Aurora's Curse: A Sleeping Beauty Reimagining

By RaShelle Workman

It's against the law for supernaturals to live in the human realm. Aurora knows that. What she doesn't know is she's one of them.
But a kiss changes everything.

When the fairy who cursed her offers a way out, she must decide whether to leave her best friends behind and join the Fairy Academy or finish out her days in the human realm until the curse takes her life.

Seems like there really isn’t a choice at all...

_______

Fairy Academy Series:
Hidden Princess
Broken Curse
Stolen Magic

• Language: English
• Publisher: Booklover Legion
• Release date: Sep 8, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005636067

RaShelle Workman

Booklover Legion brings together authors and readers who love: ya fairytale reimaginings, supernatural suspense, paranormal cozy mysteries, steamy contemporary romance, heartfelt romantic suspense, sweet romance, sexy ya science fiction, and paranormal romance.Authors include:RaShelle Workman ~ YA Fairytale ReimaginingsRachel James ~ Supernatural SuspenseBess Morgan ~ Paranormal Cozy MysteriesRuby Carr ~ Steamy Contemporary RomanceLayla Jones ~ Heartfelt Romantic SuspenseAnn Hardy ~ Sweet RomanceShelly Saber ~ Sexy YA Science FictionCaroline Asher ~ Paranormal RomanceBooklover Legion is a subsidiary of Polished Pen Press, LLC.

Book preview

Prologue

When I think back to the days before the crap hit the fan, I can’t help but see all I missed. My innocence or naivety. That girl—past me had no idea what her life was to become. Days spent worrying about a first kiss and a high school boy. It seems sweet, but also trivial. As I look back and think about my life before fairies and magic, my heart softens, and part of me longs for the ease of that time once again. But what’s the point? My life has wholly shifted. I’m no longer just a girl with a crush. Honestly, I’m still trying to figure out who I am.

Chapter

One

Tell me you love me. Carson holds my face in his hands. His green eyes search mine waiting, as his minty breath caresses my cheek.

I shiver, forgetting about the lights or the fact that there are people in the audience watching us, and promise myself I won’t faint. As I study his mouth, an image of my Auntie Macey comes to mind. Not very romantic, but it’s true. Since I can remember, Macey has shared motivational quotes like giving out candy on Halloween. Though it’s more what she said to me before I left for school than it is her that’s on my mind. She said something like, You have to think it to achieve it.

A moment similar to this one has played over and over in my daydreams for a long time. Now, here I am, with Carson’s hands on my face, as he gazes at me longingly. I can’t help thinking my Auntie Macey isn’t as crazy as I thought. She is right. I’m living proof. I thought it and now I’m about to achieve it.

My heart skips several beats.

A line from the movie, Dirty Dancing comes to mind. The main character says something like: "I’m scared of leaving this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I’m with you." And that’s why I’m here in our high school theater, up on stage, standing in front of Carson Hayes, batting my eyelashes.

Juliet? One eyebrow goes up questioningly. Tell me you love me, he says again.

My mouth curves into an O as I work to live in the moment. Even though his words aren’t meant for me, but for the character I’m playing, I want to believe them anyway.

We are acting out a scene for our school’s interpretation of Romeo and Juliet. I’m just the stand in while the real actress is busy doing something else. Still, I’m going to pretend anyway. My line enters my head. You know I do. More than anything, I say and mean it. I put my small hands over his and step closer. The kiss is coming.

In seconds his mouth will cover mine.

I will not faint.

I will not faint.

I will not faint.

Say it then, Juliet. Say the words my soul longs to hear. His lips nearly touch mine as he speaks.

I swallow. Feel my knees buckle. My heart is pounding in my ears. Romeo. Sweet, Romeo. I love nothing in the world as much as I love you. Despite our family’s differences, my love is only true.

My Juliet. His lips touch mine. They’re soft and move slowly. At the caress, my chest tightens, and fiery warmth spreads through my body. It’s my first kiss. With each passing moment of bliss, I sense a change come over me. The feeling is unexplainable, but something within my belly flutters to life, and I return the kiss with fervor, hoping he won’t stop.

Too soon he pulls back and smiles. Say you’ll go to the dance with me.

The play takes place in modern day and the dance is the turning point. Carson and I are standing in what looks like a contemporary living room, next to a sleek couch. He takes a heart-shaped box from one of the end tables and hands it to me. For you.

