Page 88 of Splintered Hearts

“Because honestly, babe, I’ve thought you needed this for years.”

“Thanks.”

“So what are we looking for? Formal? Casual? Sporty? No sweats! I swear to fuck Jamie if you make me grab sweats I will buy you the trashiest pair of sweats with writing on the ass in goddamn rhinestones, I swear I—”

“Just...” Sighing, I shake my head. Maybe this is a mistake. “Just buy me normal shit I can wear.”

“No glitter?”

“No.”

“No lace?”

Oh my fucking god!“Get me normal shit that will not make me want to peel my fucking skin off if it touches my body.”

“I guess. How many outfits?”

“Four.”

“Nine.”

“No, I just need—”

“Seven. One for every day of the week. Final offer.”

“I just need four—”

“Eight.”

“Fine, seven. Jesus.” What the hell am I even doing?

“Okay, let’s talk makeup. Eye shadow? A little lip gloss?”

“No.” Not that I’m against wearing it, it just isn’t me. “No makeup.” Thinking a moment, my mind goes back to that groin wash—smelling it on Noah’s skin. How quickly it made me hard. Fuck, I want that. Want something that would remind Noah of everything we did when I wore it. “Get me some cologne, or just something like that.”

It’s quiet for a moment and I almost think she’s hung up. “Bri?”

“Yeah.” All joy leaves her. I can hear it. Her voice lifeless. “I’ll find something.”

“You don’t have to, I’m sorry, I just thought you would—”

“It’s okay, Jamie.” She tries to pull some cheer back into her tone but it falls flat. “I can’t wait. Just text me some things you like. A starting place for me to work off.”

“Okay.” Something twists in my gut but I can’t place why. “Are you alright?”

Again there’s silence but I can hear her breathe slightly. “Nothing, it’s nothing. Just reminds me of going with her and dressing her. The perfume, it’s—” She stops talking, but she doesn’t need to. I understand, and fuck, I’m a dick. I didn’t even think.

“I’m so sorry, Bri. I wasn’t thinking.”

She sighs. “It’s okay. Not all of us avoid talking about her. It just hit me, that’s all. You know how much she loved perfume. I’m okay. More than okay, I’m so excited. I’m leaving in ten. Text me some stuff you like.”

Not all of us avoid talking about her.Ouch. “Yeah, of course.”

“And that will be two hundred. On top of your budget.”

Smiling, I nod, even though she can’t see me. “Deal.”

“What’s Noah’s favorite color?”

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