Page 123 of Panther's Magpie
“I can’t believe you are basically marrying my brother,” Aspen says after a moment.
My heart aches in my chest. “I’m happy that you are here with me for this. I know we should want to go back to Cali and finish school, but being here feels right. Does it feel that way for you?”
She comes around the chair to face me. “I always wanted to be here with Calloway. California never felt like home to me.”
“Me either,” I admit.
“Well, I know you are going to enroll in school here, but don’t expect the same from me. I only went to that god-awful place because you wanted to,” she teases.
“It was a good college,” I murmur.
“I’m sure it was, but school isn’t for me. You know this.”
She’s not wrong. She struggled to keep up with her studies. She was more into the party aspect of college.
“So what are you going to do instead? I guess you could find some parties to enjoy.”
I meant it as a joke, but I see the way Aspen winces.
I hate that she doesn’t enjoy life like she used to. What she went through changed her. I only hope she finds some of the light she once had. Seeing the darkness overcome her hurts my soul.
“I’ll figure something out,” she finally says, going back to my hair.
I look to Rain and see the same worry etched onto her face.
“I’m all done. What about you, Aspen?” Rain asks.
She does something to my hair before responding to Rain. “All done. What do you think?”
They spin me by my shoulders so I can see the mirror.
I look different. Not a bad different. I’m wearing a tight black dress that shows off all my best assets. It’s feminine and pretty but also makes me feel a little more badass. Like I really am an old lady.
Even my makeup is a little more dramatic than I usually wear.
I love it.
“Thank you both so much. I appreciate all your help.”
They envelop me in a group hug.
“It’s what family is for.” Rain says.
“Sisters for life,” Aspen echoes before adding, “Maybe don’t tell me all the deets of your sex life, though.”
We all laugh as someone knocks on the door.
“Come in,” I call out.
Meek peeks his head in. “Your old man is out here pacing. You think you are going to come out soon or should I get him a shot of whiskey?”
Calloway.
“I’m ready. Let’s go, girls.”
They follow me out of the small bathroom and down the hall. I can hear them chatting behind me, but it all fades out as I see him waiting for me.
The moment I step into the main room, his eyes find mine. His soften in a way that they only ever do with me. It’s as if they are screaming “I love you” without saying a single word.
