Page 43 of All Your Lies
I’ve had more roses show up on my porch, and now I’m worried they’re upping their game.
Black embossed tissue paper is neatly folded with a note on the top. She pushes the box toward me, but I shake my head. “You can open it. I don’t like surprises.”
“Again, where’s your sense of adventure?” Jenna says, plucking the note off the top and reading it.
“Alexa, you’re cordially invited to a Halloween party on October 31st. Wear this outfit and prepare to act like the angelI know you’re not. I can’t wait to see you, angel baby. P.S. this is not a request.” Jenna snorts. “You naughty girl... Is this from that guy at the club?”
“Duh, I’m not sure of any other guys currently driving me crazy. He’s the owner of said club, which makes it worse.”
I haven’t seen him in the past week and a half—since dining in the dark. Besides his consistent morning and nightly bossy texts, he’s been MIA. I thought he was losing interest. I guess not.
Jenna pulls out a small black dress, angel wings, and a gold headpiece that looks eerily similar to something I’ve worn before.
“What the hell is that?” I regard the outfit with trepidation.
“An angel costume. Dummy.”
“Yeah, I know what it is. I’m not wearing it.”
“But it’ll look adorable on you, angel baby,” she teases.
“You’re unbelievable and I’m not going.”
“Well, let’s open the other. Maybe he’s giving you two options.”
She opens the other with just as much enthusiasm. This box has the same tissue paper and another card. She reads it with scrunched brows.
“What a dick! No half-cute, half-sexy message for yours truly? Just a Jenna, you’re cordially invited. Make sure Alexa shows up.” Her face scrunches in disgust as she points to her chest. “I’m a main character too, goddammit, not a side ohhh—” She holds up a green outfit.
“What is it?”
“Poison Ivy, obvi.”
“And you’re happy about it?”
“Duh, she’s kick-ass... although it could use a wig, because hello.” She points at her scalp. “Blond hair is a no-go. Maybe some green jewels for around the eyes too. Yeah, I think thatwill do. Oh, and then makeup. We will, of course, have to go shopping. Then there are the shoes.”
I continue to let her ramble. I want no part of the night she’s planning.
She stops and looks over at me. “Hey, what’s wrong? We can switch if you’d like, although I think I’m more of a Poison Ivy type.”
“And what makes you think I couldn’t pull off Poison Ivy?”
“Seductive, sarcastic, and loves plants? Come on, that has me written all over it. You’re much more the angel type. Spiritual.” She points at my neck. “You have crystals. You’re sweet and meek. Although I might take back the last part after reading his note.” Her smile nearly touches her ears as she fans herself.
“I can’t with you, I swear.”
“You love me, though.” She blows me a kiss before placing her hands in a praying motion.
“Fine. An hour and then we’re gone.”
“Deal!” She grabs her costume and holds it up to herself in the mirror before leaving.
I wish I could share her enthusiasm, but the parallels between this life and my last are blurring and become similar in so many ways.
Too many coincidences equals trouble.
fifteen
