Bridges Burned (Going Down in Flames #2)(18)

Bryn pointed at the girl’s index finger, which was painted a dark plum. “I like that one.”

The girl rushed off and shoved her hands in front of someone else. In the buffet line, a redheaded female touched Bryn’s red, blond, and black striped hair. “Did you do this yourself?”

Time to lie. “No.” She piled ravioli on her plate. “I had it done at a salon.”

“I don’t have time to go to a salon,” the girl said. “You’re no help at all.”

“Sorry.” Had everyone gone psycho? It’s not like the girls’ dates hadn’t seen them day in and day out all semester.

After picking two types of pie, Bryn wound her way to their regular table where Clint and Ivy were already sitting. “Have strangers been asking your opinions on their hair and nail polish?”

Ivy nodded. “They need more confidence in their appearance.”

Bryn pointed at Ivy’s short black hair, which stuck out in all directions. “Not everyone can pull off your hairstyle.”

“True.” Ivy reached up and ruffled her hair, making it look wilder. “Yesterday in history class two Blue females were debating how to wear their hair. I said they should wear it the way they normally do. You would’ve thought I suggested they run naked across campus.”

Zavien pulled out the chair next to Bryn and joined them. “Who’s running naked across campus?”

“Bryn is,” Clint responded with a serious face.

Zavien looked at her with raised eyebrows.

“What? I thought you’d be okay with it since it’s a political protest against the Directorate.”

Clint and Ivy laughed.

“Funny. Very funny.” Zavien shook his head.

Bryn gave a dramatic sigh. “I suppose I’ll have to settle for attending the dance with a man in a black bow tie.”

“They have copper ties at the dress shop,” Ivy said.

“Don’t go there,” Bryn said. “Getting him to agree to take me was hard enough. He can wear a zebra-striped tie if he wants.”

“Why don’t we meet at Bryn’s room before the dance?” Zavien said.

“Works for me.” The ravioli on Bryn’s fork fell and landed on her blouse.

“Maybe you shouldn’t eat at the dance,” Zavien said.





Chapter Eight


Zavien was due to meet her in ten minutes. Bryn examined her reflection in the full-length mirror. Her dress rocked. The copper material skimmed across her curves in front and dipped below her waist in back.

Knock knock. Her heart fluttered as she darted into the living room and opened the door.

What. The. Hell?

Bryn blinked. The picture in front of her didn’t change. Clint tugged at his bow tie while Ivy bit her lip. Both of her friends seemed nervous. The reason for their discomfort was obvious.

Zavien stood there wearing a classic black tuxedo. He could’ve been the poster boy for “how to look hot in a tux.” The only item out of place was his pink bow tie. A pink bow tie in the exact same shade as Nola’s dress. The dress Nola was wearing as she stood next to him.

What was Nola doing here? Why did Zavien bring her on their date? The matching bow tie couldn’t mean Nola was his date. Zavien wouldn’t do that to her.

Nola reached for Zavien’s hand and smiled at Bryn. “Are we early?”

Afraid of what might come out of her mouth, Bryn shook her head no, and stepped aside to allow the two couples to enter.

No need to panic. There could be a rational reason why he’d brought Nola along. Right, and the Easter Bunny is real.

Fire roared in her chest. With effort, she tamped it down. Zavien deserved a chance to explain before she blasted him into a charcoal briquette.

“Bryn, can you cut the tag out of my dress?” Ivy asked. “It’s bothering me.”

“Sure.” She followed Ivy into the bedroom and closed the door.

“Sorry. I would’ve called to warn you, but there wasn’t time.” Ivy spoke rapid-fire.

“Why would he bring her? He said he was taking me.” Smoke shot from Bryn’s nostrils.

“What were his exact words?”

“He said we’d go as a group with you and Clint. He never mentioned Nola.”

“Odd wording.” Ivy frowned. “I wonder if he planned it this way all along.”

“If he did, he’s dead.” Bryn stalked back into the living room.

Clint’s eyes lit up when Ivy entered the room. Zavien didn’t bother to look up from the conversation he was having with Nola.

“Zavien, can I speak to you?”

He gave her a casual smile. “Let’s talk on the way. I don’t want to be late.”

Too damn bad. “I’m sorry. This can’t wait.”

Nola patted Zavien’s knee. “We have time.”

Bryn headed back to the bedroom with Zavien in tow. She slammed the door and then spoke through clenched teeth. “What’s going on?”

“I told you we’d go as a group.”

A volcano erupted in her stomach. Sparks shot from her nostrils. “You tricked me.”

“I misled you.” His tone bordered on condescending. “If I’d suggested you attend with Nola and me, you would’ve said no.”