time, and there's nothing you can do about it, so stop being so delusional or hopeful that I and Andria here will ever stop being friends".
" V_Ve_ga" she stuttered in disbelief. Andrianna stepped up beside me.
"Yes it's Vega. You have a problem with her or something".
"That's unbelievable... Your eyes are... Vega doesn't dress like this, she isn't showy" she said, gesturing with her hands at my getup. Bitch please, you don't even know my dress preferences.
I scoffed. "I decided to be showy, do you wanna know why," I asked moving closer, it's good to know I've rendered her new hanger-on speechless. "It's because I developed a new style and it's also because I plan to win Zach Dante for myself," I said smugly, making her flustered. Andria snapped her finger in agreement.
Arielle glared, fighting with her tongue that seemed to be stuck in her throat. "You can't have him. Zach doesn't even like you".
"Not yet, but I'll be changing that status soon. Do you want to make another bet on it?" I taunted.
She looked like she'd start screaming anytime soon, but she doesn't get the chance, because Zach's car pulls up beside Andria's. He stepped out, looking all good. Ugh. He's such a show-off. I remembered what he said the other day, and it's enough to make me want to punch him in the eyes. He came towards us, probably because he saw Arielle, if I wasn't so keen on winning the stupid bet, I'd say they deserve each other.
He stopped as he sees me. His intense gaze roamed over me and made me feel self-conscious, which in turn had my blood raging. Why was he so self-assured and cocky. He seemed to recognize me, but he was surprised at the change.
"Hey Arie" he called, rubbing at her hair. The smile that splits her face has me almost rolling my eyes and pulling on my curls. He cast those intense eyes of his towards me, then turned to Andria.
"Is she a friend of yours?" he asked, pointing at me with his stupid lazy smirk.
"Such a jerk. I didn't know you had it in you to make polite conversation" I muttered with pure venom. I'd intended it for only my ears, but I guess my voice didn't get the memo, so they all heard. Well, whatever. I pushed my hair back and gave him a challenging look. Come at me pretty boy. Jake and Andrianna's eyes widened at my spite. Zach doesn't take the bait and the smile he had on had me wishing that I could pull out his hair, just to ruffle that calm demeanor of his. I turned to my crew. "Let's go babes, I don't have time to socialize, besides I have lectures and I prioritize learning over talking to jerks" I moved away from him, after leveling a glare at him.
Andrianna and Jake hurried to catch up with me, giving me the WTF look. I know, I know that's not how you go about winning a bet dammit, but he was just so annoying. I'll try next time, maybe I wouldn't be so pissed. I needed to regroup.
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Zach watched her leave. She was like a firecracker. The new look was kinda cool. He hadn't known it was her at first from afar, cause she looked all badass sophisticated. Those wavy curls of hers tempted his hands to the point he had to quell the urge by clenching his palm. He tried to figure her out, but it was like she came in many layers, she was still pissed off about him butting into her argument, but he wouldn't feel sorry for that, she had interrupted his makeout session, and it was not even her business.
Arielle's voice came from far away as he stared at the trio's retreating figure.
"... That look doesn't even suit her. I don't know what she's trying to achieve by changing her looks.. she's probably just dying to get your attention" she muttered with disdain, then turned to face him. "She still looks shabby doesn't she?" She asked, the pulse at her neck beating rapidly as she waited for his answer. Her two friends seemed to be melting into the background.
"Of course Arie. A nerd will always be a nerd" he got out coolly, patting her hair. Arielle beamed, exhaling as if she'd run a marathon. Zach smiled, he loved the feeling of keeping people on their toes, making them second-guess themselves, and making them focus all their attention on him"
"You're right. Are you still up for the party? It's tomorrow night. You'll have lots of fun, I promise" she gave him a sexy wink, biting at her lips.
He leaned towards her and smirked as her breath hitched. "When you invite me like that, how can I say no." He trailed his thumb against her lips, before tilting her jaw and leaning in for a kiss.
Noah cleared his throat causing them to break apart. Arielle turned to glare at the interruption, but once she saw who it was, she just stood there dumbfounded.
"She's pretty" Noah commented, smiling at Arielle who blushed a deep shade of red. Zach rolled his eyes, before introducing them.
"Meet my brother Noah."
"Hi Kitty" he reached out for a handshake, and Arielle quickly took it, as her friends squealed behind her.
"I am Arielle Franco. It's so nice to meet Dante's brother" she got out in a shaky voice.
"Arielle, you won't believe this but my ears are filled from hearing Zach talk about you, and he's right about one thing, You're extremely pretty".
Arielle couldn't catch her breath from the little information, and the compliment.
Zach shook his head, shooting Noah a warning glare.
"He talks about me? But he hasn't asked me out yet" she whined.
"That's because Zach's trying to take things slow, but don't worry, I can assure you that he's already smitten" he whispered dramatically, giving Zach a challenging stare.
"He's fooling around" Zach got out gruffly. "I have to show him something. See you later" he took Noah's hand and dragged him away.
The other two girls rushed towards Arielle, squealing and jumping around her.
"Oh my gosh, Dante talks about you?, you're so famous. How can I be like you, Arielle".
"He even gave her a nickname and did you see how he stared at you. I almost fainted" she fanned herself, as Arielle grinned crossing her arms.
"I've won the bet girls. The rest is just a formality at this point, and to your question" she turned toward the brunette. "No one can be me. I'm too unique to be copied. Let's go celebrate. I'm thinking champagne" she said and they nodded eagerly.
Arielle smiled as she sauntered towards her car. Vega was not a threat, Zach Dante was already in her awe so It wouldn't be long before he asked her out.