Page 28 of Wicked Lies Grow Wildflowers
“Here it is! Sorry it took so long for me to find it. It was in a box of keepsakes in your old room, I went through it while cleaning for your mom.” He hands the bracelet to me and I turn it over in my hands, not recognizing it.
“Um, are you sure this is mine? I don’t recognize it.”
“Yes, it has to be, your mother said it wasn’t hers. Isn’t that right, sweetie?” He asks my mother warmly.
“Yes. Right. I’d honestly forgotten all about it. It must be yours, Maeren. You’re free to take it.” I’m surprised she doesn’t want the thing for herself.
The heavy tension between us all makes me feel awkward. The air might shatter with the weight of it if I don’t get out of here soon. “Well, thanks. I had better be going, I have a few more errands to run today. It was nice seeing the both of you.”
My mother scoffs at that and Simon offers to walk me to the door. “Don’t worry about your mom too much,” he offers, “she’s just in a bad mood today is all.”
“She’s been in a bad mood since I was born I think,” I try and jest.
Simon leans over me and opens the door, his head hovering over mine and I swear I hear him inhale the scent of my hair. My heart races at the exchange and I hurriedly say my goodbye, not wanting to stay a second longer. That was so fucking weird. Maybe I’m just imagining it. I’m probably just overthinking the exchange, and it was harmless. If my mother knew I had such a thought, she’d admonish me for my audacity. But I can’t keep myself from feeling violated anyways.
Once I return homefrom all my errands, I head out for my usual evening run. I push all thoughts of Leanne and the slimy exchange with Simon away while I focus on the pump of my legs as I drive my feet into the pavement, relishing in the slam of my heart against my chest. I almost stumble as I think of Xander and all the ways he makes my heart beat against my chest, too.
Stopping by my mailbox before heading inside, I find a single carnation amidst my mail. I bet Xander left it to surprise me after our night together. I smile to myself and take it inside, spotting the bracelet on my kitchen table. It might not have been mine, but itwasgiven to me, plus it’s beautiful. It’s a silver tennis style bracelet, and I’m sure the stones are fake because there’s no way my mother or myself could afford anything like this to be real. Nonetheless, I put it on, admiring the sparkle.
I add the carnation to the growing bouquet on my table, most of them dead or dying, but I don’t have the heart to throw them out. Not when they are from him. Then I get an idea and I take the newest flower out of the vase, holding it up for a selfie and then send it to Xander with the caption“Thinking of you now.”I’ve never sent him a photo before, so I feel a bit giddy about it. A few minutes later he messages me back.
Xander: You’re the prettiest wildflower of them all.
Swoon.
I chew on my lower lip as I type,“When can I see you again?”and hit send.
Xander: So eager for more, are you now?
No. I meanyesobviously. But it’s more than that.
Me: Don’t flatter yourself too much, though I do enjoy your company.
Xander: Oh you enjoy far more than just my company, but sure, we’ll pretend it’s just that.
I laugh at his audacity and roll my eyes. Always so cheeky.
The bubble pops up, letting me know he’s typing again.
Xander: Tomorrow night I’ll pick you up at six. Wear something sexy.
I’m smiling ear to ear when I tell him,
Me: It’s a date
Sage is helpingme pick out my outfit for tonight. I was way too nervous to get ready on my own, especially because we’re going somewhere nice. We’re both rooting through my closet, trying to find the perfect thing that screams sexy but sophisticated, when Sage pulls out a black dress I’ve never even taken the tags off of.
Sage holds the dress out at arms length and squeals, “This is the one!!!”
“I actually forgot I even had that, I bought it on a whim,” I smile at her.
“Every woman needs a little black dress, and this is just the occasion for it. Go put it on right now. And don’t forget your sexiest underwear,” she winks at me.
The silky fabric of the dress feels smooth against my skin, and once everything is in place I step out of my bathroom for Sage to see it. Her jaw drops to the floor. “Oh. My. God. You look hot! So hot! It’s perfect!” She smiles wide, her dark eyes glittering.
Turning to the mirror I smile, noting how well it fits me. The thin straps flattering on my shoulders, the deep V at the chest doing the Lord's work. It hugs my figure in all the right places, hitting a few inches below my knees with a high split up one leg. I think this may be the best thing I’ve ever worn. “Wow,” is all I manage.
“Yeah,wow.Now let me do your hair!” Sage brandishes a curling wand at me, adding a few loose waves to liven up my stands. Then I head to the bathroom and do my makeup: brows, blush, eyeliner, and bold red lipstick with some gloss on top. I settle on a pair of simple black pumps and do a final spin for Sage.
