Don't Look Back(80)

Twisting to the side, the material moved against my bare skin like satin. The hem swooshed around my ankles and the back dipped low ... as did the front. Standing on the tips of my toes, I imagined the look on Carson’s face.

My cheeks flushed.

“Let me see!” Jules banged on the door.

Opening the door, I stepped out and turned around. “What do you think?”

“Wow,” Julie breathed, fixing the material on my shoulder. “It looks great. And it really shows off the girls.”

Boy did it ever. “Too much?”

“Not at all.” She peered over my shoulder. “I can’t see anything looking down. Your date will probably be disappointed, but it definitely draws the eyes.”

I laughed, doubting Carson would be too disappointed. What would he say? Something ridiculously sexy, I was sure. And would he finally kiss me? God, I hoped so.

“You should wear your hair up.” Julie scooped up the long strands, twisting the mess off my shoulders. “Shows off your neck.”

Sold on the dress, I quickly changed and checked out with Julie. I thought the dress was a little pricey, but I believed Dad would be pleasantly surprised that I didn’t break the bank.

We placed our dresses in the car and then headed to a diner down the street. As we waited for our meals, Julie chatted about her summer plans and how Scott was taking her skydiving after graduation. It would be a first for both of them. Apparently I’d done it already, but I didn’t remember. Julie invited me, and the old spark of interest was fueled once more.

Near the end of our lunch date, Julie sat back and folded her arms. “So, you’re really going to prom with Carson?”

I finished off the rest of my cheeseburger, nodding. “Why is that so shocking?”

She gave me a duh look. “Do you like him or are you just going with him because you don’t want Del anymore.”

Part of me was irritated by her question, but I kind of understood what she was getting at. My attraction to Carson was a shock. I was the only one not surprised by it. “I like him, Julie. I really, really like him. And I can’t figure out why I didn’t see it before.”

“I can give you a few good ideas,” she offered cheerfully.

“I’ll pass.” I sat back, grinning. “But seriously, I think he’s freaking perfect.”

Julie laughed as she propped her elbows on the table. “You really do like him! Look at your cheeks. They’re red with love!”

“Shut up.” I tossed my balled-up napkin at her.

She smiled. “I think it’s great, though. Don’t tell your brother I said this, but Carson’s hot. He’s got that whole Latin-lover thing going for him.”

“Oh, jeez.” Placing my hands against my red cheeks, I giggled.

“Seriously, though? Carson really is a great guy. That boy’s a keeper.” She sat back, grabbing the check. “And there’s another benefit of going with him.”

My mind went straight into X-rated territory. “Details?”

Mischief filled her eyes as she tilted her head to the side, sending long, straight blond strands over her shoulder. “The expression on your parents’ faces when you break the news.”

A sound rose from my throat, equal parts laugh and groan. “Mom’s going to—”

“Flip the hell out,” Julie finished for me. Sympathy crossed her face when she saw my look. “Don’t worry. She’ll get over it. Eventually. It only took, like, a year for her to warm up to me.”

“That’s really reassuring.” I slapped the credit card down on the table. “But you know what? I really don’t care. Carson’s . . . he’s worth them stroking out.”

“Just—”

A slight shadow fell over our table. I turned, and my smile froze on my face. I almost didn’t recognize the short, sleek brunette hairdo and the perfect face marred by exhaustion and sorrow I couldn’t begin to fathom.

“Ms. Winchester,” Julie said, straightening. Her eyes bounced to me, her gaze wary. “How... how are you?”

Her dull blue eyes slid from Julie to me. “I’m doing great, considering my daughter was murdered.”

My brain emptied. Struck mute by her sudden appearance, I couldn’t do anything but stare. Cassie’s mom. My best friend’s mom. Face pale, Julie shifted. I wanted to turn away, close my eyes in desperation. My mouth just wouldn’t work. And I knew I needed to say something. I had to.

Finally, my brain kicked on and my voice came out choked and hoarse. “Ms. Winchester, I am so, so sorry about Cassie.”

Grief darkened her blue eyes, but something darker and stronger churned behind that. “You are? Both of you?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Julie agreed. “It’s terrible....”

Ms. Winchester smiled tightly. Her lower lip trembled from the effort. “You looked very sorry when you were shopping for dresses.”

The feeling of being watched had been because of her— Cassie’s mom? What was she doing, peeping at us while we shopped? She continued before I could really digest it.

“Did you two have fun? Enjoy making plans for prom?” Her eyes fixed on me. “I assume you’re going with Del.”

My mouth opened, but Julie cut in. “Actually,” she said, “Sam and Del aren’t together.”