Thank you. Following the stage direction written in the script, I take the box, and open it. There are actually chocolates inside. They smell tasty and my stomach growls. Embarrassed by the sound, I glance up at Carson, but he doesn’t seem to notice.

The stick of gum and juice I had for lunch did nothing to fill my tummy. Well it depends, I say pretending to pick up a piece of chocolate and pop it into my mouth. As much as I want to eat the chocolates, they are part of the set, and I’m not allowed.

On what? he asks, watching me fake chew, a glimmer of a smile on his lips.

I pick up another imaginary piece. Pause before I put it into my mouth and watch him from under my lashes. Then phony swallow. Whether or not these are yummy enough. I smile, showing him I’m joking because of course they are delicious and so is he.

And? He crosses his arms playfully.

I step in closer to him, allowing myself to be overwhelmed by the heady scent of his cologne. It’s clean and manly. I close my eyes, leaning my face up toward him. My answer is… yes.

He lifts me off the ground in a big hug, and I laugh, placing my hands on his shoulders, my eyes on him as he swings me around, before setting me back down. Breathless, I wish the moment will never end.

Okay, that’s a wrap, Mrs. Barrows, our theater teacher says, bursting my happy bubble.

I sigh internally. Dang! I should’ve pretended I forgot some of my lines, so we would have to practice the scene more than once.

Did you get the lighting done? Mrs. Barrows shouts up to the booth as Carson and I watch each other. He’s smiling and I think I am too, but who knows. I’m sort of an awkward girl.

Yeah, we’re good for now, Justin, the lighting designer responds.

Great. Mrs. Barrows stands, her focus on me. Rory, get that dress off right away, please.

And the fairy tale is over, I think. Yes, ma’am. I look up at Carson and smile shyly. You’re going to be great as Romeo. Hope I helped.

You did, thanks. You’re actually a really good actress, too, Carson says sounding only slightly surprised.

I feel my face heat up. Thanks. I know his words were just meant to be nice. Acting isn’t my thing. Painting the sets, doing the rigging, organizing costumes, and touching up makeup are what I enjoy. I’m sure the scene will be much better with Kelly. I start to walk off stage, but he grabs my arm.

Hang on. He pulls me close. Hey, Rory. One side of his lips raises in a half smirk.

Carson. My heart hasn’t stopped racing since our kiss. I want to go home and document what’s happened in my journal. The first line will read: He kissed me! And my journal will totally know who he is because I’ve been talking about Carson Hayes since Junior High. But I’m also trying to do a better job of living in the moment. What’s up? I ask lightly, thinking it doesn’t matter that he didn’t kiss me because he likes me. He. Still. Kissed. Me. In real life, not just my dreams.

Why haven’t you and I gone out before? Carson’s gaze flits from my eyes to my lips and lingers there.

Because, I begin, pulling out of his grasp. You don’t like me. Which is true. He’s the most popular guy in school, and the star of the soccer team. With flawless blond hair, green eyes, rippling muscles, and a killer smile, all the girls want him. Including me. No point denying the truth. And he can do whatever he wants. Whether it’s star as the male lead in the school play, drawing, or participating in the photography club, the normal rules don’t apply to him.

And no one questions him.

But while he’s untouchable, I’m not. Like not even close.

When I reach the wings of the stage, I peek back at him. He hasn’t moved and is still watching me. I never said he was a smart guy, just hot. Okay, I happen to know he’s taking Calculus, but whatever. I smile. If you ever want to practice your lines again, I’d be happy to.

Cool. He tucks his hands into his pockets before heading downstage, probably to get notes from Mrs. Barrows.

I run into the dressing room and remove the short, pale pink Grecian gown, hang it up with the rest of the costumes, and change back into my regular clothes.

Chapter

Two

You ready? Tiana asks. She and Merida walk in while I’m tying my shoes.

I stand. Grab my backpack and my jacket. Yeah. You?

We’ve been ready, Merida says, rolling her eyes. She’s sucking on a lollipop and hands one to me.

I take it and unwrap it, throwing the incriminating evidence into my backpack since there’s no food allowed back here. Thanks, I say linking one arm around hers and the other around Tiana’s. The three of us leave the dressing room, giggling as we walk down the hall and out one of the theater’s side doors.

