Chapter 457 Secret and Teasing
“Are you okay, Tilda? Did what Darell said just now remind you of something?”
Sharp as always, Andy noticed that Darell’s words had stirred something in her.
“Yeah, it brought back some things I’d rather forget. But why would those things show up in his dreams?”
Tilda couldn’t mention the truth about her second chance at life, but she could still give this answer. Even so, she felt deeply confused.
“Do you want to meet him?” Andy asked.
“No rush. I just want to head back to our room and play cards. Don’t keep Una waiting.”
“Alright.”
Andy knew Tilda would handle things in her own way. No need to push her.
When they returned to the hotel room, Una was busy chatting with someone. She didn’t even notice when Tilda swiped her room card and came in.
Tilda glanced at Andy, then the two of them quietly crept up behind Una to peek at her phone. On the screen was a WhatsApp username, Alfie the Fool.
Tilda immediately understood.
She teased, “Ohhh, no wonder you didn’t notice us. You’re chatting with a guy.”
“Ahhh!” Una jumped in shock.
Caught off guard, she lost her balance and nearly toppled over.
Her phone went flying, but Andy caught it with ease. He handed it back, smiling. “Una’s old enough to date now. Tilda, don’t tease her too much.”
Tilda added, “She’s never even had a boyfriend. First love, huh? Don’t let some random guy trick you.”
The teasing made Una’s face turn bright red. “Hey! Tilda! Andy! He’s not my boyfriend! I was just chatting with him to pass the time!”
“Oh, I get it. Not yet. But things move fast. Who knows–soon he might be.”
“Tilda!”
Una dove face-first into the bed, burying her red cheeks in a pillow. Her fists pounded the mattress in protest. Oh my god! This is so embarrassing! So humiliating! And worst of all, both Andy and Tilda had seen it and misunderstood the whole situation.
It was all Alfie’s fault! Why did he have to text her now? He had no idea how much trouble he’d just caused.
Since Una couldn’t blame it on Tilda or Andy, naturally, all the blame landed on Alfie.
Alfie sat at his desk, pretending to work, but his mind was far from the files in front of him. His eyes kept drifting to his phone, waiting for Una’s reply.
All of a sudden, a chill ran down his back. He sneezed, sniffed, and frowned in confusion. What a strange feeling.
“Alright, Una, get up already. I bought your favorite–beef jerky. Wow, the smell–it’s so good!” Tilda waved the bag with a grin.
Andy leaned closer. “Smells amazing. Tilda, let me have a piece.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me, Andy. Weren’t you the one who swore off junk food? I didn’t buy much. If you eat it, Una won’t get any. Una, better hurry before it’s gone!”
Tilda ripped the package open, grabbed a strip, and took a bite. Instantly, the whole room filled with the rich, savory smell of beef jerky.
Una’s stomach growled, her cravings getting the best of her. She shot up from the bed and lunged forward. “I want some! Don’t eat it all!”
Tilda played a few rounds of cards but soon grew tired. She stepped out onto the balcony, phone in hand.
After thinking for a moment, she sent a message to Silva.
“Are you free? I have something I want to ask you.”
Fifteen minutes later, Silva replied.
“Sorry for the late reply. I just got back from a wrap-up party with the crew. Had a few drinks. I only saw your message after I got out of the shower.”
Without waiting, Tilda called her.
The line connected quickly.
“Tilda, what’s going on?” Silva asked.
Tilda explained, “I ran into Darell. Did he ever tell you about those strange dreams he’s been having?”
“He did. Is it really connected to you?”
Tilda paused, then gave her answer.
“Yes, it is.”
Maybe she had carried the secret too long. She didn’t spell it out, but she didn’t want to hide it from Silva. Besides, Silva might know the answers she needed.
“Why would he have dreams like that?” Tilda asked.
“I told you before,” Silva said softly. “Darell has a rare gift. Most people wouldn’t notice, but I can. His sixth sense can be frighteningly accurate. That’s what his talent truly is.”
Tilda fell silent; no words came to her mind. Could it really be that her rebirth had triggered some kind of butterfly effect? Could Darell, with his unusual gift, touch fragments of her past life through dreams?
The thought made Tilda smirk bitterly. Totally unexpected. She couldn’t say what effect those dreams might bring. Still, the Jensons would never believe something like this. But if they did, then let them face it.
Let them understand just how cruel they had been to her in that past life.
“Darell wants to meet you,” Silva said finally. “He wants to understand all of this. That’s all I can tell you. Tilda, as a friend, I can only say this–whether you agree to meet him, that’s something you’ll have to decide for yourself.”