Page 12 of Marked By Night

As I’m finishing up and putting on a pair of earrings, a new crack in the wall catches my attention. I frown, running my hand over the surface. It’s a big one this time. They seem to be getting worse each day. The beige color helps hide the mottled fissures, but I’m not fooled. I’m afraid one of these days it’s going to fall in completely, taking us both with it.

And good luck getting our lazy ass landlord to do anything about it either. Believe me, we’ve tried. Our neighbor even took them to court for negligence, but they are friends with the judge, and nothing ever came of the complaint.

Another plus to small-town life.

I smack my lips together with a pop as I finish applying my bright red lipstick and lean down to tie the laces on my trusty Converse. I hardly go anywhere without them these days. Mainly because I love these shoes more than most people.

Once they’re tied, I scuff them across the hardwoods that are scratched, gouged, and in desperate need of repair, but they’ve been that way since we moved in. The previous tenants were hellions, and it shows.

The band tee I’m wearing is one of Ash’s specialties. She cut the sides out and fringed the bottom, leaving the logo intact but with the illusion of a crop top. The tight fishnet stockings pair nicely with it and my ripped jean shorts.

Thankfully, the flowy front covers the bruises from mine and Ben’s session last night. They’re becoming more and more intense with each lesson. I’m improving but I’m still not where I’d like to be.

Somehow Ash managed to curl my dusty blonde hair into loose beach waves that cascade down my back. I spritz them with one last sprinkle of hairspray but it’s likely futile because my hair does what it wants, and it’s humid outside. Frizz central, here we come.

“Seriously, Sadie!” Ash bellows, making me chuckle.

My phone buzzes as I’m getting ready to walk out of my bedroom.

“One sec!” I holler back, pulling the device out.

Ash grumbles something unintelligible at me.

Unlocking the screen I realize it’s a text from my mysterious and apparently loaded savior from last night. I’ve really got to find a way to thank or repay him. I don’t like owing people favors. It always ends badly.

Red: Have fun tonight, Love. Maybe we can spend some time together before I head back home?

Butterflies erupt in my stomach, making me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. What is it about this guy that makes me so giddy? I know next to nothing about him. Rein it in, Sadie. Sheesh.

Me: You too! And that sounds great. Let me know when. :)

Crap, did that sound too eager? Put me in a room with a dude and I can kick his ass but put me in a situation with a hottie and I’m practically clueless. Red sends back a smiley face emoji and that’s it. I stare at the screen for a couple more seconds before I decide it’s probably a bad idea to keep Ash waiting any longer.

When I spot her leaning against the couch playing on her phone, my eyes widen. I’m not into chicks but she is on fire tonight. She’s rocking a crisscrossed black leather shirt with a skin-tight mini skirt. It’s just long enough to cover her lady bits with one side trailing down to meet her combat boots—with heels. Oh, yes. Heels. This woman never leaves home without a two-inch lift.

I whistle appreciatively. “You went all out tonight. Are you sure you know we’re going to an outdoor festival?”

“Uh, yeah. I’m trying to get that rock star dick tonight,” she proudly states, throwing a lock of her burnished caramel tresses over her shoulder.

I shake my head. “I should’ve known. You always go all out like this when you’re hankering for the D. But that’s also every day so forgive me for not being able to tell the difference.”

Her mouth pops open and she smacks my arm, acting offended. “Bitch,” she hisses playfully, mirth dancing in her hazel eyes. “You look hot yourself, you know.”

As we’re making our way to the door her hesitant voice stops me. “Hey, Sadie. Wait.” Her face is downtrodden, and she looks defeated as she studies the ground. Instantly, I know something is wrong. This isn’t like her at all. She’s bubbly all the time. A bit cynical like me but never… melancholic.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, reaching for her hand. Her shiny red nail polish stands out against her tanned skin.

She takes a deep breath and lifts those sad eyes to meet mine. “Have you ever thought about leaving here? Leaving town, I mean. Like after the festival?”

Her words confuse me, leaving me temporarily stunned as I open and close my mouth a few times. None of my thoughts want to leave my brain.

“Of course I’ve thought about it, Ash. I’ve only been the butt of some unknown joke for twenty-two years. You know that.” I pause when her hazel eyes, with soft golden-brown flecks, find mine again and harden.

“Then why haven’t we done it?”

I scoff. Is she serious?

“You know why. We have no money. Where is all of this suddenly coming from?”

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