Tiana and Merida seem extra quiet as we cross the courtyard to where my car is parked. I think maybe they weren’t in the theater when Carson and I kissed, but by the time we reach my old VW Rabbit, I’m sure I lucked out. I’m a little bummed. I want to talk to them about the kiss, but don’t want to sound like I’m bragging. They’re my best friends. They need to know.

I put my car in drive and open my mouth to tell them the awesome news when they burst out laughing. They do know, I realize, but were waiting until we had some privacy.

What? I ask innocently, slamming my mouth shut.

From the backseat, Merida speaks first. We want a play-by-play of that kiss. She pauses a second. Is he amazing?

Are his lips soft? Tiana chimes in. She has her backpack on her lap and pulls out some lip-gloss, puts it on and then puckers.

Firm? Merida asks.

Did he use his tongue? Tiana wriggles her eyebrows.

I smack her on the arm, but giggle. No. The feel of his lips on mine, and the confident way they moved makes me smile and my body melts.

"Look at her. She’s smiling and sighing. Double proof that Carson is a good kisser."

Rory has all the luck, Tiana grumbles, crossing her arms.

I sit up straight. We were acting.

Maybe he was, but you weren’t, Merida says, looking at me like I can’t fool her.

And she’s right. Tiana, Merida, and I have been friends since childhood. We’ve lived by each other and grown into more than friends. Fine. He was acting, so the kiss didn’t mean anything. I say wishing it wasn’t true.

That’s a bunch of bull. You’re practically glowing. Tiana turns in her seat and leans her elbows on her backpack.

Yeah, I say with a smile. It was wonderful.

Right? I mean you kissed Carson Hayes.

Give us details. Come on. He’s the hottest guy in school. We want to live vicariously through you, Merida adds. Her curly red hair bounces as she talks.

Fine. Okay. I roll my eyes and laugh as I pull into my driveway. He’s a very good kisser.

They squeal enthusiastically as they pile out. I check my reflection in the rearview mirror, hoping to see a changed woman. Someone more mature. All I see are slightly swollen lips and my face heats. Carson kissed me!

I knew it, Merida says wistfully. She bites down on the lollipop, chewing the candy in her teeth. He needs to practice on me next. She salutes with the stick and heads across the street toward her house, walking backward so Tiana and I can still see her face. She pretend kisses her arm.

You’re crazy, Mer, Tiana shouts.

I laugh. Since he kissed me, don’t I have dibs? That seems like the fair way to treat the situation.

Merida frowns. No calling dibs. At her front door she unlocks it, turns back, and waves. Homework later?

Definitely. I need your help with Calculus. It’s kicking my butt. I look over at Tiana who just smiles.

You got it. Merida disappears inside her twentieth century brick Tudor that’s the same style as mine.

I turn to Tiana. I suppose you want dibs too?

She shakes her head. "I’m holding out for Charles Michael Davis, but I’m no fool. If Carson asks, I’ll go ahead and kiss him." She knocks her hip into mine lightly.

"Isn’t that the guy from The Originals?"

"Shut your mouth. He isn’t just that guy. He’s the guy. The whole reason I binge watch the show, and he’s beautiful." She clasps her hands together, pretending to look into Charles Davis’ dreamy eyes.

I can’t help laughing. Isn’t he also thirty? I lock my car and head up the walk to my front door.

Tiana glares playfully. I’m eighteen. That’s only… she pauses a moment. A twelve year age difference. She shakes her head, making her curly black hair wiggle. When it’s true love, age means nothing, she says dramatically, moving across my lawn. It crunches under her boots.

Okay, I say. There’s no arguing with Tiana about her serious crush. I’ll text you later.

Yep. She turns and jogs the rest of the way past my lawn and into hers before I hear her front door slam.

Chapter

Three

Ooh, what if he asks you to the dance? Tiana chews on the eraser end of her pencil.

He won’t. If he takes anyone, he’ll take Kelly. I work through the problem, wishing I could pull my hair out. Math makes my head hurt.

Merida glances at my paper. "Nope, you’ve got to take the ln of the equation before you solve for k."

I yowl in frustration. I see the words coming out of your mouth. I even hear them, but I don’t understand. It’s like you’re speaking a different language.

