Beth

I sit down in my typical hidden table in the corner of the Fishbowl. I should be preparing, but my thoughts are distracted by the conversation.

It's shocking to think of David and Karrie splitting up. They were so happy on their wedding day, and for years afterward. It wasn't until they started having kids that things changed. I suspect that Karrie transitioned into parenthood much easier than David. I know he resented his father for being a workaholic, but he has followed right in his footsteps.

And I can't stop thinking about what David said about Isaac. Is it really possible that he moved me out of the group because he was still attracted to me? Because he thought it was best for me? It was dumb of him to decide for me, sure, but was it possible that he still cared back then?

I am still lost in my thoughts when Peter and Selena walk by and pause near the fountain. I've missed a portion of their conversation, but it doesn't take long to figure out they're talking about me.

"She should have been more prepared. You should have seen her app. She hired some foreign kid to program it and it was a mess! Very little product testing. No testing. No presales. It's no wonder her original mentor didn't want her. Cole took one look at her product and threw a fit.

"The last round with her app was so glitchy. The only reason why she made it past the first two rounds was there were people in the group that have even more pathetic products than hers."

Peter frowns.

"Doesn't that seem a little harsh? Seems to me you should give Beth a break. I filmed her video and her app is great."

"There's still so much missing in her prototype. The judges are looking for international application. What about multiple languages? Accessibility? Usability feedback? Poor Cole. I can't imagine how painful it must be to work with her."

"I don't think—"

"You know what I heard? She's hasn't even done anything with her life other than drop out of Harvard. I heard all she does is homeschool her niece. No wonder she's so backward. She doesn't even deserve to be here."

"That's not fair—"

"You know what I think? I think the guy who's running this competition has the hots for her. He's always pulling her aside to talk to her. And this morning? I saw her coming out of his office. No one else is getting special treatment but her. She might be earning her spot, if you catch my drift. I have heard his marriage is in trouble."

"Enough, Selena. I don't want to hear this anymore. Those are heavy accusations to throw around. It would be stupid to start rumors without any evidence. Besides, David told me he and Beth have been friends for a long time. You shouldn't assume anything. I'm only here to work on your video edit, so keep the gossip to yourself. I like Beth, and I don't appreciate you treating her that way."

He walks away, and Selena follows.

"Relax, I'm not spreading rumors. I'm just speculating. Besides—"

As her voice fades away, I realize I'm holding my pencil in a death grip.

And here, all this time I thought Selena was just shy. I figured she might be a snob. I had no idea just how gossipy and cruel she is. Well, that certainly kills any desire to try to befriend her.

I try to focus on my work, but Selena's words ring through my head. Is that the way she really sees me? As a bumbling loser who doesn't deserve a place here? Or maybe she just feels so threatened by my product she feels like she has to tear me down to anyone who will listen?

It's the first I've seen Peter since I received the flowers from him. I wish it weren't under these circumstances. I am grateful to him for defending me, but I'm angry he will have Selena's words running through his head.

I pull the app up on my tablet and test it again. I am reassured when it performs perfectly. I absolutely cannot have a glitchy repeat like last time.

After a few more hours of work, I decide my brain could use a break.

I wander into the break room to buy a snack from the vending machine and nearly run into Peter, who's leaving with a bag of peanut M&Ms.

"Beth!" He greets me with a big smile. "Just the person I wanted to see! Did you get the flowers okay?"

"I did, thanks. They're beautiful," I say. I can't resist teasing. "I did have to confirm how you got my house address just to make sure you weren't a stalker."

He laughs.

"And did you get your proof?"

"I did."

"I was hoping to go over your film edits with you. Do you have time?"

"Sure. I'll just grab my things."

"I'll set up over there on the couch and you can join me in here."

I stuff everything into a computer bag and carry it into the game room.

"You're gonna love this," Peter says as he grabs my hand and pulls me down on the couch next to him. He starts up the video, and by the time I'm finished, I have a silly grin on my face.

"Did you like it?" he asks.

"I love it!" I say. "I would only change a couple of things. The part where I'm talking about Olivia? It only makes sense if you explain a little bit more about the causes leading to my decision to work with her. I think you should have some footage you can use, but if you need to record any more video, let me know. I was also thinking of another app highlight we might want to include. But overall, I think you nailed it."

Peter scribbles down his notes.

"That shouldn't be a problem. We'll get those things added. Now your video's squared away, I have a pressing question for you."

"What's that?"

"How good are you at catching things?"

"What?"

He pulls out a green M&M and tosses it toward my mouth. I catch it expertly.

"Nicely done! You catch almost as well as I throw. Almost."

I laugh.

"So really? That was your pressing question?" I ask.

"No. Will you go on a date with me Thursday?"

The cruel things Selena said flash through my mind. It am glad to have a friend like Peter, someone who will stand up for me when he has no clue I'm overhearing, who is still attracted to me despite my flaws.

"Sure."

"Pick you up at 6:00?"

"I'll be ready," I say.

______________

If you enjoyed this chapter, show it some love by clicking that star! Thanks!

Quite the revelations about Selena's character, don't you think? Peter is making his move. And where's Isaac? MIA apparently.

Picture time!

 So I'm thinking Ryan Gosling would make a great Peter. Very dapper. And since he lives on the island, I couldn't resist the next pic.

:) As for Selena, here's my top choice. Lindsey Lohan.

Thanks everyone so being so understanding about the schedule change. I really appreciate it! 

Dedication goes out to an awesome reader zoe027. Thanks so much for your fun comments. I so appreciate your support for RESTLESS HOPE!