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There were no distractions in the dark.
No Patrick.
Only me.
The door creaked. I must have left it open a crack. Tiny feet skittered across the floor and a sleek body jumped on the bed. Amelia’s cat curled up against me. I petted her silky fur. Petal wasn’t fazed by the dark.
“I’m trying to be alone right now,” I told her. She purred like a motor coming to life.
Dance music erupted —my phone, jangling from the desk drawer. Habit took over and I leapt off the bed. Petal rumbled in protest.
“I’ll make it quick,” I promised.
My fingers were too eager, fumbling the drawer open in the dark. My heart beat too fast, hoping it was Patrick calling. That I’d summoned him by turning out the lights.
“Hello?” My whisper was hoarse. I’d grabbed my phone without looking at the screen.
“Christina?” said my sister’s startled voice. “Is that you?”
“Oh, hey.” I made my way back to the bed.
“Phew.” Alexis laughed in relief. “You didn’t sound like yourself. What are you up to, girl?”
“Just sitting alone in the dark.”
“Honey?” Now there was definite concern in her tone. “Is everything okay?”
I sighed and switched on the light. My room looked different, sharper. Petal narrowed her yellow eyes at me and shook herself.
“Everything’s fine. I’m gearing up for homework. Then I’m meeting the girls for some pregaming and serious partying, and I’ll probably end up rescuing Sydney from a situation and taking her home.”
“Okay, it really is you.” She laughed again. “I was wondering if I got the wrong number.”
“My friends are so happy for you.” I toyed with my necklace, feeling Patrick’s fingers playing over my throat. “I’m gonna make you an epic bachelorette party.”
“Oh, they’re so sweet. And I trust you completely, honey. Honestly, the planning has been a dream. I can’t believe how smoothly it’s going. And Daniel? He’s incredible, Christina. He thinks of every little thing, even though we’re both so busy with school. I’m the luckiest girl in the world.”
This was the part where I should agree with her. I said nothing. I ran my finger along the chain of my necklace, around the gold heart.
“I’m sorry, baby,” she said remorsefully. “I’m going on like this when you deserve the same. Daniel’s cousin…”
“I don’t want him, Alexis.”
“I know he’s not Dexter, but give him a chance. He’s the sweetest guy.”
“I don’t want Dexter either.”
She sighed. “I understand. Sometimes a girl needs time to herself.”
God, her voice was so reassuring. Like there was nothing Alexis couldn’t get, nothing she wouldn’t understand. But she would never understand about Patrick. She would never understand my shaking excitement as that deep voice murmured filthy insults.
She would never understand the bills in my purse.
“We aresooverdue for some sister bonding time,” Alexis went on. “What about next weekend? I’m thinking we can meet up at home and go wedding dress shopping. Please say yes. I don’t want to do it without you.”
“Count me in,” I said automatically. “I’ll be there.”
“Perfect. We’ll go out on Friday night, catch up, and hit the stores on Saturday.”
