Page 35 of You Belong With Me

“Oh, that’s cute as hell,” Ricole says, and Ashley agrees with her.

“Next!” They both yell at the same time.

The next outfit is a blood-red spaghetti strap dress. It’s skin-tight but doesn’t show any cleavage and hugs down to my calves. Just the right amount of slutty and formal. I show them the dress, then show them a pair of black wedges to pair with it.

“Oh, Ilovethis one,” Ashley says. “Didn’t you wear that to Miguel and Angela’s wedding a year ago?”

“Yeah, I did. It’s the only time I’ve ever worn it,” I say.

“NEXT!” Ricole yells.

The last outfit is my favorite. The black long-sleeved shirt with a deep plunging neckline slides over my head. It’s snug, but the material is breathable and comfortable. Then, I grab the gray pleated skirt and pull it over my hips. It’s short and has a long bow that ties in the front, and it pleats out a little above mid-thigh. Once I’m wearing the white heels, I do a pirouette in front of my phone.

“Well, that’s the one,” Ashley says.

“Definitely,” Ricole agrees.

“Yay! I was hoping you’d say that because I love this skirt,” I squeal. “I’m going to wear a couple of silver rings, and that cute pendant necklace my mom got me for Christmas last year.”

Ashley and Ricole both gush over the outfit I chose, and we chat while I do my makeup. I settle on a gray smokey eye to match the skirt, sharp-winged eyeliner, and false eyelashes that make my eyes pop. I add bright red lipstick and highlighter to the corner of my eyes, nose, and cheekbones. Now that my makeup is done, the girls and I say our goodbyes, and I gather my stuff so I can leave.

I slip the top of my phone case off and slide my debit card and ID behind my phone before pushing the case back on. I go to grab my keys and walk out of my apartment. My phone buzzes with an incoming text.

HOLLY REEVES:

Did you hear about Shane?

ALANA MEYER:

Did he get a DUI? If so, I’m not surprised.

HOLLY REEVES:

No, dude. Someone attacked him. He’s in the hospital with a fractured skull, a brain bleed, and a ton of cracked ribs. They don’t know who did it.

ALANA MEYER:

Holy shit, that’s wild. We just saw him the other night.

The last time I saw Shane, Andreas kicked him out for being a pervy little shit.Andreas wouldn’t attack someone for that, right?I make a mental note to bring it up and see how he reacts, then slam my apartment door shut.

I open the door again and slam it harder to make sure it’s latched. I jiggle the handle and push on the door, noting that it doesn’t seem to have any trouble staying closed. I look down and see the deadbolt I ordered this morning.Fuck, I don’t have time to put it on right now. I’ll have to do it later.

* * *

The parking lot is full, and there are people mulling about everywhere. The building is stunning: a four-level red brick building with giant arched windows on the bottom level. Outside, there’s a patio area lined with lush trees and posh black wrought-iron patio furniture. Each table has a lime green umbrella blocking the sun. There are multiple businesses in the building, with the bar on the corner.

I ascend the stairs to the main entrance and am greeted by an amazing smell. I open the big glass door, and the scents get stronger. Something spicy makes my mouth water. The staff are all wearing black V-necks and black pants, and I take a minute to glance around. There’s beautiful mahogany wood flooring and long, shiny white granite tables surrounded by sleek high-top black chairs. The bar is also granite, and the same black chairs are pushed up against the rail. It’s busy, with only a few spots left open along the rail seating, and I don’t see Andreas yet.

The bartender nods at me when I snag a chair with an open seat beside it. The red-headed woman pouring a beer smiles at me and mouths, “I’ll be right with you.”

To save Andreas’ spot, I put my phone on the seat and grab a drink menu to figure out what I’m going to order. They have a full bar, so the sky’s the limit. I’ll probably get a vodka cran. I’m a creature of habit, after all.

The bartender approaches me and says, “Hi! My name is McKenna, and I’ll be taking care of you this evening. Can I please see your ID?”

I pull it out from under my phone case and pass it to her for her to look at.

She smiles and says, “Thanks! What would you like to drink?”

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