Page 43 of Hexed & Hazy

And perhaps I should be the one asking if this is a ‘sex thing’ now, yes?

David

Ha ha.

No, nothing like that.

I wanted you to know I’m serious about taking you out. Just us. Whenever, wherever.

I look across the street, where Seth’s house rests. Peaceful. Lights out. He’s probably sleeping.

Why do I feel as though I’m being disloyal to him? In a moment of weakness, I tried to kiss him, and he didn’t want to. I know this dance well enough to know that he’ll never want to, and that’s his right. He may make moon water for me, he may be a good friend, but that’s all he is.

I can take a hint.

Seth and I are breaking this hex so he can move on with someone else, but David is here. He wants to see me, and he looks at me as more than a friend.

Me

Friday?

David

You do know that’s the Lovers Ball? Right?

Damn it all.

The Lovers Ball is a Starbrook tradition, one I attend every year, but I usually go to the charity event alone. I certainly don’t attend on a first date. The last thing I need is for the event every year following to remind me of yet another failed relationship. I’d forgotten all about that, and now I’m being far too forward, just as I had been with Seth.

Before I can text an apology, another text comes through.

David

But I’m down if you are.

He’s handsome, affirming, and clearly doesn’t have commitment issues. Why wouldn’t I go out with him? Seth be damned.

Now that I have a date for the ball, I need to acquire a dress. Wearing my dress from last year simply won’t do.

How does one date, anyway? It’s been too long since I’ve put myself out there, and figuring it all out is just another thing on my hefty plate.

Aspen sticks pins and needles into the sapphire dress, and I stare at myself in the mirror.

Guilt churns in the pit of my stomach. “I’m sorry to ask this of you with such late notice.”

The silk is soft against my skin and clings to every curve. When Aspen fixes the bust, which is too big, that will be even truer.

She clicks her tongue. “Stop it. You know I’m more than willing to help.”

I adjust one of the slim straps. “I know.”

But that doesn’t make me feel much better.

She stands and wiggles her finger. “Give me a twirl. What do you think?”

“I…” I do as she says, twirling and glancing at my backside in the floor-length mirror. Just one part of my body that’s changed over the years—plump, making the dress tight around it. Aspen would probably loosen it if I asked, but it’s a date. Perhaps I should draw some attention—gods, this is silly. “I don’t know how to feel, to be perfectly honest.”

“Well, I think you look lovely. Still very you—it will match your glasses.” She boops me on the nose.