The mere mention of her stupid ex-boyfriend caused her gut to twist. “Yeah, all it took was for Tyler to find out he wouldn’t get what he wanted and they all lost interest.”
Kelly shrugged and took another bite of her toast. The morning traffic zoomed by as they waited at the light.
“How were your classes yesterday?” Evie asked, easing off the brake as the light turned green.
“Awesome. I swear, if I could do all my classes online, I would. I’d sit there in my sweats and my bed-head and eat Doritos all week long.”
Evie nodded. Her online days used to be her favorite, too, but now she dreaded them. Those were the days she didn’t see Calvin.
“Tawny wants to know if we’re coming to that party at the mansion this weekend,” Kelly said.
Evie sighed. “Ugh, you’re really wanting to go to that thing? Seriously, Kelly, I’m hating the idea.”
“Why? Cuz Tyler might be there?”
“No. It’s just that whole crowd.”
Kelly turned her entire body in the seat and spoke with emphasis on every word, “Evie Mae Wylder. We’ve been busting our butts to keep up with the college crap for an entire month. Time to experience some of the good life.”
The mere mention of ‘the good life’ caused an image of Calvin to seep into her brain. For Evie, the possibilities of what might bloom between Calvin and her were thrilling. The idea of discovering who he was–the chance he might just be as fantastic on the inside as he was on the out–was exciting. And for her, that was definitely part of the good life.
“Who in here knows,” Professor Milton drew out the word as he eyed the classroom, “what they’ll be sharing for next week’s project?”
Evie eyed the raised hands in the room, a nervous wave washing over her. While she liked the idea of working with Calvin, she hated thinking about the assignment itself. She turned to see her handsome partner–who had stolen jock boy’s seat again–and smiled when she noticed his hand wasn’t raised either.
He leaned forward and whispered into her hair. “You’re such a slacker.”
She gave him a playful glare. “So are you.”
“Not really.” His lowered voice sounded even more alluring than she’d remembered. “I know what I’m doing. I just didn’t want to flaunt it.”
“Yeah right.” Her gaze lingered on his handsome features. The rich tone of his olive skin, the dark shadow lining the squared shape of his jaw.
Professor Milton gained her attention once again. “I’d like you to commit to a theme by Monday. You’ll bring the finished piece for your partner to analyze next Friday in class. Have a great weekend.”
Evie pulled her bag over one slumped shoulder. She’d been racking her brain for days now–digging for some momentous event that wouldn’t hurt to share. She wanted something safe and simple. Uncomplicated.
“You worried about the project?” Calvin asked as he stood. Concern showed in his rich brown eyes.
She almost said no, but something stopped her. It was that familiar energy–the charged vibe that flowed between them–seeming to assure her of peace and safety.
She nodded. “Sort of. I have no idea what to do. Milton wants us to choose some huge thing in our lives, but I don’t really have anything that major. Nothing I want to share anyway.” She’d mumbled the last part.
“I know what you mean.” Calvin slid his hand along her back, escorting her out of the class as the students filtered through the aisles. The action wasn’t forward, but it was definitely friendly. And when the tips of his fingers curved slightly along the side of her waist, it felt straight-out flirtatious. “At least this time you don’t have to share it with the entire class. Just me.”
Just him. She liked the sound of that, yet she wasn’t sure it was any better than having the whole class critique it. At least then it was anonymous.
“One thing I do know, from experience, is the closer you can get to the emotion–whatever it is–the better you’ll do on your piece. It’s just how creativity works.” He shrugged dismissively. “It doesn’t have to be big to anyone but you. As long as you can feel it strongly enough, it’s bound to come through in your art, touch other people.”
She considered his words as they shuffled through the crowded hall. Her attention shifted from the pleasant warmth of his hand on her back, to the outer fringe of where her mind dreaded to go. There was something big in her life–so major, it had left scars on her heart that would never fade–but she couldn’t imagine sharing it.
“You really have yours picked out?” she asked, walking into the bright, open air.
