J
Kelly sashays into the hospital cafeteria, wrapped in Chanel and smelling of expensive perfume.
We were both wearing hospital gowns and messy ponytails for most of the time we spent together, so I almost don’t recognize her.
Kelly spots me, and a wide, excited grin explodes on her face. She throws her arms high, waving both at the same time.
“J!” Kelly makes a mad dash straight across the cafeteria.
As a sea of heads turn to take in her lovely face, I’m once again reminded of my love-hate relationship with Kelly.
She’s so cheerful and pretty andnice,which is why we became friends. But she also has all the things I wish I did—a naturally pretty face, big, bouncy hair, and big boobs.
Plus, she looks so healthy, running like a gazelle in the woods.
I can’t even jog.
Or take the stairs.
The last time I tried, Finn had to scoop me into his arms and carry me to the nurse’s office.
Andhewas the one who was injured.
“J!” Kelly collides with me and grabs me in a tight hug, pulling me from my thoughts.
I laugh and pat her back. “Hey, Kelly.”
“Hi.” She straightens and beams a pretty-girl grin at me. Her eyes turn into little half-moon slits. If she were a cartoon character, light would be shooting out all around her face. “Oh, my gosh. It feels likeforeversince I last saw you.”
“Hospital time is different than outside time,” I agree, leading her to a table. “I already got the jello.”
“Dragonfruit flavor.” Kelly pushes out her bottom lip. “How?”
“I have my ways,” I say mysteriously.
Money is very convincing.
And so is my puppy dog face.
“You’re the best.” Kelly pops the cover off her jello. “How have you been?”
Oh me? My life was taken over by a gorgeous psychopath who keeps sending my heart into overdrive every time he touches me which means that every time we’re in the same room, I am always near death.
I don’t even consider telling Kelly the truth. “I’ve been fine. And you?”
As I ask the question, I look her over. Kelly’s face is completely made up with lipstick, blush, and highlighter. It’s only been a few days since she left the hospital, and I doubt her bruises have healed that fast.
It’s fascinating the way she completely put her new face together to mask the ugly scars underneath. She’s good at hiding the darkness she’s living with.
Not that I can judge.
I glance at my watch. To some extent, everyone has an ugly side they want to hide.
“I’ve been okay,” Kelly says quietly.
“How’s Shawn?”
“Shawn is…” Her smile fractures, and she looks into her jello cup. “He’s been extremely busy lately. He’s never at home, which isn’t like him at all.”
