Page 65 of Adorkable

“Didn’t need to,” I said, pulling the last roller out of my hair. I’d gone for the sexy hair again. If I was going to break up with Becks, I at least wanted to look good doing it.

She snorted. “Me either. Cicero’s coming to pick me up in a few minutes, and then we’re going to drive over. Mercedes isn’t going to know what hit her.”

I wrapped my holster around my waist and pulled on my black duster. “Okay. I’ll see you there.”

“Be ready,” Hooker cautioned. “I don’t want us to look stupid or anything.”

Grabbing my Stetson, I couldn’t help but smile at that one. “Don’t worry. I’ll be ready.”

“Are you gonna wear the ‘stache?”

“No, are you?”

“Of course. Afraid Becks might get turned off if he sees hair growing on top of your lip?”

“No,” I said, taking a deep breath. Our act wasn’t the only one I’d have to pull off tonight. “See you later, Hooker.”

“I’ll be waiting. And don’t forget your pistol.”

On that note, she hung up.

Mom stopped me in the kitchen. “What’s that outfit about? Are you and Hooker...?”

“Yeah,” I said. “It’s our last time before graduation.”

“You two have fun.” She shook her head, looking me over. “Is Becks going, too?”

I swallowed. “He’s coming.”

“Does he know what you guys are planning?”

“Not yet.”

“Well, tell him I said hey.”

“Okay, Mom.” She was still looking at me funny. God, I knew I shouldn’t have applied that extra coat of mascara. “Do I look bad or something?”

“No.” Mom shook her head, a small smile on her lips. “You look great. Just make sure Becks keeps his hands to himself. I don’t care how old that hair makes you look. You’re still my baby.”

Mom was obviously not a fan of the sex hair.

“I’m not ready to be a Grandma yet,” she added. “Even if Becks is such a nice boy.”

“Love you, Mom.” I waved as I walked out the door, feeling guilty. Hopefully, she’d still think Becks was a nice boy after we broke up.

We’d decided to meet at Becks’s house and go to the party together. As I pulled into his driveway, I sat in the car a second after turning off the engine. I didn’t know how I was going to break up with Becks, if he had a plan or not. But the day was here. After this party, Becks and I wouldn’t be fake boyfriend and girlfriend. We’d just be friends again. Considering all the stress I’d been feeling, the thought should’ve made me happy, but it didn’t.

Clayton met me at the door.

“Oh my God,” he gasped, smiling, hand to his chest. His eyes were glued to my Stetson, the grin on his face stretched from ear to ear. “I think...I think I’m...having a...heart attack.”

I raised my eyebrows, and he laughed some more.

“Sally, you’ve got to stop coming ‘round here in those get-ups.” Clayton’s face was beet read as he tried to contain himself. “I’m loving that hair, though.”

Becks stepped around Clayton. He got a good look at me and sighed. “That’s because she’s gorgeous, and you’re a perv. Let’s go, Sal.”

I let him lead me to the car, hardly hearing Clayton’s protests. Had Becks really just called me gorgeous? I’d have to start doing my hair like this more often.

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