Page 43 of Pills and Potions: Kase
Jace looked up mid-move, annoyed as hell. “It’s a strategy game.”
Tuesday snorted. Loud. “You’re just mad you don’t understand it.”
I smirked. “Sweetheart, the only strategy I need is which way to twist my sheets.”
Jace groaned. “Please. Spare us.”
“Fine, Potter. But don’t get her pregnant with a lightning bolt or some shit,” I chuckled, opening my drink.
But then, against all logic, I paused, rubbed the back of my neck, and tilted my head.
“You know, your card spacing’s kinda clean. Good symmetry.”
Both of their heads snapped toward me like I just announced I was vegan.
Jace blinked. “Did you just… compliment me?”
“No,” I said, too fast. “Just said it looked… organized. Chill.”
I took a long sip, side-eyein’ the dry erase board he posted on the wall. Normally, that thing wouldn’t make it to sunrise. But today? I actually nodded at it.
“He really lined up them tasks. Got the green and blue alternating… kinda aesthetic. Very Virgo-coded.”
My mouth was moving without clearance from my brain. I gripped the counter like I’d just been possessed. Tuesday was lookin’ at me like I grew a ukulele and started singin’ show tunes. Then the door opened and Blyss came inside. She had on that big-ass knit cardigan with them ridiculous buttons, a swishy corduroy skirt like she was about to go milk cows, and them damn bug-glasses that took up half her face. But for somereason, I damn near forgot how to breathe. That smile hit me like a defibrillator. I clenched my jaw but couldn’t stop starin’.
“Hi, Kase…” she said, all shy.
I should’ve ignored her. Should’ve said somethin’ wild. But nah. Instead, I walked over and pulled her into a hug.
“Hey, Blyss,” I said, my voice warm. “That bag’s… kinda dope. You got a new patch?”
Her face lit up like a Christmas Eve miracle. “I did! It’s a limited edition dragon emblem?—”
“Cool,” I cut in, too enthusiastic. “Real mythical. Very rare drop energy.”
Tuesday straight-up froze like I slapped her with a math book.
Jace leaned in. “Yo. Are you… okay?”
“I’m great,” I said, sipping my drink. “Just emotionally hydrated.”
Emotionally hydrated? Nigga, what?
I slapped my own chest like I was tryna reboot my personality. Before I could even escape the awkward mess I created, the doorbell rang. I went to answer it, Key Key and two other angry-ass chicks stood outside like they were ready to audition for a reunion episode ofBad Girls Club.One had a keychain swinging from her hand, and I could already smell the pepper spray in the air. I stepped out, trying to keep it calm, my vibe still half-magic, half-delirious.
“Ladies,” I said, trying to charm. “Let’s not bring trauma to the cul-de-sac. How about we use our words?”
Key Key blinked like I just quoted a school counselor. “Kase… the fuck is wrong with you?”
“Nothing,” I said, too softly. “I just think, maybe, this ain’t the way. You’re too beautiful to be mad like this. Anger increases cortisol, you know?”
“What?” she snapped.
One of the other girls squinted. “This nigga talkin’ vitamins now?”
“I’m just sayin’,” I shrugged. “Let’s be civil. We grown. And y’all still got glitter on your faces. That mean the night’s young. Don’t waste it bein’ petty.”
“Oh, he on drugs,” Key Key muttered.
