Page 6 of Frosted Torment

She rolled her eyes and laughed, light and melodic. “Only sometimes? You’re lucky I adore you, Noa.”

Little about me was striking except for the scar, a ripple above my lip from the reconstructed indentation. My mom claimed angels loved me so much they kissed me recklessly before I was born. Preposterous. Sometimes I felt like Ivy’s charity case, but that was my self-deprecation rearing its head. She never flaunted her affluence or forced it on me.

However, this birthday exemplified how much my friends cherished me. They insisted on celebrating with no rebuttals, so I accepted. A single-shoulder silver glittering blouse showcased my breasts with the help of a push-up bra, and a short leather skirt accentuated my hips. Rainbow-shimmering high heels gave me enough height to meet Ivy’s gaze. I was ready for an event she swore would be legendary.

CHAPTER 3

Our ride-share glided into Helena, pulling up the frosted driveway to Crystal Wings Mansion. Decked out in silver for the holidays, it’s what I imagined a Hollywood version of Heaven looked like. It beckoned to the entire city as another world materialized when we stepped out of the car.

Snowflake-shaped lamps glittered with silver sequins. Entertainers on stilts juggled huge stars. They welcomed everyone. Scents of cinnamon and vanilla perfumed the air as we ascended the stairs. It was the first time I had celebrated my birthday since Mom died, and I gave in to the allure, beaming as goosebumps prickled my skin.

Once inside the foyer, we left our coats in a room on the right and toured the main floor to take in the décor. I kept a silver-chained cross-body bag, big enough to hold my phone and a few pieces of makeup, with me. Ice sculptures resembling clouds encased feathered angel wings. Icicle-shaped chandeliershovered overhead, and silver and black velvet draped the tables. Wisps of fake snow swirled around us.

Servers wore white bikini tops adorned with shimmering crystals. Goose feathers fanned across their backs in the shape of wings. Matching hot pants left little to the imagination as they floated through the house, serving drinks and canapés. Silver streamers and white balloons bobbed among the guests, making sounds like popping champagne corks.

“Who owns this place?” I yelled over the music as we made our way to the second floor and out onto the terrace.

Ivy’s body swayed to the pulsating beats throbbing through the house. “Some cattle rancher bought it for his daughter a few years back. They donate the money raised from tickets to cancer research every year.”

“That’s pretty cool.” I nodded in sync with the music.

A bold, large notecard marked our reserved spot. It claimed the table’s center with the name ‘Sazerac.’ Jossy walked off to a group in hushed conversation. Their expensive suits and the other guests’ deferential glances marked them as important.

The only waitress on the veranda, who made several attempts to catch the DJ’s eye, darted around the crowded space. She balanced a tray full of champagne flutes with skill, and I snatched two before she vanished into the crowd. I downed one glass in record time, trying to calm my nerves, and placed it back on the tray with a clink. I regretted leaving my vape at home while I took my time with the second glass.

Ivy requested a song from the DJ and immediately stole his attention. When I looked to my left, the waitress’s face turned sour, and I concluded it was due to Ivy’s unmatchable beauty.My breath caught when I noticed Lex standing in a corner across from us.

I struggled to recognize him as the shadows obscured most of his figure and the light touched his face. He stepped out and walked straight toward Ivy. I tucked my hair behind my ear and straightened my skirt in case he looked in my direction.

When I made sure every inch of me looked as good as possible, I decided to join them. The closer I got, the more I noticed his hands balled into fists. His chiseled shoulders bulged at the seams of his leather jacket as his arms stiffened. He whispered something into Ivy’s ear. Even angry, he looked beautiful.

On the outside, the three siblings looked nothing alike. Ivy and Jossy embraced lily-white skin, but Lex was my praline fantasy I’d take to the grave. Not realizing the time, Auld Lang Syne boomed from behind me, and my glass of champagne slipped from my hands. Pieces of glass scattered among the crowd.

Ivy stepped out from in front of Lex to see me and smiled. “Happy New Year, bestie!”

As she embraced me, I tried to focus on her words over the blaring music. But I couldn’t help but notice Lex, who stood a foot away from me with his jaw clenched. A familiar pang of longing hit my stomach, a mix of yearning and frustration. My heart raced as he turned away to flag down a server, his expression hard and distant. He didn’t want to be with us.

Though Lex kept to himself most of the time, I couldn’t help but feel drawn to him. When we talked, it felt like there was something there. Was it his kindness?

Maybe it was because I was Ivy’s best friend. I used to be his too, but he’d grown distant since he graduated from college. Asmuch as I wanted to believe there was something more, I knew deep down it was wishful thinking.

As Ivy let go of me, I smiled and grabbed a watermelon tequila shot from a passing server. I hoped it would distract me from my thoughts. Then I brushed my hair back and made my way over to Lex, pretending to move to the music as I approached him.

“Thanks for coming, Lex,” I said, trying to sound casual.

“Sure thing,” he replied, his eyes scanning the room.

I followed his gaze, wondering what or who he was looking for. “Do you have a big date coming?”

“Huh?” His head swiveled back to me, and his jaw tightened. “No. I’m people-watching.”

My cheeks flushed hot, and my toes began to curl. I needed to move away from this man before I made a fool of myself. “Cool. Well, I’m running inside to the bathroom,” I lied.

He pointed to a party tent set up near the bar. “There’s one up here on the roof.”

A white canopy and sheer white drapes covered the area. They were so translucent that anyone who liked a good peep show could see through them. The area housed portable restrooms without doors, and a leaky pedal activated the handwashing station. I cringed at the thought.

Disgusting.

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