Page 87 of Blades of Obsession

We all wander into Kaya, a store that sells basics—shapewear, bodysuits, t-shirts, undergarments. It’s like if Victoria’s Secret Pink and Skims had a baby. Blade and Asher stand off to the side while we shop, engrossed in what looks to be a serious conversation.

As I browse through leggings, Frankie nudges me and nods towards one of the employees. I realize it’s Crystal, one ofCatalina’s friends. Frankie shoots her a side eye, she must have some kind of problem with her, but my thoughts immediately go to Catalina—I haven’t seen her since she was crying in the locker room. I decide to check in with Crystal, maybe she’ll know.

“Hey, Crystal.”

“Hey,” she responds flatly, barely looking at me.

Wow, she acts like she doesn’t even know me. Maybe she’s forgotten since I have been doing practices solo lately.

“It’s Amelia. I was just wondering about Catalina. Last time I saw her, she wasn’t doing so great. Is she okay?”

Crystal pauses, a strained smile creeping on her face. “Amelia? Oh, Amelia! She’s fine, as best as she can be. She’s actually taking over her parent’s business with her brothers. The last time I talked to her she said she met someone new at the company and she actually seemed happy.”

I blow out a small breath of relief. “You don’t have how glad I am to hear that.”

“Oh, and I just wanted to say that I’m sorry for everything we put you through at cheer practice. She was just jealous about… well, you know. And I went along with it. And I shouldn’t have.”

“I forgive you. And please, please keep me updated on Catalina. I want to make sure she stays okay.”

“Will do. And if you need any help in the store, let me know.”

I thank her and head to the dressing room with Frankie. The rooms are in the far back, practically cut off from the rest of the store.

“That bitch! I hate her guts,” Frankie mutters.

“Hey, be nice.” I nudge her with my elbow.

“Yes, mother,” she says sarcastically. “But no, do you know when Asher and I first got together, she justhadto tell meall about their drunken night together last Halloween? And she really thought she could steal him from me!”

“Just ignore her. Look at it this way, you’re the one with what she wants and will never get, so you’ve already won. Let’s just try on our clothes and go.”

“I guess you’re right,” she relents, but knowing Frankie, I know she probably won’t let it go that easily.

After passing on a couple of t-shirts, I try on a skin-tight, black, floor-length dress with spaghetti straps—the one that’s been going pretty viral on social media lately.

“You look hot as hell in that. If I were into women, you’d be my first choice. Like, we’d be on the floor doing it right now,” Frankie quips.

“Oh my God, Frankie.” I gasp, covering my mouth to hold in a laugh. “I’ll take that as a compliment. Thank you, my lady.” I courtesy as if we were in some old British movie and Frankie laughs.

Out of nowhere, Crystal’s voice chimes outside our dressing room “Need any help, ladies?”

“No, dirty cunt, leave us alone,” Frankie snaps back, swift and cutting. My eyes widen.

Asher’s sudden voice booms in the air, it almost makes me flinch. “Frankie! Watch your mouth.”

“How can I? It’s too far below my eyes to watch it.”

“Oh, you’re asking for it now.”

Frankie smothers her laughter behind her hand, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

“Get out here,now.”

She lets out an exaggerated sigh, rolling her eyes before turning on her heel and opening the dressing room door.

Alone now, I stare at myself in the mirror, debating whether to buy the dress. When I finally decide, I start pulling it off—then the door budges open behind me.

“Frankie, you are a mess,” I chuckle.

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