Calvin released the door he’d been holding for her. “Would it make you feel better if I said no?”
“Of course it would.”
“Okay. I have no idea what I’m going to do.”
She led him to the side of the entrance and turned to look him in the eye. “You’re lying.”
“I know.”
“You probably have the whole thing done already.”
He chuckled. “No. I’m not that far. I just have an idea in my head, that’s all.” He eyed the crowd. “You expecting your friend today or are you going to need another ride?”
“No, I drove today. But Kelly should be around here somewhere. We carpool.”
He lifted his chin. “So what do you do on weekends, Evie?”
Her brain scrambled. What did she do on the weekends? “Besides homework? Just hang out with Kelly. Sometimes we’ll head out to one of the dance clubs in town, or check out a local party.”
His dark eyes narrowed. “Have you heard about the party tomorrow night–the one on Twenty-third Street? I told Parker I’d go with him. I’m his designated driver for the night.”
“You’re not twenty-one yet?”
“I am, actually. I just don’t like getting wasted.”
Evie hadn’t heard a guy say that before; it was nice.
“Hey, you two,” Kelly approached her with an accusing grin, holding her hand out for Calvin. “I’m Kelly, the friend who had to bail on Evie the other day.”
He shook her hand. “I guess I should thank you for that,” he said. “I’m Calvin.”
Kelly tucked her black, bobbed hair behind one ear, catching her lip ring between her teeth.
“Hey, where’s that party you were talking about this morning?” Evie asked her.
“You mean the one you were groaning about?”
Evie rolled her eyes. “Yeah. That one.”
“It’s at the mansion.”
“Where at?” Evie asked.
Kelly pulled out her phone, scanned through a few texts. “On Twenty-third.”
Calvin looked at Evie. “I don’t really want to go either. But if you’re going, it’ll make keeping my word a whole lot easier.”
“She’ll be there,” Kelly blurted.
As Calvin stepped toward the lot, he looked to Evie for confirmation.
She nodded. “I’ll be there.”
Chapter Seven
Evie stepped through the back door, wiping the sweat from her face with the sleeve of her shirt. She pried off her tennies and made for the kitchen, eyeing the clock on the microwave. The green numbers blared six thirty-five; she was pushing it for time. Though she had yet to commit to an art project, her remaining studies and homework had taken up most of the day, pushing her morning run into the late afternoon.
“Eve, when does your party start?” Her dad’s voice sounded from down the hall.
“Not for a while,” she hollered, pulling the lid off the crock-pot. “I have to get in the shower, but you can go ahead and get started on this chili if you want.” She inhaled the rich, delicious aroma as she stirred. “I think we’re going to love this recipe. It’s got a lot more heat than the last one I tried.”
He shuffled into the kitchen, pushing up the sleeves of his sweatshirt. “Sure smells great.”
“I know. Here, let me get you a bowl.” Steam danced off the simmering soup as she spooned it into
the deep, ceramic bowl. Evie grabbed sour cream and a jar of hot peppers from the fridge, slid them onto the counter. “Okay, I’ll be back up in a bit.”
She rushed down the stairs and, with her speakers blasting her favorite mix, hopped into the shower, remembering–for the millionth time that day–that she was about to see Calvin Knight! Evie wondered what time he would get there, what he might wear, and if he’d still have that ever-present five o’clock shadow that accented his jaw line so well.
After putting the hairdryer to work, Evie slid into dark jeans, black knee-high boots, and a white, silky blouse. She pulled the straight strands of her hair into a sleek, high pony and put in her silver hoops.
With it being a party and all, Evie decided to play up her eyes the way Kelly did–just not as bold. The eyeliner slid smoothly across her lids, grazing the base of each lash along the way. Standing up to the mirror, she smudged the liner for that smoky look. After grabbing her lip gloss, she paused, trying to listen through the blaring music.
Was that the door?
With the press of a button Evie silenced the pounding beat and turned an ear toward the ceiling. Perhaps she hadn’t heard anything, but she had felt something–was feeling it still. A dark, cold energy climbing up the sides of her neck, thick and unwelcome.
