by Aimee Laine
“See you tomorrow, man. Five sharp.” Wyatt yelled to Stuart’s back as he, too, retreated into the sunshine.
“Bye, Mira!” A student he didn’t recognize waved, and right behind her, another did the same. Both ignored Wyatt, not that he minded.
He hadn’t realized how many people had come to know and admire the girl he’d fallen in love with. The pep rally had been both a precursor to the weekend’s festivities as well as her unofficial goodbye party.
“Hey, Wyatt,” Julie said. She stood close, holding her backpack with both hands.
“Julie.” Since his ridicule of her gossip-mongering weeks before, she’d avoided him—as well as most of the senior class. She’d skipped study hall and committees, and she left whenever he arrived. “What’s up?” Wyatt played it smooth, pretended not to notice how her hands shook.
“See you at the dance tomorrow?”
In the four years he’d known her, he’d learned to ignore half of what she said and to give the other portion a wide berth.
“You will, yes.” Mira’s voice infused with sweetness. “Will you be attending, Julie?”
Julie nodded.
“Wyatt and I would be delighted to have you join us if you’d like.” Mira said it as if Julie were more than a mere acquaintance.
Wyatt forced himself not to jerk at the offer; he’d never have made the same.
Julie made ridiculous accusations about her, yet Mira let it slide as if she didn’t care. She treated Julie with the respect and kindness most would only offer a good friend. He squeezed tighter, wishing she could stay.
Julie smiled. “It’s okay. Brady’s taking me.” She shifted her weight, twisting her bag’s handle.
“Is there something you want to say?” Wyatt asked.
“Well … um … I just wanted to apologize.”
“There’s no need. It’s easy to get caught up in gossip.” Mira smiled.
Wyatt remained mute. Mira deserved a better apology. The way she forgave, so easily and without condition, warmed his heart and doubled the love he’d already professed.
“Thanks, Julie,” Wyatt said as she slipped away. He kissed the top of Mira’s forehead. “That was sweet of you.”
“You know? You should consider going out with her when I leave.”
Wyatt’s jaw dropped. Rather than risk an emotional outburst, he opted for his best weapon and laid his lips against hers.
“To quote Stuart: Get a room.” Mr. Miter stepped toward them.
“Oops.” Wyatt pulled himself to just within the school rule’s minimal required separation distance.
Mira leaned back in and giggled into his chest, covering her face with her hands. She hid what he expected would be the blush of the century.
“The school will be locked in fifteen minutes. Have you more to do before tomorrow’s festivities?” Mr. Miter asked.
“No, sir.”
“Great. Then I suggest you take Mira and head out.” Mr. Miter circled his hands forward as if to push them.
“Yes, sir.” As Wyatt turned to walk away, he leaned back toward Mira, stole another kiss for spite and whispered, “Let’s get outta here.”
• • •
Tucked in his metallic blue Celica, one hand on the wheel, he entwined his fingers with those he never wanted to let go.
His plan to tag along—to live in her life in New Zealand—would require he convince his Mom he’d come back. Otherwise, she’d tie him to a chair.
Wyatt shrugged. He’d be eighteen in two days. She wouldn’t have any say.
• • •
Blanketed in color, Charley’s room resembled the backstage of a fashion show. She and Lily had shopped at a dozen stores and bought an equal number of dresses—for each of them. Their purchases lay draped across every surface in multiple layers.
“Which one?” Charley let her hands fall into her lap as she and Lily sat among the many folds, rainbows and fluff.
“I still like the blue one.” Lily sighed, letting her head drop. “I don’t know, Charley.”
Purples and blues flew into the air and dropped like petals off a flower.
“Which one did you pick?” Charley hoped if Lily made a choice, she could do the same.
Lily rose, pivoted on her heel and pointed. “I’m going with the red one. There! I’ve chosen! I’m going red.” She marched to the dress. Two hands gripped the seams. She ran her fingers down the sides before she reached for the hanger, draped it over her head and turned to the full-length mirror. “This is it. I am so done.”
