Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 103754 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 519(@200wpm)___ 415(@250wpm)___ 346(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103754 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 519(@200wpm)___ 415(@250wpm)___ 346(@300wpm)
“They’ll never know I’m missing.”
“Impossible.” I grin, though it’s more for show. I’m not sure what it is about her I find so damn captivating, but I’d be willing to bet that she wasn’t entirely wrong when she said she was my girl. Seems to be leading in that direction if she has her way. And I selfishly have mine. “There’s no ignoring the moon in a universe of darkness.” And there I go safety-pinning my heart on my sleeve like I don’t bleed easily. “But it’s also too cold to be hanging around out here. You need to go inside and warm up, and I need to get back to work.”
I may not have said the words she wanted to hear, but rejection doesn’t reach her eyes. A small smile does. She rubs her arms once more, then takes a few steps toward the gate. Her eyes stay on mine when she stops and says, “It was nice meeting you, Poet.”
“Same.” I wish I had better words before she returns to her world, and I remain in mine. “Happy birthday, Sosie.”
Her smile brightens my world more than any motion-detecting light ever could. “Thanks.” She rushes toward the house without hesitation this time, no lingering goodbyes or promises to keep in touch.
We don’t need it.
We both know this isn’t how we end.
But there is no middle ground when it comes to girls like her. She has the world at her feet while I’m trying to climb out from beneath them. We’ll get to know each other. There’s no harm in that. What’s the worst thing that could happen? She’s either going to be the best thing that ever happened to me or my downfall. But half the fun is finding out.
CHAPTER 3
SOSIE STANSBURY
The party wasn’t really for me, but duty called, digging its claws into me as I watched the party from outside through the windows. With no other choice, I made an appearance as required, keeping my end of the bargain as my parents had for the past four months.
It’s all for everyone else, just a dog and pony show I was expected to perform like I hadn’t been threatened to be there. But I played my part to perfection, even garnering a “well done” and a kiss to the top of my head from my dad. My mom beamed like I was being crowned Miss Texas, like she once was.
Pursuing my dreams was exchanged for doing as they wished if I failed. I failed. I returned home to shame, I told you so, and an itinerary for the week, including this party. I agreed to parade around like the good girl they require to keep their reputation intact. I’ll be admired and then forced back into a box I foolishly thought I had escaped, with no exits or other options.
I push my head above water before I drown in my own life. If I’m not careful, the riptide could pull me under at any moment. The wee hours are always the worst. My brain kicks into overdrive every night to put a better plan in place. I just need more time to figure that out before leaving for good next time.
At least I was rewarded with a necklace, even though they bought me the same one last year, and a credit card with a higher spending limit. I should be grateful, but if I were given the choice, I would have picked my parents over anything superficial. They can’t say the same and prove it every year without fail.
I fasten the diamond tennis necklace around my neck, then toss the red velvet box on the bed when I pass it on my trek to the window. When I peek out, yesterday’s snow is now slush, shoved off the curb to melt. No guests linger on the sidewalk waiting for their cars or for a ride. I breathe easier knowing the house is empty again, or will be soon enough, and I’ll be able to get back to normal, which the holidays interrupt.
The crews hired to work the party continue to fill the space out front, and I find myself staying here a minute longer in hopes of catching a glimpse of a certain someone. Keats is cute with his natural good looks—strong jaw, straight nose, and sharper chin. I could get lost in his eyes, and I want to run my fingers through his hair even though I can tell he doesn’t give a damn about it. And every time I look into his eyes, I just know he’ll keep all my secrets. There’s a reassurance built into the warmth of his browns, which tends lighter toward the caramel center rings. I shouldn’t hype him too much, but I just got that vibe from him.
Tucking myself behind the heavy pink drapery, I peek out, searching the small crowd gathered around the back of the truck and loading an SUV parked next to it. He might have already gone home. I haven’t seen him in the past few hours. Of course, I wouldn’t have since I got my piece of cake, a bottle of champagne, and came upstairs to celebrate with someone who actually cares. Myself.