Stiffening, she eyed the fixture through her mirror as the bulb began to flicker. In a staggered series of flashes, the bright light crept down to a dismal glow, before skipping into blackness.
Her breaths came louder as she stared blindly ahead, sensing a hidden presence in the room.
Before panic could set in completely, the light flicked back on to a mere spark, and then sunk back into darkness again. The action repeated, accelerating in pace as her heart sped up to match the quickened blinks. Through the spurts of light, Evie eyed the faulty bulb again, willing the stupid thing to just die out.
While holding her next breath, eyes still fixed on the upper corner of her mirror, Evie saw an image forming along the glass. In fierce, massive strokes of oozing black, two dark spheres splattered the surface, followed by bold, jutting cheekbones and wild, flowing hair. The lip gloss slid from her hand as a gasp pulled at her throat.
She reached for the light switch, flicked it off, and let out a shaky breath, staring into the blackness. Though the flashing lights hadn’t made a sound, it felt quieter now that all was calm and still. Evie put a hand to her heart, hoping to ease the frantic, heated thumps pressing against her palm.
Shaken from the incident, she slid her hand around the doorframe and let the wall guide her down the hallway until she reached the switch. The hall light glowed bright, lighting her way as she crept into the storage area for a new bulb.
While images of the crazed woman blared in the forefront of her mind, she removed the demon bulb, tossed it in the trash, and screwed in the new one. Her hand hovered over the light switch as she released a deep, calming breath. Okay, light–don’t freak out again.
In one quick motion, Evie flicked the switch on, bracing herself for the creepy light show. Instead, warm brightness spilled over the room, constant and full. She glanced at the mirror once more. No dark, creeping tresses. No deep, glaring eyes. The image of the woman was gone.
The darkness of the cool night draped a hazy cloak over the mansion on Twenty-third Street. Large, leafy trees seemed to shield the house from its distant neighbors, providing a more private atmosphere for the party. “How many people live in that place?” Evie asked, eyeing the massive home.
Kelly pulled down the visor and smoothed her hair. “Tons. It’s been a rental for like, ever. They let students share rooms even.” She replaced the visor. “And get this, Tawny’s roommate’s probably moving out, and I might take her place.”
“What?” Evie looked at Kelly. “Are you serious?”
Kelly smiled. “I totally filled out the paper work already.”
“When did this happen?” Evie pushed open her car door, an ugly sort of energy nudging at her insides. Why hadn’t Kelly told her? And since when was she so close to Tawny Clark?
Kelly looped arms with her as they stepped onto the sidewalk. “Just yesterday in class. Who knows if it’ll even go through. Or if my mom will ever agree to it.”
Evie nodded, relaxing just a bit. Her wild friend was always restless; this was just one of her whims. Still, an entirely different set of nerves kicked in as she scanned the cars lining the street, failing to see Calvin’s Jeep along the way. Hopefully he would show.
“Told you we came at the right time,” Kelly said. “Not too early, not too late.”
The chill in the air added to Evie’s nerves as they stepped along the path leading to the house. The pounding rhythm of a fast-paced beat rattled the windows, promising the perfect party vibe. A crowd of rowdy guys walked ahead, joking loudly and shoving one another. They held the front door open, appraising the two with loaded smiles. “Ladies,” one said as they walked through the door.
“Thanks,” Evie said. Kelly introduced herself as Evie eyed the giant foyer and adjacent rooms. Standing as a centerpiece in the kitchen, a row of tables held towers of red, plastic cups. Two liters, six packs, and tubs of ice stood close by.
“And this is my friend, Evie,” Kelly said, gaining her attention. The men shook her hand one by one, each stating their name in turn.
The tallest of the bunch motioned to a spacious dance floor just off the kitchen, before leading the way. “Let’s party!”
The high vaulted area looked just like a dance club–complete with a DJ, flashing lights, and mechanical fog.
“Do you see him?” Kelly asked.
