Her eyebrows shoot up. “Jesus Opal, you’re twenty-four. Let’s go do something fun. There’s this party at the old mansion off Woodgate.”
I laugh under my breath, shaking my head as I line the books. “I’m not really a party girl.”
“Which is exactly why youshouldcome. You can’t just live in your books forever babe.How many times have you been out since moving to Vermont?”
Her words make me pause. I haven’t actually been out once since moving here four years ago. I moved here for college, but that fell apart fast. I ended up dropping out and never returned home to Virginia.
My ex made sure of it. He made it impossible to juggle school and work. My attendance slipped more and more, my grades along with it. Every time I tried to make something of myself, he found a way to rip it down.
By the time I realized how bad it gotten, it was too late. I’d already missed too much, and I had no other choice but to say goodbye to my literature degree.
My stomach tightens, and I shake the thought away, sliding another book into place with a little too much force.
Alex bumps my shoulder with hers, drawing me back. “So? You’ll come? Just for a little while?”
I hesitate, then smile faintly. “Maybe… maybe you’re right. Maybe I should go.”
Her grin widens meeting her doe brown eyes. “Good. Because I already have the perfect costume idea for you.”
I narrow my eyes at her. “Oh no. That look on your face never means anything good.”
She smirks, tapping her chin like she’s pondering something genius. “I’m thinking something itty bitty. Under-boob. Mini skirt.”
“Alex!” My cheeks flame so hot I’m surprised the whole store doesn’t light up.
“What?” She says, laughing. “It’s Halloween! And with those big things,” she says gesturing to my chest, “you could catch the eyes of someone tall, dark, and ridiculously handsome.”
“You’re ridiculous,” I say holding a book to my chest, trying to hide the blush.
“And you love me for it,” she says twirling a strand of her curly red hair. She grins, victorious, while I shake my head, trying to smother the nervous thrill fluttering in my stomach.
The image plants in my mind. Mini skirt. Low top. Skin I don’t usually let anyone see.
Then—unbidden—my mind drifts to him. The man. Broad shoulders filling out his white shirt, that sharp jaw dusted with stubble.
My pulse kicks up, and I hug the book tighter. What would he think if he saw me like that? Would he stare like I secretly want him to?
“Uh-oh.” Alex snaps her fingers in front of my face, smirking. “You’re blushing. Who are you thinking about?”
“No one,” I lie quickly.
“Mhm. Sure.” She laughs, wheeling her cart toward the counter.
I trail behind her, my cheeks still burning, trying to shove the fantasy away.
She counts the till, I blow out the candles, together we go through the routine of locking up.
As we step outside, I pull my coat tighter around me and glance at her. “Hey, would you mind if we stopped at Target? I need to grab a few things.”
Alex snorts, pressing the keys into the ignition. “Duh. Like I’d ever say no to a Starbees and Targees run.”
I laugh, shaking my head as I close the door to her SUV.
“Caffeine, clearance aisles, and questionable costume decisions—what more could we want on a Saturday night?”
Her energy is contagious. I feel… excitement. Tomorrow is Halloween. And for once—I won't spend it alone.
Alex hands me the cup as we step into the bright aisles of Target. “One apple crisp macchiato, extra sweet just like you.”
