Page 11 of Salace

Instantly, I swallow a sigh and roll my eyes at the ceiling.

None of your “friends” said you were at their house last night.

I knew this was going to happen today, but I kind of feel like she’s taking the coward’s way out, knowing full well that I won’t respond the way I want to when she writes me little “love notes” like this.

With the shake of my head, I fold the paper in half, then slip it into the cover of my history book, prop my elbow back on the desk, and rest my chin against my palm.

Doing my best not to fall asleep, or allow myself to burst into flames from the lasers she’s staring at me, I find myself wondering how in the world she thinks that she has the right to interrogate my friends.

Of course, two can play the game of the jealous partner, and I know more of her dirty little secrets than she thinks.

If she keeps pushing, I’ll just have to shove back.

A small smile starts to curve my lips as I stifle a yawn as best as I can, knowing that there will be no better place for me to land at the end of this than just where I want to be.

At the Huntingtons’ doorstep.

Possibly in their beds.

JULIA

Aimee hasn’t spoken to me in three days. She skipped her weekday with me as well. It’s irritating and shows just what a child she still is. Igrewher. Inside me. I gave her the best of me. She shoved my organs around to make room for herself. Used me like a parasite. Sucking me dry of all my nutrients until she decided to expel herself from her host. She ruined my body—and wouldn’t you know it—years later my husband would leave me for an unmarred body. I gave upeverythingfor her, and what do I get? Attitude and the silent treatment.

I curse as I stumble around the coffee table. In the kitchen, I pour myself another glass of wine. No Aimee also means no Kasey.

I am desperate to see him. Just a glimpse. The dimples. The ridiculous hair only a teenage boy can swing. His firm chest, cut arms and tight rear end. I drove to the school when it let out yesterday, Aimee-not-coming-over be damned. I parked near the pick up line and watched.

Taking my wine back to the couch, I fold myself onto the chaise end, flick on the television and mindlessly cycle through the options.

Kasey had looked tired when he exited the building and I had wondered if it was Aimee’s fault. Was she was giving him grief and attitude the same way she was me this week? Anger had bubbled in my gut as I watched him head toward the sidewalk. A girl, cute—but nothing to write home about, he could do better—had grabbed his shoulder to stop him. They spoke for a moment.Spokemight be too nice a description. She looked upset. Her hands gesticulated wildly and although I couldn’t see Kasey’s face anymore, his posture slumped, and I knew he was unhappy.Who was this tramp? And where was Aimee?He responded before nodding his defeat. She lumbered away looking victorious. Parched, I sucked down a gulp from my water bottle. The liquid sliding down my esophagus instantly calmed me. Clouds rolled in, casting everything in gray hues. I started the car, checked the time--shit I was going to be late for my nail appointment—and pulled away from the curb.

The fucking lights dim, casting the living room in a soft, sleepy glow. I take another sip of my wine then lay my head on the arm of the couch—exhausted.

I don’t know what had come over me, but I pulled up next to him, rolled down my window and said, “Hey, Kasey.”

He startled, but quickly slapped a grin on his face and hunched down to see me. “No Aimee?”

Panic spread through my veins as I thought of a lie. “Nope. Not today. Just on my way to an appointment.”

His eyes seemed sad. “Fresh. Nice seeing you.”

“Do you need a ride?” I asked.

Kasey shook his head. “Car’s in the student lot.”

I cocked my head and really looked at him. “Everything okay? You can always talk to me if you need to.”

He considered for a moment. I could see the wheels turning as the clock was ticking by. I was definitely going to be late for my appointment.

He smirked. “I’m okay. Just a little girl trouble.” He set his palm on the base of the open window.

I set my hand over his. His hand was warm despite the chill in the air. “Teenage girls are crazy,” I laughed out. “Don’t stress too much, I’m sure it will all work out.”

He stared at my hand atop his. Licked his lips. “Maybe I should date older women.”

My belly coiled. Maybe heshould. I giggled. “Well, they’re certainly less drama.” He swept his thumb on the outside of mine. I sucked in a breath. “If you ever need an ear to vent to, I’m around.”

Smiling, he said, “I might take you up on that, Ms. H.” He swiped his finger over mine again and pulled away. I watched him saunter toward the student lot.

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