Page 9 of Matchmaking the Rival

"That he did," I said, "and it's only intensified with age."

"Do you still think he's hot?" She looked into my eyes, intent on my answer.

I cleared my throat, feeling my stomach somersault. It always did that when Everly caught me in a pinch. "Yes. I'm not blind, you know? I've got eyes, and I can admire a fine specimen of a man."

"Is he going to be there tonight?"

"I think so."

She wiggled her eyebrows. "Cool. I require photographic evidence."

"Of what?" I asked, bewildered.

"How hot he is."

I snorted. "Everly, I'm not going to snap pics of him."

"Ahh, you're so mean." She tapped my temple. "Fine. Then register every delicious detail there and call me to tell me all about it."

"You’re even feistier since getting pregnant."

"Lots of changes going on in my brain. I can't remember what I had for breakfast, but I damn sure can remember every single detail about Cade in high school."

"Okay. You've distracted me enough. I have to go. It's going to take me a while to get ready."

She wiggled her eyebrows again. "Putting in extra effort for someone?"

"No," I said. "I always like to look my best."

"And you always do, sis. I'm so proud of you."

"Aww, thanks."

After goodbyes to Mom and Dad, we both went out to the car, and after transferring the goodies I got her to her trunk, I drove home.

I was already mentally putting together my outfit. I was sticking to my guns about the red dress and would pair it with tights, black pumps, and an elegant black coat. Even though it was only the end of October, it was windy enough for a thick coat.

I lived in a one-bedroom apartment in North End. The best part about it was that it was close to my workplace, only a fifteen-minute walk. Stepping into my living room, I threw my coat onto the gray couch. Then I stepped behind it, rearranging one of the three paintings hanging on the wall. It was always a bit lopsided and drove me nuts. Something was probably wrong with the hanger, but I never had time to check it. The wall was painted dark blue. It had thrown me off when I first visited the apartment—as did the dark green shade they’d painted the bedroom. The owner was adamant that I wasn’t allowed to paint it white, so I did the best I could by covering it with paintings.

Afterward, I hurried to my bathroom, showering quickly. Then I put on the tights and the dress and secured the belt around my waist. I loved it. It was one of my favorite outfits. I always felt extra confident in it.

Moving into my bathroom, I took out my makeup kit. I applied plenty of mascara and a new lipstick I got the other week. I didn't like wearing too much makeup; it made me feel fake. I took special care of my hair, styling it with some of it up and some down. It looked sophisticated. Once I was done, I stepped back, glancing in the mirror I’d hung on the bathroom door, and nodded at myself.

Yes, I was ready for this evening.

As I gathered my things and walked back into the living room, I realized I still had a bit of time. I didn't want to be there too early, so, almost unwillingly, I headed to my bookshelf. Wedged betweenMoby-Dickand theHarry Potterseries was my high school graduation yearbook. I had no clue why I wanted to look at it tonight. I hadn't done so in years.

I absentmindedly perused the pages. There was a blank space where Cade Whitley’s photo should've been. He had transferred to a new school midway through our senior year. It had been a shock for everyone—most of all for me. One day, we were meeting early to do our math together, and the next day, he was gone. No text, no goodbye. He’d simply vanished. I never heard from him again.

Secretly, I’d feared for some time that he might transfer. His parents’ divorce had made the news months earlier, and since then, Cade had become reckless. He’d always been a practical joker, but all of a sudden, his jokes weren’t funny anymore. They were dangerous.

The school kept warning him to behave as his detentions kept mounting up. I was pretty sure he’d come close to expulsion. I’d feared his family would move him before that happened, so the fact that he left didn’t surprise me.

The radio silence had.

Shaking my head, I closed the yearbook and put it back.

The sound of my phone beeping startled me. It was in the pocket of my coat on the couch. Taking it out, I only gave the screen a cursory glance before grinning.

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