Uncertainty continued to reign for Charley. When it came to Wyatt, she seemed unable to think through the simplest of questions or make the easiest decisions. He knotted her, figuratively, from head to toe. At one point, she thought her stomach housed literal butterflies, and she still shivered every time he touched her—from a feather-light brush to the firmness of his hand on her arm.
She loved it, and yet she’d vowed to give it all up within twelve hours.
“Charley?” Lily’s fingers snapped.
Charley returned to the moment. “Sorry. Off in la-la land. Wha’dya say?”
“Which one?” Hands on hips, her most favorite mom-stance, Lily waited.
“Blue. I’ll go with blue.”
“Which blue?” Lily’s hair flew into the air with an overdramatic sigh and fell back against her face.
Charley blew out a breath. Why had they bought so many blue dresses? Why couldn’t she have chosen one and been done with it? “That one.” She pointed in the direction of a halter-top silk wrap which would take some work to get into.
“You would pick that one.” Lily waved her hands. “That’s the first one you tried on!”
“Sorry.” Charley hid the smile that snuck its way into her cheeks.
The dress had been the first, and while she’d thought it perfect, she’d wanted more of the treasure-hunt experience—like the search for a good book at a store. The effort played a part in the enjoyment.
“Okay. Hair, makeup!” Lily’s bark bit the air.
Charley jumped to her feet. “Yes, ma’am.” Her salute sent Lily into a fit of giggles.
They whirled into the bathroom together and stared into the expanse of mirror that showed off every detail of their faces.
Charley opted for natural curls, hair down. She let the tendrils hang as they’d cover her exposed back—open to her hips. Beauty radiated from eyes accentuated by the blues in her dress.
“Here are your contacts.” Lily passed them to her.
“Not tonight,” Charley said to her mirrored reflection.
Lily sucked in air in a gasp. “Charley, you can’t!” She bit her bottom lip. “What if you don’t get out in time? What if he sees? What if—”
“I don’t care.”
Lily turned on her. “But you said it wasn’t the right time!” Her voice ratcheted up a notch.
“I’m not going to change my mind, Lil. I’m not going to—I want my eyes to be free, to reflect me, who I am, what I feel, not who I pretend to be.” She tapped her chest. “He’s too young to commit to a relationship like I’ll need. I’m not going to put that on him. You guys were right from the get-go. It’s not the right time for us. Doesn’t mean I don’t want to enjoy it as me.”
“But—”
“No buts, Lil. I wore the contacts on the first day, hoping I wouldn’t need them afterward, and I haven’t. I can handle my emotions. I had a year to think about it, and I’ve been practicing for four weeks. I know what I’m doing.”
“But you’re in love with him! You don’t know what you’re saying. Love messes you up. You’ll cave and—and—” Lily ran from the bathroom.
Charley blew out a breath at her reflection. “You’re stupider than you look, Charley.”
“What’s going on?” Cael’s body blocked her exit. “I just saw Lily run off. Looks like she’s crying again.” He pointed down the hallway.
“Just a bit of girl worry.” Charley pushed past him, he
ading down the hall.
She found Lily right where she expected—in her own room, with walls painted a dusky lavender, accented with zebra stripes. Charley offered a quick rap of her knuckles on the wood. “Lil? Can I come in?”
“Why?” Lily swiped at her nose without benefit of a tissue.
Charley tiptoed to her bed. The mattress sank under their combined weight. Two hands on the duvet, legs crossed, she turned to Lily. “I know I messed up before Lil, but that was a year ago.” Charley shook her head. “The truth is, I’m not ready to be exclusively human, yet, and Wyatt isn’t ready for me. He’s got college to think about and a life to live and experience.”
Lily turned back toward her. “That’s just the practical side of you talking, Charley.”
“I know, but I’m sure, and I’ve put plans into place to make sure I can do it. You, James and Cael. You’ll help me, right?” Charley stared at the floor.
