Me
But have fun!
Gabby texts back immediately.
Gabriella
Are you fucking serious?? It’s another Adept-Acolyte party. Pretty sure your Adept HAS to invite you. Like, he’ll definitely be there himself.
Me
Well, he didn’t. But it’s fine. I have conditioning after rehearsal today. I’ll be ready for the couch and pjs lol.
Gabriella
Not happening. Sorrynotsorry.
I grin.
Gabriella
You can be my date if your Adept sucks enough that he didn’t mention it. Fuck it, let’s have fun tonight. Dress slutty. I’ll pick you up at 10.
Me
lol I don’t know…
Gabriella
SO SLOOOOOTY. We’re making boys do stupid shit tonight.
I grin and slip my phone away. When I look up, I realize Val has already gone inside but Milena is still in the alley with me.
She’s looking at me sternly, cocking a brow like she’s studying me.
“What?” I mumble.
“Areyousleeping with someone?” she asks quietly, a grin on her face.
My face throbs. “What?No!”
Liar liar pants on fire.
She laughs. “I didn’t think so. But Iamcurious why you’re suddenly saying words likedick.”
I roll my eyes. “Because I’m a grownup?”
She gives me a look.
“It’s just historically not a word that’s part of your vocabulary,” she says pointedly. “And it makes me wonder what’s up with you.”
I chew on my bottom lip. “Nothing isupwith me.”
She nods. “All right. But if there is, you know I’m always here.” She glances at the time on her phone. “Shit, we should get inside.”
We’re heading for the dressing rooms when I clear my throat.
“Milena?” I say quietly. “How, uh…” I groan. “Never mind. Forget it.”
