by Luna Pierce
Remi lightly smacks her arm. “She doesn’t ask you about your sex life.”
Which is funny, because Remi totally asked me the same thing not too long ago.
I hadn’t really thought about it honestly. Most of my experiences have been one on one, and being that sex is so new to me in general, I hadn’t fully thought of the possibilities, especially now that I have multiple partners.
“If I’m being honest, I think it’s great,” Kyra continues. “Not the sex part. I’m sure that’s nice on its own… but I mean your relationship dynamic with them in general. You all seem to get along really well. They treat you right. Like, better than right. I don’t see a damn thing wrong with that. If anything, more power to ya, girl.”
“As long as they’re good with it and you are, I think it’s great, too.” Lillian rubs my arm. “Whatever makes you happy.”
Not that I need approval from my friends, but it sure is nice to hear what they think about it all. The whole experience is foreign to me—dating in general—so to start off into it with four unbelievably wonderful guys is uncharted territory.
Things aren’t really picture-perfect for me anyway, so why should I have assumed my romantic life would be either?
“Enough about me? What’s going on with y’all?” I shift to Lillian. “Things with you and Ethan getting serious?”
She blushes.
“Did you hear what Ethan did?” Kyra draws out the words dramatically.
“No.” I glance between them. “Is it bad?”
“He wrote…” Kyra looks to Lillian. “Sorry, it’s your story to tell.”
“He had Cameron bake me my favorite cupcake, red velvet with buttercream frosting, and had him write Will you be my girlfriend? on it.”
“No way. That is officially the sweetest thing ever.”
“Quite literally, right?” Remi adds.
Leave it to Cam to help plan something so romantic.
“I’m really glad things are going well for you two.” I cling on to Lillian tightly, so relieved that my friend is coming back to me. I had thought I’d lost her forever the second I betrayed her and the girls and up and left them the way I did. I understand that I have a way to go before they trust me again, but to be given the chance is more than I deserve.
Remi leads us into another shop, this one a thrift store. She heads straight to the dress section and does a quick once-over through the selection.
“Nope.” She turns on her heel. “Next.”
“Really? That quick?” Kyra finally catches up to her. “What about this one?” She pulls a turquoise sparkly thing out and holds it up. “You’d look amazing in this.”
Remi crinkles her nose. “Not my color.”
“How? You legit have a blouse this shade.” Kyra shoots out her arm to stop Remi from walking by. “What is going on with you?”
“Nothing. You know I’m picky.” Remi’s gaze averts to the floor nervously.
“Whatever.” Kyra lowers her hand. “You’re running out of options, though. Beggars can’t be choosers.”
Remi doesn’t answer, just goes the rest of the way through the store and out the door, on to the next shop.
My chances of finding something I like continue to dwindle. Not that it’s a big deal, I should focus on other things than going to a silly dance.
The next shop is much smaller and smells of cedar and rosemary.
A kind-faced older woman greets us. “Can I help you ladies find anything?”
“Could you point us toward your formal attire section?” Lillian smiles at her.
“Why, sure. It’s right over there. My name is Ruth if you need anything.” Ruth points toward the back of the store with her feeble wrinkly finger.
The girls and I make our way in that direction.
Kyra pauses to ask, “What about shoes, ma’am?”
Ruth rotates her still lingering hand to the other side of the store. “Over there.”
Lillian and Kyra go that way, and Remi and I the other.
A couple feet away, Remi stops, clutches her chest, and gasps.
Panic courses through me in a flash. “Are you okay?”
Her eyes go wide. “There it is.”
“What? What’s wrong?” I frantically shift my focus from her, to around the store, back to her.
Silently, she walks forward, reaching her hands out to caress the hanging black fabric.
“Did you really give me a heart attack over a freaking dress?” I let out a breath.
“I’m sorry, but isn’t it perfect?”
She takes it off the top rack, eyeing it with such scrutiny.
I adore the modest long sleeves and simplicity.
It really is gorgeous, but it seems much more my style than hers with its solid black design. Although it’s much shorter than I’d typically wear.
“I don’t even need to try it on.” She brings it to her and hugs it tightly.
It’s then that I see the two shades of purple tulle poking out from of the sort of scalloped and flared-out bottom. Two colors that match effortlessly with Kyra’s dress.
This whole time I thought Remi was being a pain in the ass, but really, she’s been trying to find an outfit that matched with Kyra’s. My heart nearly sings at how freaking adorable this gesture is.
I glance behind me and lower my voice. “When are you going to make your move already?”
Remi looks away bashfully. “It’s only a dress.”
“It’s so much more than that, and you know it.”
“I’m not sure if she’s into girls.” Remi’s gaze wanders to where Kyra stands and examines a rack of sunglasses.
“I think it’s safe to say she’s into you, and that’s all that matters.”
Remi’s eyes brighten. “You think so?”
“Yeah, absolutely. She’s the one who is turning down boys to go to the dance with you.”
“I thought it was a friends thing.” Remi doesn’t take her gaze off Kyra.
“Listen, Rem, I have more dates than I can handle. Lillian is going with Ethan. Which leaves you and Kyra. You may assume it’s a friend date, but until one of you makes a move, neither one of you will see for sure how the other one feels.”