Lily snuck up on her, laid her cheek against Charley’s shoulder. “I’m sorry you can’t have him yet. Again.” The soft sigh registered within her breath.
“I’ve never loved a man like I do Wyatt, Lil. He’s young, though, and needs to grow.” She moved one hand over her heart. “This is the third time, so that’s it for me. Ties will be severed. My cover will hold. You know that as well as I do.” She paused a moment. “But, I’ll always love him.”
Lily took her hand, held it between her own. Her eyes, a magnificent, metallic purple—the effect of her emotional outburst—stared straight into Charley’s. “I’m sorry I got all girly on you. I just wasn’t prepared to lose you if you did decide he was ready.”
Charley patted her hand. “I know, Lil. You, James and Cael? You all need me, and Wyatt needs someone of his own. I still got time to find a match.” She rubbed again. “Enough of this moaning, let’s get on with it.”
Lily squeezed Charley’s shoulders. “Let’s do this thing!”
• • •
To give Wyatt and Stuart the full effect and ensure Charley and Lily had practice time with their four-inch heels, Charley sent James and Cael downstairs to await a grand entrance. The walk down, around and through the hall alone put a cramp in her calf.
“Wow.” Cael stood from his at-rest slouch on the couch.
“Holy sh—” James started before Charley waved him silent as he stood and ogled.
She’d been right to pick the silk wrap. Around her shoulders, the lightest of threads danced as layers crisscrossed her body, thick in key areas, lighter in others. With her unique ability, she increased her shape in a few places to fill out the dress and give the front V-cut its full due. A quick spin under James’s hand, and multiple layers rose, falling as she came to a stop.
“Can I just add that every other girl in the room is going to be envious?” James’s compliments would always be welcome.
Charley laughed. “Lily! Your turn!” she called over her shoulder.
Heels clicked on hardwoods, turning to a clear tap on the ceramic and ceasing all sound when Lily hit the carpet. Charley dropped James’s hand, clasped her own together at her mouth. She and Lily had agreed to surprise each other with the final package.
James’s whistle bounced off the walls, and Cael huffed, crossing his arms.
“Mmmm. Mmmm.” James offered Lily the same twirl.
Her dress hugged her hips, trailed the floor with sequins and beads that sparkled in all directions as light hit. Spaghetti straps adorned with clear rhinestone graced her pale shoulders. Her V-cut extended lower than Charley’s in front—nearly to her navel—and did the same in the back. Silk gloves of the same color ran the length of her arm to her elbow.
“Lil,” Charley started to tear. “You are gorgeous.”
Hands together, they added air kisses to each others’ cheeks and laughed at their royal gesture.
“You like it?” Lily’s hands extended as she made a full circle again on her own.
“Stunning.”
“Yeah, what she said.” Cael thumped James and stalked off up the stairs.
“What did I say?” Confusion ran through Lily’s blue eyes.
Charley smiled to the ceiling. “I think someone’s jealous.”
“Jealous of what?” Lily’s question came with clear innocence in her eyes.
James let out a snort before he grabbed Lily’s hand and pointed at her reflection in Cael’s sixty-inch baby. Even distorted, Lily glowed.
“Me?”
Both Charley and James nodded.
The chime and knock that followed took their attention. Lily spun around as fast as the tightness of her dress allowed. Charley turned to smile at a sober-faced James. She stepped toward him, snaked her arms around his waist as far as she could and hovered her head against his chest. His arms wrapped around her as he sighed.
“We’ll be okay if you change your mind.” His whisper hit her hair, but she understood with complete clarity.
Her eyes pricked with tears. She pulled back, waved a hand at her eyes—all of Lily’s work would be ruined if she let the tears fall. The kiss James added to the top of her head constricted her breath in her chest.
She sucked in deep, hitched air as she let it out. “I won’t.”
“Mira!” Lily giggled. “There are some guys in suits here! Oh my goodness, Stuart!”
“Better go see,” Charley said as James released her.
“Yup.”
She found Lily as she bounced, nervous and excited.