Merida laughs. Well Calculus is kind of like a different language. So you just need to learn it and then the math will be easy.

Tiana slams her book shut. I’m switching out of this class. It’s obnoxious.

No, I say, shaking her arm. I need someone to not understand with me.

She rolls her eyes. Life is too short. I don’t have time for this crap.

Merida runs her fingers through the loose curls in her red hair. It’s really not that bad.

You’re right. Calculus is worse. I snap my gum and close my book. I’m done for tonight. My brain hurts.

Fine. Merida closes her book and shoves it in her bag.

I want someone to ask me to the dance. I don’t care if that seems cliché. I want to have a cute boy dressed in a black tux come to my door with a bracelet corsage. I want him to look at me in my emerald green dress and tell me how gorgeous I am. Then I want him to open my doors and hold my hand all night. Tiana clasps her hands together like she’s praying.

Is that all? I ask, shutting my book and stuffing it into my backpack.

Merida takes a sip of her soda. "That sounds about right. Except the dress will be turquoise instead of emerald green.

Tiana drinks her water. Humph. No. At the dance he’ll only have eyes for me. There will be dozens of other beautiful girls, but he won’t even notice them. Her dark brown eyes get dreamy and I realize she’s imagining herself at the dance. I want that for her. She deserves to have her dreams come true.

Awwww, you’re such a romantic, I say, sipping my hot chocolate. Would you show him how to do one of our dances?

Tiana laughs. You mean this one? She turns on the song we made up our latest dance to, stands, pushes in her chair, and pulls Merida and me out of our chairs.

For the next three minutes we do our dance. And then we fall on the floor laughing.

When the clock chimes ten, Tiana stands. I have to go. Curfew.

I get up and help Merida to her feet.

I suppose I should go too, Merida says, raking her hands through her hair.

I sip my cocoa. The chocolaty goodness is no longer hot, and the marshmallows are melted, but I can’t waste cocoa. "Hey, T. Does this guy that asks you to the dance look like a certain actor from The Originals?"

She shakes her head. I haven’t met him yet, but when I do, I’ll feel it in my bones.

From somewhere outside comes the sound of a loud growl. I know Tiana and Merida hear it too. I’m guessing the whole neighborhood did.

Oh, no, not again, that stupid spe— She stops and glances first at Tiana and then me. I’m frazzled. She shakes her hands through her long curly hair before tucking it behind her ears. Gotta go. Merida grabs her backpack off the table, knocking it against the wall. It rattles the china.

Oh, no, I hear one of my aunties say.

That poor dear, another auntie says.

Perhaps we should help her—

No, the other two respond at the same time.

The three of them proceed to whisper a conversation I can’t understand.

Merida shakes her head and we all look at each other and shrug.

Sorry, Merida says.

No worries, I respond as Fae walks in carrying a tray.

Hey, Auntie Fae.

Hi dear. I brought you girls some cookies.

Thanks, I say as she sets them on the table. But they have to go.

My aunties are super sweet, but they’re also a little flitty, easily agitated, and incredibly nosy. Mostly though, they’re quick to love. They are all the family I have and I’m grateful for them.

Want a cookie, Merida? Auntie Fae’s azure eyes, almost exactly like mine, dart around the room, looking for broken glass, I guess.

Merida shakes her head. I need to get going, but thanks for the offer. She heads out of the room.

Everything alright, dear? Fae asks her.

Yeah, I— She glances at the cookies. They don’t look that great. In fact, they’re a mess, but Merida says. What the heck? She takes a cookie. See you girls tomorrow.

Auntie Fae sighs after Merida is gone. Her poor mother. Hopefully one of these days she’ll get herself under control. She heads back into the kitchen. Under her breath she says, If the boys have changed too, our trash will be everywhere in the morning.

Tiana and I look at each other and laugh.

Your aunts are kind of nuts.

Yeah, but that’s just part of their charm. I take a cookie and so does Tiana. I’ll try it if you will, I say. On the count of three.

One, Tiana starts, sniffing the one in her hand.

They look like blueberry chocolate chip cookies.

Two, I say.

Three, Tiana says.

We each take a bite of our cookie at the same time. I shake my head.

Are they done? Tiana asks, setting hers back on the tray.

