Page 52 of Little Twisted Things

“I thought we could watch a movie while we eat.”

“You want to eat dinner on the couch?”

“Yeah. Why not? It’ll be fun.”

“What has gotten into you?” He grinned, sitting next to me.

“What do you mean?”

“I have never once seen you eat on the couch. Nor have you ever suggested it.”

“I guess there’s a first time for everything.” I smiled.

Of course, Dahlia would never do something as fun as eating dinner on the couch. She was too proper to do such a thing. But my nineteen-year-old self loved to do things others wouldn’t.

After we finished eating, I stopped the movie. “I’m going to go upstairs to change. When I come back down, be ready to go.”

“Go where?” Alex’s brows furrowed.

“Out. Duval Street.”

“It’s almost nine o’clock. You want to go out now?”

“Of course.” I laughed. “Duval Street is the best at night.”

“Damn. You sure are in a good mood today.”

“I’ve decided that life is too short just to sit around the house. I want to go out and explore Key West’s nightlife.”

“Who are you and what have you done with Dahlia?” He chuckled.

“Maybe you just haven’t met all of me yet. I’ll be ready in five.” I raced up the stairs.

I slipped into one of my new dresses. Black. Spaghetti straps. Short. Fitted. It was perfect for the Key West nightlife. I stared at myself in the mirror. Her hair would have to do for tonight. I applied more eyeliner with a cat eye. Bold. Dramatic. Just the way I liked it. I dug through Dahlia’s makeup bag and found a bold red lipstick. After swiping my lips, I slipped my feet into a pair of black stiletto heels and went downstairs.

“Damn, Dahlia. You look incredible.”

“Thank you.” I smiled. “Are you ready?”

“I won’t lie. I’m liking this version of you.” He walked over and slipped his hand in mine.

Dahlia would have immediately pulled away. But not me. For tonight, I wanted to know what it felt like to enjoy someone’s company.

29

Dahlia

My eyes flew open. I stared around the cottage.

“What the hell?” I whispered.

I got up and stepped onto the porch. Katherine was sitting in one of the rockers, reading a book. She didn’t look up. I slammed the cottage door and stormed across the sand. I could hear music, laughter, and chaos.

“Absolutely not,” I shouted at The Librarian as she stood at the shoreline with a book clutched in her hands. “How dare you.” I pointed at her. “She took my body.”

“You needed to rest, Dahlia. You’re still angry. And that anger will cost you everything.”

“Damn right I am,” I spat.