Page 22 of Flame After the Fumble

“Hartley, I had no idea.” She reaches out to touch my arm, and a zap of electricity runs through my body at the warmth of her touch. My eyes travel down to the spot where our skin meets, and she retracts her arm as if it was a mistake. “I was surprised last week, but I’m up for the challenge. Plus, art’s my thing. If anyone can help with this subject, it’s me.” She places both hands under her chin and frames her angelic face. Small glitter pieces dance around her skin in my mind.

“I appreciate this, Goldie.” With that, we drop the conversation and dive into this week’s assignments and studying. Before the session ends, Liza shocks me by saying, “Should we exchange numbers? It’s kinda weird to chat on the portal since we’re friends.” Scrunching up her nostrils, she looks to me for approval.

“I thought you’d never ask. What happened to your no numbers rule?”I ask with a cocky grin.

She gives me an,ugh, he’s right,look. She doesn't give my number out to many people.

“Things change,” she huffs. We exchange contact information before parting ways for the night. When I reach the apartment for the night, I’m mentally exhausted, but per usual, my brain races a mile a minute with no off switch.

Me: Thank you again for tutoring me. I owe you big time.

Goldie: My treats were payback enough :)

Me: Nope. I don’t think so.

Goldie: I thought you were “obsessed” with me. Shouldn’t you know what I like?

Me: I’m obsessed, but I’m not a mind reader. You’ll need to think of something else, so you’ll be adequately paid back ;)

Goldie: I have something in mind. . .

Me: Shoot.

Goldie: We’ll talk soon, too much to text.

Me: Whatever it is, I’m in.

Goldie: Night, Hotshot.

Me: Goodnight, Goldie.

15

Liza

Idon’t know what I was thinking last night when I texted Hartley about my potential idea to pay me back, but it definitely wasn’t the girl I’m looking at in the mirror tonight.Get it together. You need to be on top of your game.The first home football game of the season is upon us, and I can hardly wait to scream my lungs out and shake what my mama gave me until the last call at Downtown Tap. I throw a few essentials in an overnight duffle to bring to Violet’s apartment. We’re getting ready together tonight, and I promised her the ‘good makeup.’ She’s so fun to doll up and mold like my own personal doll. Emberly lets me create a look for her every once in a while, but Violet lives for it, and I’m using that to my advantage.

Knocking on my roommate's door, I don’t wait for a reply before I pop my head through the crack. “Emberly, are you sure you don’t want to come?”

“Yep.” She continues to tap on her laptop while her outer space mood lighting shines around the room, casting a blue hue on everything. “Don’t forget to call me if you need a ride. I’ll be up.”She spins around in her rolling desk chair to face me with a shy grin.

“Love ya, Em.” I gesture hand hearts her way. “Text me if you change your mind.” I shut her door behind me, because if she’s in the dorm alone, it makes her feel more secure. Slinging my pink duffle bag over my shoulder, I text Violet to let her know I’m on the way. I take the short drive to her off campus apartment. The sky is my favorite mix of orange and blue, slowly shifting from afternoon to night. Her apartment is close enough to campus that I can spot the bright stadium lights in the distance, signaling game day is upon us.

Violet doesn’t like when I knock because it scares her, so I let myself in and sigh in relief at the sight of Hartley already being gone. I don’t have the courage to talk to him about what I’d like in return, and I worry he’d make a big deal over it.

“Your fashionista friend has arrived!” My voice echoes through the apartment before I spot Violet flying from the connecting bathroom through her open bedroom door.

“Come in here,” she replies, and I drag my surplus of hair and makeup products to her room. I spread it out on her fluffy white comforter, allowing her to pick and choose whatever she wants to use. Her eyes land on the pop-up makeup shop that exploded on her bed and clutches her hands over her mouth. Meeting Violet at the back to school bash was the highlight of my month. She certainly knows how to polarize a room without trying. Ever since then, we’ve been close.

“You didn’t have to bring all of this. I don’t want to waste your stuff.” Her fingers raise to her mouth as she chews on her already short fingernails.

“No worries, chica. This is what friends do for each other.” I wrap her in a bear hug before grabbing a handful of makeup products from the bed and settling in criss-cross in front of herfull length bedroom mirror. “I’ll take this spot. If you need any help in the bathroom, just shout.”

“You’re the best.” Her cheeks redden and she grins before grabbing a few Morphe products from the bed.Good choice, baby Vi.

I start with foundation and carefully dab to apply it smoothly across my face. I reach into my makeup bag and pull out my orange beauty blender to pull it all together.

“So. . .” I drawl out loud enough for Violet to hear from the bathroom. “How are you liking college?”

---