Smoke and Wishes (Best Wishes #1)(65)

“Hey, Elijah,” I greeted when he finally reached us, his panting broke up his response.

“That… was fucking… awesome,” he huffed out. After a few more labored breaths, he got himself under control. “I just had to come say that was one of the best things I’ve ever seen. I’m Elijah,” a playboy smirk on his face as his hand came out for Char to shake. Gabe finally made his way over and stood next to us.

“Hey, Lucie,” he nodded politely at me before introducing himself to Char. “Hi, I’m Gabe.”

“Charlotte. I mean Charlie. I mean, hi, I’m Char. Lucie’s best friend. It’s nice to meet you,” she shook their outstretched hands, a rosy tint rising in her cheeks. I couldn’t help but gape at the usually calm and collected badass that stood before me quivering like a schoolgirl. Interesting.

“I just wanted to tell you how amazing that was,” Elijah’s eyes were solely on Char, a small, genuine smile pulled at his lips. Initially, I thought the red flush on his face was from exertion. Now, as he rubbed the back of his neck and glanced at the ground, I was second guessing myself. Gabe had been quiet, but he was merely smiling at Char as well.

“It was nothing, really, I just hate bullies. And I don’t let people push my family around,” she nudged me, her eyes pleading. Seemingly willing the conversation to end.

“Sorry, guys, but I only have her for so long, she has to get back to UW. So, we’ve got to be going,” I steered her away from them. When we were a safe distance away, I leaned into her. “What was that about?”

“I don’t know! I panicked,” she frantically whispered, afraid to be overheard. “They were cute and talking to me. I wasn’t expecting to have a conversation with any hot guys this weekend.” My nose scrunched at the statement. I didn’t find either of them very attractive, mainly because I had my eye on six other guys. Opening my mouth, she cut me off. “Don’t. I know what you’re going to say. You’re going to tell me I deserve to be happy and some other hippy-dippy shit, but it’s girls’ weekend. We can focus on guys another time.” I smirked, because she was right, I was about to say that. The rest of the walk passed quickly, and Char headed out after piling her arms full of empty cookie tins.





The front door to the dorm opened with a thud, followed by Sadie’s familiar huffing. Laying on my bed with my eyes closed, I smiled. I had missed her the last few days. Shifting to look into the living area, blue hair appeared as she stuck her head into my room. She eyed me from behind her purple frames, taking in the fact I was laying on my bed doing absolutely nothing.

“What in the world are you doing?” She came the rest of the way into my room, her bright outfit was a stark contrast against the neutral colors in my room.

“Laying here,” I patted my bed in answer, “how was your flight?”

“Ugh, long and crowded, nothing remarkable. I thought you and Charlie were doing the girls’ weekend thing?” I pushed to sitting and looked at her.

“We did, we decided to go to the beach yesterday. She just headed back to Seattle an hour ago,” she nodded in response before clapping and changing topics in her usual dizzying speed.

“Well then, that’s perfect. We’re going shopping with Benji, get your ass out of bed and get changed,” I looked down at my grey sweats and an extra large black t-shirt. “You’re not wearing that to go get a dress for the All Hallows Eve Dance,” Sadie lectured.

“I wasn’t planning on going,” I mumbled, making no moves to change out of my comfy outfit.

“You’re going,” her voice brokered no room for arguing as she turned from my door. “You have five minutes, and then we’re going dress shopping. You’re my date, and you’re going to look hot, and that’s that!” She hollered the last portion from her room, I fought a small smile at the love I felt, especially after spending the last 24 hours with Charlie. I’m normal.





19





October 21st

Sunday Afternoon

Lucienne





“This doesn’t look like a dress shop,” my voice shook as I took in the red brick building. The bold, antique lettering of the shop name in the window was accompanied by prints of traditional tattoo artwork. Benji chuckled, his shoulders shaking slightly in the edge of my vision. Of course, he’s in on it, they always tag team up against me. I aimed an accusatory glare in his direction. Once the shock wore off, I was actually pretty excited. Staring up at the building, anticipation shot through me.

“Nope, you and I are getting pierced! Come on,” Sadie hooked her arm through mine and started for the door. Benji followed silently, lips curled in a hint of a smile at Sadie literally dragging me up the sidewalk. A bell chimed as we entered, from the back of the shop a woman with sleek black hair pulled into a high ponytail emerged.

“Are you Sadie?” Her eyes were sharp behind her wireless glasses as she looked my roommate up and down slowly. The red contacts she wore gave her a creepy, yet stunningly beautiful look. Two piercings on opposite sides of her mouth winked in the light against black lipstick, the contrast between her lips and pale porcelain skin was intense. Dramatic winged eyeliner and a choker necklace tied the rest of her black ensemble together giving her a gothic vibe.