Page 3 of Frosted Torment

My eyes shot open, and I leaped up, combing my hair and gagging at my breath. With no time to brush, I swished the gunk away with mouthwash, then ran over to stop my record player.When I flung open my apartment door, the knob hit the wall so hard that it left a dent.

“Why didn’t you text me that you were coming early?” I asked.

Ivy breezed into my apartment with Barbie-hued lips that brought more color than my new comforter. Her hair transformed from its usual blonde curls to a deep lavender hue. A beautiful contrast to my drab apartment. Perfect teeth flashed across her thin face; then she leaned in and placed a soft kiss on my cheek.

“I did,” she acknowledged with knitted brows. “You didn’t answer, but here I am. And I brought your favorites.”

She handed me a large double mocha peppermint latte and a blueberry muffin. Dusted with sugar crystals from my favorite bakery, I breathed in the scent of the warm muffin and moaned in gratitude. The savory aroma filled my messy apartment.

As Ivy glanced around the cluttered space, I popped open the refrigerator and poured one shot of peppermint schnapps into my coffee cup. Taking a quick sip after a bite of the muffin, my eyes rolled back in sheer delight.

She wrinkled her nose, disapproving of my drink of choice. “Alcohol doesn’t look good on you. It doesn’t smell good either.” Her concern was evident in her tone.

“It’s my birthday,” I argued as I chewed another bite. “What are you doing here so early?”

Her eyes narrowed as she considered my question. “Who else is going to bring you breakfast and gossip with you about Jude?”

I swallowed a mouthful of muffin. “Who is Jude?”

“The guy you took home from the bar.” Ivy shook her head. “Seriously, Noa? You’re not in college anymore. You’re a full-fledged adult and need to act like it.”

I set the muffin aside and walked past her into the living room as I headed to the couch. “What is that supposed to mean?” I inquired, a note of defensiveness in my voice.

She grabbed my arm, stopping me in my tracks, and turned me to face her. With my hands in hers, she looked deep into my eyes.

“You’re better than how you’re living,” she huffed. “You deserve better.”

I paused for a moment as her expression softened. “I don’t, Ives. Not yet.”

She brushed my dark hair out of my eyes and smiled. “You do. Let me help you, please.”

“No,” I replied, my tone unyielding.

Her need to do more than I wanted made me uncomfortable, and I decided laundry was a better distraction. I stepped away and kicked the dirty sheets toward a small closet to the left of the kitchen. After loading my washer and pushing start, I looked back at Ivy, who now sat with her arms crossed.

The thorns of her personality threatened to prick me where I stood. I sat down next to her, trying to ignore the sudden tension between us.

“I’ve saved up enough money,” I said. “I wanted to tell you after the party, but now is as good a time as any.”

She leaned back, rubbing her forehead with the back of her palm, contemplating the news. “You’re ready to leave?”

My eyes met hers, and I smiled, placing my hand on her thigh. “Yes, but come with me, Ivy. I don’t want to do this without you.”

Her mouth twisted in disappointment, and she stood up to shut the patio door. “Texas is too hot and not something I want to get used to.”

When she turned to face me, I could see the reluctance in her eyes, but I knew deep down she was considering my proposal. I waited in tense silence, studying the way the curls framed her face. Her vividly painted lips narrowed in thought. After what felt like an eternity, her expression turned to skepticism.

“I can’t,” she said, waving her hands at me. “And you’re going to get sick if you keep leaving the door open like that.”

I nodded, then let out a quiet breath, not wanting to push the issue. “I’m hot-natured, and I let Dust Bunny in to get warm last night.”

She paced back and forth, worry covering her face. “You’re not acclimated to Texas weather anymore. Besides, who will take care of that rabbit?”

I stood grateful for how much she cared about me, but nothing would stop me from searching for my mom’s killers. Stepping in front of her path, her balance wavered, and I pulled her close.

My eyes pleaded with her as I said, “I’m coming back, and I hope you will look after Dust Bunny while I’m gone.”

Her mouth gaped open as though she couldn’t fathom the idea. “I don’t exactly pet-sit, Noa.”

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