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“Sure.”
She gets to work on my nails, filing and buffering. “So you just turned eighteen?”
“I did.”
“How exciting. Any big plans to celebrate?”
“Not really.”
“I don’t believe that for a second.” Shelbie leans in and lowers her voice. “A pretty thing like you must have a line of guys all vying for her attention.”
“No line, sorry.”
Her eyes flick to where Mom is chatting away to her beautician. She’s so at ease here, as if she’s always belonged in a place like this. The thought stings.
“Your secret’s safe with me,” she whispers, a conspiratorial edge to her words.
“Hmm, okay, thanks,” I say, because it’s easier than correcting her.
“Oh to be young again, when everything is perkier and tighter, if you know what I’m saying.” Shelbie winks at me.
By the time I’m done, my nails are a glossy black at the base that bleeds into a deep red ombré at the tip. It’s the perfect shade to match my mood.
“Right, if you swing your chair around and pop your feet up on that step, I’ll be right with you. The chair reclines, so feel free to sit back and relax.”
I do as she suggests, it gives me a reason to close my eyes and avoid any more small talk. But the second everything goes dark, I see him.
Ace.
His icy, soulless eyes staring back at me.
I blink away the fresh tears, staring up at the ceiling while Shelbie sets to work. Off in the distance, the doorbell chimes and voices fill the studio.
/> “Hey, check it out.” I notice Lylah Donovan’s dulcet tone and stiffen.
“Girls,” Mom says. “I didn’t know you’d be here.”
“Hi, Ms Tanner,” Michaela says, and I can’t resist peeking over. Sure enough, Michaela, Lylah and a couple of their other cheer friends stand there, wearing their fake smiles and designer clothes.
“Michaela, it’s nice to see you again.”
“Ugh,” I groan, sinking back into the plush velvet chair.
“Problem, sweetie?” Shelbie asks, but before I can answer, I feel someone approach.
“I didn’t realize they let trash in this place.” I open my eyes to find Michaela glaring at me. She keeps her voice low enough so no one but me and Shelbie can hear her. “Someone really should speak to the manager about that.”
Shelbie keeps quiet as she continues moisturizing my feet.
“Leave it out, Michaela,” I release a heavy sigh. “I’m not in the mood.”
“I guess you wouldn’t be after Ace finally saw sense and dropped you.”
“What did you say?” My hands curl around the arm of the chair, digging into the soft silky material.
“You heard me. I’m hardly surprised though. Why have hamburger when you can have steak?”
I vibrate with anger, but it’s nothing compared to the pain coiled around my heart.
