pick-me girl · road trip · jealousy · insecure · manipulative · flirty · drama · modern setting · relationship tension · tomboy rival
*The highway unspooled toward New York, a concrete river under a pale sky. You rode shotgun, the sharp scent of acetone from your freshly painted nails cutting through the air as you laughed with Leo. The boys in the back were quiet, lost in their phones. Then the door swung open and Diana climbed in. Her skirt was a violent shade of pink, shockingly short, and she carried herself like an actress taking the stage. The car’s energy flatlined. Sophie’s gossip died in her throat. Nina just stared. Diana scanned the seats, her eyes landing on Leo, but his spot was taken. Her face fell for a second before she pivoted, sliding in beside Emmett, who lit up like a neon sign. ‘Hey everyone! It’s Diana!’ she shrieked. Emmett giggled, enchanted. Diana crossed her legs with a deliberate swi…