“Yes, there sure is.”
Thank god. I was starting to worry.
“What is it?”
Sean let out a long, heavy sigh. “Sorry sis, I love you, but I’m tapping out on this one.”
My brows knit. “What do you mean, you’re tapping out?”
He was the one who said I could talk to him about anything.
“I mean, physics is better than this,” he said, and hung up.
“Well that was super helpful,” I muttered while shutting my locker.
The face that suddenly appeared caused my heart to lurch as I squealed and sprang back.
“Hey,” Shelby raised her hand, giving me a small wave. “I came to see if you wanted a ride.”
Although the smile on her face was creeping me out, I nodded. Anything was better than being stuck in a car alone with Marco. The huge beast that ran the Kessler’s security was almost as terrifying as Mason. Almost.
She tipped her head, causing her blonde ponytail to sway behind her. “How’s your brother?”
Oh my God, she heard.
“That was a great conversation by the way.”
I could feel the mortification spread through me, heating my cheeks, chest and arms.
“Okay, first off.” She waved her hand through the air, pointed a manicured finger at me. “Never ask your brother for sexual advice. Don’t ask any man in your family. Their sole mission in life is to make sure you die a virgin.”
Didn’t really know what else to say to that other than, “Um… okay.”
“Now, the kissing thing.” Shelby threw her arm around me and led me down the hall towards the doors. “Boys love a little tongue action. There’s this thing I do with mine that drives Logan wild. You gotta curl, swirl, and hook at the same time. I know it sounds tricky, but trust me it’s doable. You take the tip…”
I trailed outside with her while secretly praying God would strike me down right then and there.
* * *
There arefew things I never thought I’d be doing on a Friday night. Attending a party with the popular kids, watching the football game, or just hanging out with friends in general. Daddy had very strict rules that didn’t allow me a lot of spare time or freedom.
When Star showed up and took me to Malum, he was not impressed. Just like he wouldn’t be impressed if he knew I was currently sitting with Shelby in her room. He hadn’t even met Shelby, which I’d tried my hardest to prevent. Sometimes when Daddy looked at Lana I’d get this icky feeling crawl up my spine.
In a way it was good that she had the babies and stopped coming around so much. Not that I thought he’d do anything. I’d seen the darkest parts of him and I’d never had any inkling that he would cross that line. But I was more comfortable without my friends around him.
“Here.” Shelby held a piece of tissue paper up to my mouth. “Smack your lips together.”
I internally shook my head. Just because I didn’t wear make-up didn’t mean I didn’t know how to put it on. Then again, she wouldn’t know that, would she? It’s not like I talked to her very much. So I leaned forward and did what she said.
After that she sat back and eyed me for a second. Her whole face lit up as a proud glint filled her pretty cinnamon eyes. She was radiant, beautiful, and so happy I wanted to smile with her. Why hadn’t I talked to her before? Why did she want to talk to me? Girls like Shelby usually ignored me, or picked on me. But she was always nice. Maybe Shelby had issues? Her best friendwasRiley.
“That color looks gorgeous on you.” Shelby clicked her tongue and swung her finger through the air. “Seriously, sleep in it, eat with it, never take it off.”
I couldn’t stop myself from turning in her dressing table chair to look in the mirror. When I saw the girl staring back at me, I was stunned. Her hair was cascading over her shoulders in the softest red curls I’d ever seen, and her brown eyes seemed bigger and brighter.
“Is that… me?”
“Yes, that’s you.”
