Page 99 of Always Red (Chasing Red 2)

“Ow. All right. Fine. She’d probably appreciate diamonds more.”

“Kar,” I said, finally letting my panic slip in my voice. “I want to make a good impression on Caleb’s mom. It’s important to me because…it’s important to Caleb. Please, I need your help. I’m really bad at this. What do you think?”

She blew out a breath. “Well…I don’t know his mom. I hope she isn’t a bitch, for your sake. But custom-made tea bags? Really?”

I bit my lip. “I thought… Well, it’s more personal and thoughtful. Isn’t it? Caleb said she loves tea…”

“Oh, she does? Well, okay, I see. No, you’re right. I thought it was one of your incredible pull-it-out-of-my-ass gift ideas, but if she loves tea, give’r.”

“I will. I bought a blend of herbs the other day, and I think they’ll help her relax after a long day. I just need to find a pretty wooden box or tin to put the bags in.”

“Sweet. Maybe add a teapot and a cup too, for good measure.”

“Good idea. Thanks, Kar.”

She gave me a smile and patted my back. “What are friends for?”

When we reached the next store, both of us stopped and stared at the mannequin dressed in a red gown.

The dress had delicate straps and a sweetheart neckline. It fit every inch of the mannequin like a second skin and ended a couple of inches above the knees. A sheer overlay of chiffon flowed over the skirt and spilled to the floor, while a slit up the front showcased the mannequin’s legs.

“Do you feel it? This is your dress, Ver. It’s speaking to us. It’s saying, ‘Buy me, and I’ll make you feel like you have J. Lo’s ass.’”

I chuckled nervously. She was right. But how much was it? It looked really expensive.

I wanted to buy it so badly. I wanted to look good for Caleb on his birthday. I also wanted to impress his mom and look presentable on Caleb’s arm when he was introduced to his new coworkers and clients.

We entered the store and I circled the mannequin, discovering that the back of the dress was scooped low. It exposed a considerable amount of skin. I reached for the price tag and caught my breath when I saw the cost.

“It’s expensive, Kar.”

She glanced at the price tag. “Not for this dress. You have to get it.”

My face fell.

“I’ll lend you money,” she offered cautiously. She knew how sensitive I was about the topic. “You can pay it back after you graduate and find a job. How’s that?”

I let out a defeated sigh. I couldn’t possibly take her money. There must be some way… I did a mental calculation in my head of bills that were due this month—my rent, groceries, and now my phone bill too. I was short. Really short.

“I can’t, Kar.”

“Hi there.” A store clerk bounced in front of us, smiling brightly. “How are you ladies today?”

“Good,” Kara answered, still looking at me in exasperation.

“I noticed you were looking at this dress. We’re in the process of clearing out our old stock, and this one in particular is on sale for—”

“Holy shit. It’s on sale! That’s it. You’re getting it.”

“Kar, calm down.”

The clerk laughed. “It’s from last season’s designs, if you don’t mind that. It’s 60 percent off right now. All dresses with the red tag.”

It was still slightly over my budget, but for Caleb, I would take it. It’d be worth the monthlong peanut-butter-sandwich diet I’d have to endure to pay for it.

I was in the dressing room trying it on when I heard Kara drag a chair outside the door.

“So where’s Lockhart now?”

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