And Victoria — Victoria — was, for the third uncomposed time that afternoon, openly howling forward over her knees. The sound tore out of her raw and unfiltered, shaking her entire frame as laughter took hold of her again, the kind of helpless, body-deep laughter that left no room for dignity or restraint.
Maddie looked at Sierra with the small bright sovereign affection of a friend who had been winning fights against her since they could walk.
"Honey, please. I have always dominated talentwise."
"You have, yes. Until then."
"And I will continue to dominate."
"Yeah, Maddie, convince yourself."
"Just so we're absolutely clear, sweetie — rest assured. You will never get anything I want to take again. Phei just — Phei just — you have to admit — makes everything I want feel and have complete. He is the keystone of my entire programme."
"Yes, he does that to everyone, doesn't he."
The chorus of that statement was instant.
Sierra. Maddie. Delilah. Elena. Amber.