Is this how oblivious I was about my guys liking me?
At first, I thought they were all being nice to me for no real reason, but in reality, we all shared a deeper connection that pulled us all together.
Kyra and Remi are constantly exchanging glances, and not how me and Lillian do, but with googly eyes the way lovers do. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see they have massive chemistry.
Now, if only they would realize it themselves.
Chapter Seventeen
We arrive at the last store and go through the entire selection, coming up empty-handed once again.
“What about this one?” Lillian holds up a shiny reddish thing.
“Too vibrant.”
“How about this?” Kyra points to a metallic gold dress.
“Too short.”
“I’m telling you, Wills. You have to go try on the one from the first store. The light-pink strappy gown.” Remi leans against the wall, her garment bag tucked under her arm.
“Even if I did like it, it’s expensive.” I flip through a few hangers to see if anything else catches my attention. “So, it’s a no.”
“I can be quite persuasive.” Kyra steps in front of me. “If it’s the dress, I will barter the shit out of it until you can afford it.”
“Who knows, there might be a sale going on that we missed. It’s worth checking out, Will. Please, try it on for me.” Remi presses her hands together and bats her eyelashes.
“Fine. But don’t be mad if it doesn’t work out. We have to get back soon,” I add.
Remi jumps up and down and squeals. “Sorry, I’m excited. Totally thought you were going to be a hardass about this.”
I nudge her. “Don’t make me change my mind.”
Of course, I want to see how
it looks on. If it weren’t for that price tag, I would have already. I just don’t want to be let down by falling more in love but not being able to have it because of the cost.
“Come on.” Remi weaves her fingers around mine and nearly drags me out of the store.
A few giddy moments later, we walk into that familiar store and head straight to where we were not too long ago.
Remi releases my hand and frantically shoves clothes to the side. “Where is it?”
“It was right there.” I point to the exact spot it last hung.
“It’s fucking gone.”
“Miss,” Remi calls out to the worker. “Can you tell me where the pink sparkly dress that was here earlier went?”
The tall teenage girl pulls out a notebook, flipping through a few recent pages. “It sold about a half-hour ago.”
“It sold? You can’t be serious. Do you know who bought it?”
The girl sighs and checks the paper. “Nope, paid with cash.”
“You’re telling me you didn’t see the person who bought it?”
“Listen, lady, I got here five minutes ago.” She blows a bubble in her chewing gum. “Can I help you find something else?”
Remi furiously shakes her head. “Uh, Willow, I’m so sorry. I dragged you all the way here for nothing.”
“It’s fine.” I fake a smile. “I told you, totally out of my comfort zone. And anyway, I’ll see if Sydney will run me to my house tomorrow to rummage through my mom’s stuff.”
My mom. She would have loved to tag along on this shopping trip and try on dresses with us and be silly and drink copious cups of tea from the little coffee shop on the corner where I used to work part-time.
A pang of guilt flashes through me. I shouldn’t be here. I should be studying, researching my curse, doing everything I can to locate my mom and bring her back safely. Not playing pretend and browsing for an evening gown.
“Ruby,” Kyra calls out. “You made it.”
I turn to Ruby walking through the narrow and crowded path to us. Overstuffed racks of used clothes billow out into the aisle.
She gets caught on a hanger and takes a second to dislodge it from her shirt before continuing on. “Sorry, I’m late.”
“No worries. We were getting ready to leave but we can hang around.” Remi repositions the bag in her arms.
“Seems like you had some luck,” Ruby confirms.
“All of us except Willow. She hasn’t found anything yet. There was this stunning dress, but someone scooped it up while we were at another store.”
“That’s a bummer.” Ruby gives me a sympathetic glance. “Don’t let me hold you up, though, if you were going to head out.”
I speak up. “I’m going to grab some fresh air. You girls find something for Ruby.”
I go to leave, and Lillian chimes in.
“I’ll go with you.” She latches on to my arm.
“Okay, we’ll find you.” Kyra immediately shifts to Ruby. “So what color are you thinking?”
“Thanks, Lills,” I say on our way out the door. “You want to get coffee?” I point to the end of the street.
“Sure.”
The crisp autumn breeze flows through the open area, blowing a trail of leaves in its wake. The sun casts a golden hue on the horizon on its way down. A child throws a tantrum in the backseat of a slowly passing car.
I hope Deghan is enjoying tonight’s sunset.
We walk along the wide sidewalk. One that was built a long, long time ago when brick and mortar stores were the up-and-coming new fad. Now, online shopping has killed nearly all of these mom-and-pop businesses.
In Harper County, though, shopping here has been engrained in the DNA of residents, so everyone puts their best foot forward to keep money flowing into what is left of the local economy.
I open the squeaky door to our destination, and the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans assaults us instantly.
“Willow,” an old voice greets me.
“Mr. Price, how are you?” I beam at the old man.
He clears the phlegm from his throat and then speaks. “I’m just swell. Oh, it’s such a pleasure to see your beautiful face. How’s your mother?”
I avert my gaze, biting my lip to hold back the emotions flooding in.
