Page 63 of Breakaway

As I rounded the hallway corner, I stopped dead in my tracks as I took in the view. The other two girls ran into me, and I almost tipped over, catching the guy’s attention.

My three guys stood there, all decked out, and I didn’t know if I should laugh or be horrified. In the end, I went with laughter.

You just had to love a guy, or guys in this instance, who could pull off a dress.

CHAPTER TWENTY

Henley

The music blared around us as my fellow Lux instructors danced to the music in their best Halloween costumes. Occasionally, I’d get a glimpse of my three guys, and I’d burst out into laughter again. If I ever doubted they loved me, I’d just need to pull up these pictures to remember, and an instant smile would form.

Dax was in a purple dress, his blond hair down and flowing. He gave every other Sarah Sanderson here a run for their money.

Reed had on a wig for Mary’s hairdo, his red dress long and poofy. I didn’t think he even had to practice the scowl; he had her look down pat.

And, of course, Fletcher as Winifred Sanderson was everything. The bright red wig, the green dress, and the lipstick almost had me convinced he was the real deal if it wasn’t for the beard.

“What made you guys dress as this?” I asked Dax as we danced. Our bodies hadn’t forgotten how well they moved together. Reed stood against the wall, glaring at anyone who neared; while Fletcher was the social butterfly and couldn’t go a second without someone coming up to talk to him. I’d given up trying to have a conversation and had pulled Dax out here to dance two songs ago.

“Reese said it was your favorite Halloween movie. I’d ordered them a week ago, hoping we’d have time to do something for Halloween, even if it was just handing out candy. I wanted to be prepared. It took a while to talk the guys into it, but eventually, they came around.”

“It’s amazing. I love it. Thank you for making me smile.”

“Anything for you, Petal. I hate how hard yesterday was. It’s not supposed to be like that. You should be celebrated and get to enjoy the success you’re having. Instead, you’re being punished. It’s not fair.”

“No, it’s not, but no one said it would be. I guess I didn’t expect it to be easy, so I’m not surprised.”

It was a sad realization, but it was the truth. Dax frowned and pulled me closer, his hand rubbing up and down my back as we danced to the slow song. As the song ended, I spotted a familiar dark-haired girl through the crowd, so I excused myself from Dax and made my way toward Macy. Her petite stature made it difficult for her to see around all the bodies, but it helped me spot her easier.

“Macy!” I shouted, trying to get her attention. She turned and sighed in relief as she pushed through. I chuckled when I could take in her full costume, if you could call it that.

Macy wore a pair of skinny jeans, leather boots, and a plain t-shirt with a green pea, a plus sign, and an eyeball on it. I had to give it to her for simplicity.

“Nice costume.”

Macy smirked and then took in mine. “Well, shucks. I could’ve been Bliss.”

“Who?” I asked, not getting her reference.

“The fourth Powerpuff Girl, but she had mixed reviews.” Macy shrugged as if that explained it. Looping my arm around her shoulders, I dragged her over to where the other two Powerpuff Girls were when I couldn’t find Dax in the crowd. Smiling at my two besties, I introduced my new friend.

“Scar and Susie, this is Macy.”

“Hello, gorgeous,” Scar purred, batting her eyelashes.

“She’s the one behind the Powerpuff costumes. Susie and I just go along with what she wants.”

“As you should,” Scar said, nodding her head. She was sitting in Cody’s lap, sipping something out of a straw. His arms were wrapped around her waist, his head on her shoulder. If they weren’t so cute, I’d find it weird to see my friend and coworker together, but I couldn’t find it in me to care.

“Oh, you’re the friend with the harem, too, right? What’s the secret? Because Henley refuses to tell me how to get my own dick smorgasbord.”

“Oooh! I know the perfect person to start with,” Scar said excitedly, jumping up and down on Cody’s lap. He looked pained, and I tried to swallow the laugh that wanted to escape. Spotting Fletcher talking to someone, I slipped away and made my way over. He had a pained look on his face, and I wondered if he needed a rescue.

“I’m happy with Henley,” I heard Fletcher say as I approached.

“But surely you’d rather have a woman all to yourself. I can give you that, Fletch. We were good together.”

“You’re mistaken, Brynn. What we had was a drunken hookup three years ago. It meant nothing to me, whereas I love Henley.”

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