Ashrika
“THIS WAS DROPPED OFFfor you,” Tia handed me a large, flat box as she sauntered into the kitchen.
Frowning, I set it on the counter, wiped my hands then pulled off the lid. I pushed aside the layer of white tissue paper and fingered the soft material beneath. Pulling out the beautiful gray dress, I held it up against my body.
“Wow,” Tia glanced at me from across the room. “The man definitely has taste.”
“Which man?”
“Oh, come on, Rika, that dress has Trent written all over it, it’s classy, sexy, and matches your eyes perfectly. I’m assuming you’re attending the ball, then.”
“I didn’t say that.” I mentioned Trent’s invitation earlier but wasn’t expecting to receive a dress from him.”
“There’s a note.” She pointed to an envelope sticking out at the bottom of the box. Pulling the white envelope out, I ripped it open and retrieved the note. Laughing as I read his coded words, handwritten in blue ink. The penned cursive neat and not what I expected from Trent.
“Join me tonight. I heard a Blacksmith will be in attendance if you do,” Tia read over my shoulder. “I’m assuming there’s a hidden meaning only you’ll understand?” I nodded. “Have you started taking the pills?”
Frowning, I turned to face her. “What pills?”
“Birth control? A month ago you were considering taking them?”
Having forgotten I’d mentioned it, I laughed. “I did.”
“Great, now you fuck Trent without condoms.” She chuckled giving me the evil plotting face.
I slapped a hand to my brow, not sure who was more brash between Tia and Trent. Maybe me taking the pill had been out of sheer optimism with Zayne. Now, with Trent in the picture—
“So, are you going?” Tia yanked me out of thoughts.
“I have to think about it, we’re just friends. I don’t want to give him any ideas,” I lied remembering just how well he ate me out and knowing I wanted more of what he could offer.
“What’s there to think about?” she snorted. “You’re just making excuses as usual.”
“He wants me to stay the night with him.” My half-hearted attempt at an excuse was met by a frosty glare.
“And you’re like what—sweet sixteen?” She banged her head against a wall then eyeballed me. “Jesus, Rika, you lost your memory not your ability to have sex. Grow some ovaries, would you?”
I pressed a palm to my forehead, I could definitely do with less of her sass right now. “Fine,” I agreed, just to get her off my case. I planned to call Trent later and tell him I couldn’t make it.
Later that afternoon I glanced up from a meal I’d just finished to find Leah and Tia watching me. “What now?”
“It’s time to get ready.”
Oh shit.I’d forgotten to call Trent. “I’m not going.” I figured he’ll understand something came up. Ignoring the two of them, I cleaned my counter space.
“Rika,” Tia called me. I finally looked up when the silence became too much. Rope dangled from her hand. I frowned. “Remember Nina’s bachelorette and how we dressed you.” She swung the rope.
“Seriously? You’re going to tie me up.”
“If that’s what it takes to get you to go tonight,” Leah chimed.
