Amanda knew she had to tell Amphora about their analysis of the pink sugar. She couldn’t hold back this information, or the stuff about the room and the gluppy things, so she sat down with her and explained everything she’d found. Amphora listened with wide eyes, then said, “We have to tell Ivy.”
“Yes, of course,” said Amanda.
“No, I mean we really have to tell Ivy.”
“I know.”
“No, you don’t understand. Ivy is a genius. She hears things you and I don’t notice. You wouldn’t believe the things she’s figured out.”
“Do you want to tell me?” said Amanda. Maybe this was a chance to patch things up with her two roommates.
Amphora was absolutely breathless now. “There isn’t time. We can talk about that later, but we have to get her in on this.”
“Then let’s get Nick and Simon here too.”
Amphora started. She looked at her friend as if trying to decide whether to say what she was thinking. When she did she seemed pained. “Simon yes, Nick no.”
“What do you mean? Why not Nick?” Maybe he was busy and Amphora knew it.
Amphora hesitated. “We don’t, uh, like him.”
“You don’t?” Amanda couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Who wouldn’t like Nick? Well, Simon obviously didn’t, although she wasn’t sure why. Nick was amazing. They were both amazing, actually. Maybe that was the problem. Maybe like was repelling like.
“No,” said Amphora.
“Why not? He’s so nice, and smart.”
“He’s completely full of himself and he ignores me and Ivy.”
“No he doesn’t,” said Amanda. “He talks to you all the time.” Her hopes for a détente with Amphora were diminishing. The girl was being difficult over nothing. Maybe Amanda should transfer to another dorm room, Editta’s perhaps.
Amphora looked her straight in the eye. “You’re so besotted with him you can’t see it. He’s completely wrapped up in himself. Didn’t you say he was an actor?”
“Yes, but—”
“He’s insecure. He has to be the center of attention.”
“No he’s not, Amphora. I think you must be jealous or something.”
“Uh uh. You should watch him sometime.”
“All right, fine. I disagree with you, but we won’t ask him. Ivy and Simon it is. How about if we meet back here in half an hour?” She was starting to fume but she’d deal with the Nick issue later. Right now they had to figure out who had removed the cook’s body.
Amanda Lester and the Pink Sugar Conspiracy Page 68