Page 89 of Splintered Hearts

“Um, red. Why?”

The smile returns to her voice. “No reason.”

Twenty Two

Noah

It’s been a while since I had friends over for a party. I used to throw them often in college. It was one thing my father was lenient with.

His credit card.

If I stuck to the plan, I could spend whatever I wanted. It looked good for the son of one of the wealthiest men on the East Coast to spend in excess, and I used to rent out venues to throw parties all the time. I love crowds, parties, being the center of attention, and seeing what trouble I can get into.

Or at least, I used to.

The thought of that now makes my skin crawl. It was excess at its finest... and worst. I had so much but felt so little.

Now I feel too much.

Slipping on a new shirt, I smile. It’s pretty. The hem stops right below my navel, showing a sliver of my stomach. It’s burgundy and gray striped, and the entire thing shimmers like it’s made of glitter. My black pants are tight and low-rise.

I look hot.

A handful of our friends are coming tonight. I know Jamie’s less than thrilled, but he’s making an effort for me. When I’d gotten home tonight, trays of snacks were on the counter, and the house was spotless.

It made me feel way more than I wanted to.

I think I hear Bri and Xavi down the hall. Grabbing perfume, Ispray a little, walking through the mist as my door swings open. “Hey!” Bri grabs me in a hug. “Ugh, damn! You smell incredible, what is that?”

I show her the bottle. “Jamie let you guys in?” Where is he?

“Yeah, he’s getting dressed now, I think.” She frowns as she looks at my face, and I smirk. “Did you do your own makeup?”

“If only I knew what I was doing.”

She laughs. Tonight she left her braids down, and the purple contacts she’s wearing make her eyes pop around the celestial galaxy she painted across them. She’s stunning. The lacy crop she’s wearing has cute puff sleeves and shows off her ample cleavage. “Move, move, we’ll make magic happen.” She looks over my products, shaking her head. “Had I known, I would have brought my kit.”

“It’s not permanently attached to your hand?”

Bri looks at me, dead serious. “Xavi wouldn’t let me bring it.” She pouts. “But I have enough to work with. Sit.” I sit on my bed as she grabs the few items I have. “Going to be real simple. You’ll get the Bri special another day. Close your eyes.” I let her work—dabbing here, blending there. More noises sound out in the living room. “So, how are things?”

“Fine, I guess.”

“Just fine?”

I want to peek an eye open but keep them closed. “Yeah. Fine.” It’s quiet for a moment. “Why?”

“No reason. Just making sure you’re happy here. Settling in.”

“That’s it? No other reason?”

I hear mischief in her tone. “Of course not.”

The door swings open, but it’s quiet. “What?”

“Just seeing if you need help,” Xavier jokes. “You look hot, Noah.”

“Thank you.”

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