CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY SIX – A THORN IN THE SIDE

Nia groaned, sinking deeper into the couch. "Tell me about it. I don't know what to do, Mel. It feels like no matter what I say, Justin just doesn't get it. And Rachel... I can't figure out what her angle is, but I know she's up to something." Melissa drummed her fingers on the arm of her chair, her expression thoughtful. "You know what I think? I think you need to confront Justin directly. No more beating around the bush, no more polite rejections. You need to lay it out for him in no uncertain terms." Nia's stomach churned at the thought. "I've tried that, Mel. He just doesn't listen." "Then make him listen," Melissa insisted, leaning forward. "Call him up right now. Tell him exactly how you feel, and make it clear that if he doesn't back off, you'll take more drastic measures. Sometimes, you've got to be blunt to get through to people like that." Nia bit her lip, considering Melissa's words. "You really think that'll work?" Melissa shrugged. "It's worth a shot. At the very leas