Evie eyed the faces in the crowd, shook her head. “Not yet. It’s possible he won’t come,” she said, realizing the truth of it. “It’s not like he has my number. He couldn’t have called if his plans changed.”
“Glad you ladies made it,” Tawny said, putting her arms around both Evie and Kelly.
“Thanks for having us,” Evie said. “So how is it living in this amazing mansion?”
The tall brunette smiled. “Nice. It’d be even better if I wasn’t sharing it with over twenty roommates.” She nudged into Kelly. “Are you still serious about moving in here?”
“Very. Is she really moving out?” Kelly snagged her lip ring with her teeth.
Tawny grinned. “The outlook is promising.”
Evie had to fight back an eye roll. Kelly wasn’t dependable. But Tawny would figure that out soon enough.
“Oh, my boss wants to know if you’d be willing to work Saturdays,” Tawny said.
“Yeah. You guys close at like, eight o’clock, don’t you?”
Evie shot a glance at Kelly, who looked like a guilty child. “I put in an application at the Tarot House,” Kelly said. “I’ll need a job if I’m going to move out.”
Who the hell was this person? A small dart of pain pierced at Evie’s chest, but she forced a smile. “That place would be perfect for you,” she said. And though her best friend stood mere inches away, it felt as if there were oceans between them.
“Where do you work, Evie?” Tawny’s question was innocent enough, but Evie sensed an edge in her tone.
“I did some telemarketing over the summer, but I’m not working right now.”
“So how do you pay for anything? I know Kelly’s having a hard time.”
Evie didn’t like the challenge presented in the girl’s eyes. “I got a scholarship.” She shrugged. “My dad gave me the money he set aside for school. He said that as long as I keep my grades up, I won’t have to work my way through college.” The look on Tawny’s face made Evie feel like a criminal. She resisted the urge to elaborate. It was none of her business.
Tawny looked over her shoulder. “I’ve gotta help Mark. Uh, we’ve got some tables set out back in the gazebo for when you guys want to take a breather.”
“Sounds good. Thanks.” Kelly grabbed Evie’s hand and led her through the crowded dance area. Random bodies nudged and bumped against her as s
he followed Kelly through the crowd.
“Why didn’t you tell me about all that?” Evie asked.
Kelly shrugged. “I’m not even sure any of it’s gonna happen. I mean, Tawny brought the work application to school so I filled it out. Same thing with the tenant papers. I doubt either will go through.”
Hearing Kelly’s explanation made Evie relax a bit, but she still didn’t like the way Kelly had been so secretive. As they settled into a preferred spot on the dance floor, a new song kicked up–one of Evie’s favorites. She smiled and let the loud music lure her away from the unpleasant musings. The familiar smell of sweetly scented fog wafted through the air. She breathed it in, enjoying the moment. Even if Calvin didn’t show, she’d still have a good time.
Random men drifted in and out of their circle, some lingering a while. One in particular had his sights set on Kelly.
“This guy doesn’t take a hint,” Kelly said, speaking up to her ear. The clueless creature stood dancing behind her, paying no mind to her attempts to break free of him.
Evie tilted her head. “I know. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
The exasperated look on Kelly’s face told her she was tired of being polite. She turned to speak to him. “Dude, not to be rude, but I don’t want your crotch against my rear end anymore, got it?” Though Kelly had spoken into his ear, she’d yelled it, and Evie hadn’t missed a word.
With a dismissive shrug, their unwelcome guest shuffled away while she and Kelly broke into stifled laughter.
“Nicely done,” Evie said.
“Thank you.” Kelly put a hand on Evie’s shoulder. “Major hottie at two o’clock.”
Evie glanced to her right and noticed the handsome stranger approaching, his gaze set directly on her. His golden hair, recklessly loose, was complimented by his tanned complexion. He remained focused on her as he made his way through the crowd.
Evie made an effort to look elsewhere, pretending not to notice his intent. Calvin might show soon, and she didn’t want to tie herself down. Still, as the beautiful new guest scooted beside her, Evie gave him a smile and danced along with him.
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