A traditional corsage in hand, Stuart brought it to Lily. She lifted her hand, and he slipped it onto her wrist. Charley couldn’t help the smile that escaped as Lily’s simple bend at the waist met resistance.
Wyatt crossed the threshold a moment later. Charley’s breath quickened. Like Stuart, he’d opted for less traditional formal wear. His tux, a black that shimmered, opened at his waist to reveal a simple vest in a color Charley could only call Swiss chocolate. He’d left the top button undone and added no tie. More casual than she’d have thought, his suit held an elegant simplicity.
His eyes remained fixed on hers, his lips twitched as he made his approach. A simple red rose and a solid black box rested in one hand.
“You … are amazing,” he said.
She spun to give him the full effect. “You like?”
He closed the distance like a lion to its prey and crushed his lips against hers. The rose and box slipped behind her as he pulled her in, bending her backward into his body. Their lips merged, as they had countless times, like magnets drawn together by sheer force of attraction.
“I guess you do,” she said when he released her lips but not his hold.
“I do.”
Charley would have sworn he meant more than he should have.
Wyatt pulled her upright again and brought the rose to her nose. Charley breathed in the delicate scent—one she’d forever associate with the start of their night.
“Thank you.” She twirled it between her fingers as Wyatt opened the box he’d held.
He lifted the lid, eased back on a hidden hinge.
That’s not from Sears.
An aquamarine stone sat in between two smaller amethysts. The trio hung from a silver chain that sparkled like the moon on a cloudless night.
She took a deep breath, hands over her lips. In more than two hundred years, Charley had never been given a gift like it.
“Wow.” James whistled over her shoulder. His “oof” reached her hair as she elbowed him in one quick move.
“You like?” Wyatt mimicked her.
“I do.” She reached for the necklace.
Wyatt held the box wide as she lifted it and let it fall into the palm of her opposite hand.
“May I?”
Charley nodded as he took it from her. She turned her back to him as his hands came down like a curtain—the necklace glittered with the room’s light. Her hair tickled as Wyatt moved it to one side, clasped the necklace and let her hair fall back into place.
James whistled again—fro
m farther away.
“Shall we?” Wyatt extended one arm toward Charley.
She draped hers over his. “Absolutely.”
6
Charley’s fingers found her pendant whenever her hand fell free from Wyatt’s. She’d see the sparkle as it reflected in a window, on her plate or in her glass. The need to reach out and touch it prevailed over every other desire. Cool against her naked skin, it lay as if glued. Only when she leaned too far forward would it dangle free before it returned to its exact spot when she straightened. Each glance from Wyatt chipped away at her resolve, her strength to let him go.
She could love him, provide for him, and still push him through the experiences of life. James had all but given his blessing. Cael would be pissed, but she always came back to the promise she made to Lily.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Wyatt’s hand caressed hers.
“That’s an old saying,” she said through her smile, tilting and righted her head. “Just remembering.”
“Night’s young. We got loads of time to make stuff to remember.” Wyatt stroked her back.
Charley leaned into him, laid her lips upon his, moved her hand behind his head and pulled him closer.
“Dude. You got company here.” Stuart’s voice carried through the wide expanse of the leather and lights in the limo.
Charley ignored him.
“Ahem!” Lily coughed into her hand.
Charley drifted from Wyatt, turned toward Lily and Stuart and graced them with an extended tongue. “Spoil sports.”
As their limo slowed, her heart raced. So little time.
Due to kick off the event, they arrived before the other students, and their entry rivaled the Oscars’ red carpet. Flashes of light popped as Wyatt exited the limo, and they continued as she stepped from within. Students who weren’t invited had lined the make-shift runway—cameras in hand.
“Oh my, there are a lot of kids here.” Lily leaned toward Charley’s ear after Stuart helped her to her feet. The dress pulled tight as she maneuvered out the door.
Wyatt held himself and Charley still for a moment and let the underclassmen get their assignments completed before he nodded and motioned the group forward. Cat-calls, whistles and screams of ‘Go Wyatt!’ followed.