I should have anticipated this type of questioning, but all I had on my mind was getting the hell away from those dresses and securing a fresh cup of joe.
“She’s good,” I force the lie. How has word not already gotten around town that she’s missing? So much for the sheriff’s department being of any help. Mr. Price is rather old, though. It’s possible if someone told him that he’s already forgotten.
“That’s wonderful to hear.” He shoots Lillian a look. “Who’s your friend?”
“This is my friend, Lillian. Lillian, Mr. Price, the owner of Harper Café.”
“Nice to meet you,” Lillian says shyly.
“Pleasure is all mine.” He smiles, but not in a weird creepy old man way, in an I haven’t seen a new face in a while kind of way.
Mr. Price was always well-respected and generous in our town. One of the longest-standing business owners.
“I’m tickled to death that Danny is back in town. He picks up his chai latte nearly every morning.” He clutches his cane firmly in his hand and points toward the counter. “Help yourself, child. I’m sure you need your fix.”
Thankfully, he’s not one to pry. “Thank you, Mr. Price.”
“Mmhm,” he groans. “You’re on to bigger and better things now, Miss Oliver, but if you ever need a job, our door is always open.”
“I appreciate that.” I lift the little wooden gate to go to the work area. I scan the way whoever is working here now has arranged things. It’s a little disorganized and massively inefficient, but who am I to judge?
“What do you want, Lills? Are you into regular coffee or do you want a latte?”
“Dark roast works for me.” She climbs onto a stool on the other side.
I push the lever and fill her cup with the steaming java. “Here you go.” I point to the small table a few feet away. “Milk and sugar and all that is over there.”
“I’m good. Thank you.” She holds the mug in between her hands, blowing on the piping drink.
“Do you want an ice cube?” I scoop up a few and plop them into my own cup.
“Sure, yeah.”
A mid-twenties man comes out from the supply room, pushing the door open with his back, a case of syrup bottles in his arms. He turns and practically jumps. “Jesus, you scared me.”
I step back to give him space. “I’m sorry. Mr. Price said I could help myself. I’m Willow.” I hold out my hand, only realizing too late how dumb that is, considering he’s preoccupied.
He hurriedly sets it on the counter and extends his palm. “Jackson.”
Our skin meets, and there is a slight simmer of energy that flows from him and into me. He’s definitely not human.
Do other people notice that, too, or is it only me?
I study his figure. Most of the vampires I’ve encountered are rigid and have hardcore textbook posture, and he’s kind of a slouch. Witches usually give off more energy than he did. So, if I’m not mistaken, he could be a werewolf. Despite his sagging stance, his shoulders are wide, and he’s solidly built, strong. His brownish hair brings out his chocolatey eyes.
“I used to work here.” I make my way to the customer side of the counter, pulling my drink to the seat next to Lills. “This is Lillian.”
She gives her typical Lillian wary smile.
He nods her way.
“We have to go, right?” I glance at my wrist, despite not wearing a watch. God, I’m an idiot. “We’ll take these to-go.” I stand on the bottom rung of the stool to reach over the counter and secure two paper cups.
“We can…” Lillian starts.
I cut her off. “We have to meet the girls, remember. It’s getting late.”
“Uh, yeah. Okay.” She gradually p
icks up on what I’m putting down.
“Nice to meet you, Jackson.” I clutch Lillian’s arm and all but drag her from the shop, waving goodbye to Mr. Price on the way out. “Thanks again.”
Once outside, Lillian says, “What was that all about?”
“Something was off about him. Can’t quite put my finger on it.” I peek over my shoulder to find Jackson peering out the front window at us. I hastily look away.
“Only thing I saw was him checking you out. You’re a total babe magnet, Willow. He was super-hot.” She takes a drink of her coffee.
We walk up at the same moment the rest of the girls are exiting the store we left them in.
Ruby rearranges the large garment bag in her arms.
At least everyone else found the dress they wanted.
Maybe I really should see if Sydney could run me to my mom’s house at some point? I’m sure whatever is in her closet isn’t nearly as fashionable as what the girls found, but it’s better than nothing at all.
Chapter Eighteen
A wave of comfort caresses me the moment we cross over onto the school grounds.
Granted I haven’t attended here long, it’s become a home to me, and I long to be here when I’m away. It’s where some of the scariest and best moments of my life have happened. It’s where I found out I was a witch, where I met Silas, Deghan, Cameron, and Sydney. Where I met the girls. Where I’ve cried and grown and evolved into an entirely new person, constantly shedding my skin to make way for a newer and better version of myself.
I came to Harper Academy expecting to have a normal college experience, but what I’ve been handed is so much more, and honestly, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Well, sans the curses and all.
But all things considered, how terrible the curses have been, each one of them has taught me something new. I’ve matured from them, I’ve overcome barriers I didn’t know existed, let alone thought I was capable of.
The darkness has allowed me to appreciate the light.
And without those gloomy trials, I wouldn’t fully understand how lucky I am to experience the good parts of my life.
Things are tough, and although sometimes I’m not sure how I’ll make it through another day, I continue to persevere and prove to myself that I’m worthy of the Oliver name.