I put my down too. I don’t think so, I reply, spitting the contents in my mouth out into a napkin before throwing it away. Tiana has better manners than me and swallows as she organizes her books and papers. Her face says it all though. The cookie is gross.

I’ll teach him a dance that’s just for me and him, Tiana says slowly, her features thoughtful.

At first, I don’t understand what she means, but quickly recover. She’s talking about my previous comment on teaching the guy she falls for one of our dances. I wrap an arm around Tiana’s shoulders. He’d like that, for sure.

Chapter

Four

Someday you’ll get your happily ever after. I know it, I continue.

Tiana nods, her gaze serious. So will you. She hefts her pack onto her shoulder.

I shrug. Maybe.

My cell phone pings. I pick it up and gasp.

What? Tiana asks, glancing over.

The text is from Carson. I’m stunned and fall into a chair, rereading his text multiple times.

No way. Serious? She grabs my phone. Sweet bees on honey, it is his number.

Is it sad that even though Carson has never called me I know his number? I think every girl at Hellgate High has his number memorized.

I take back my phone. What should I say?

Tiana sits back down as well. I’d start with returning his hi with one of your own. She sets down her bag, rubbing her arm.

Right. I text back: Hi.

Do you know who this is?

He has no idea about the girls at this school, does he? Tiana says, chuckling, scooting her chair beside mine so she can read while I type.

Nope. I text him: Yes. I hit send. Then add: Do you know who this is?

LOL. Of course I do. You’re my acting partner. My Juliet.

I think of his kiss and shiver.

He’s sweet, Tiana says, sounding surprised. Then studies my face. Oh, you have it soooooo, soooooo bad. Tiana knocks her shoulder into mine.

No, I don’t, I lie because I can’t stop staring at my phone. He called me his Juliet. I never figured Carson for a romantic, but he kind of is.

Better text back, something. She rests her head on my shoulder.

Right. I click the letters as fast as my fingers will go. Did you need something? More practice?

That isn’t very romantic, she says and I can practically hear her eyes roll inside her head.

Well, yeah. But, I also wanted to know if you had a date to the dance next Friday?"

Tiana and I squeal at the same time.

Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. She claps her hands. I’m always right.

No, I quickly text back, swallowing. My heart races.

I know this is a terrible, horrible way to ask a girl to a dance, but since it’s next week, I hope you’ll forgive me and let me make it up to you.

Tiana and I read the text.

Is that his way of asking you? He’s right, that’s terrible and horrible. Tiana crosses her arms, irritated. Where’s the grandeur?

It’s fine. I watch her shake her head and my heart stops beating a minute. Is she really telling me not to go to the dance with him? He didn’t specifically ask, but still.

My phone chimes.

I’m an idiot. Rory, would you do me the honor of going to the dance with me?

Much better, Tiana says when she sees the text.

It works. I’m dying inside unable to believe this is really happening.

Hurry and text that boy yes. She giggles and I join in.

I type my response but stop. Why would he ask me to the dance? I thought him and Kelly were going out. I see them together a lot at school.

They might date, but that doesn’t mean they are exclusive. She shrugs. They’re part of the same group. Besides, he can ask whoever he wants. She leans over and gives me a hug. Say yes, she whispers in my ear. I’ve got to go. I’ll see you in the morning.

Yep. Bright and early. I stare at my phone.

Rory? Carson texts along with a bunch of smiling faces. Do you already have a date for the dance?

No, I text back, hoping he isn’t changing his mind.

Are you interested in going to the dance with me?

Well… Are you sure you want to go with me?

I wouldn’t have asked if I weren’t.

I leave my backpack in the dining room and walk out. Night, aunties. I’m going to bed, I say, heading to my room.

Night.

Sleep good.

See you in the morning.

I close my bedroom door and fall onto my queen-sized bed.

Rory, please say the words my soul longs to hear.

He’s using words from the play. It’s sweet and dorky and even though I probably shouldn’t think it’s wonderful, I do. Yes. I would love to go to the dance with you, I text back.

Cool. See you at school tomorrow.

Not if I see you first.

LOL. Nice. Goodnight.

Night. =D

Chapter

Five

School the next day is slow going. I’m antsy. Excited to see Carson, but nervous as well. What if last night was a joke? During lunch I go to the library again. I want to get my English homework done so I have plenty of time to spend in the theater. Near Carson. Gah, I hate that I’m acting like one of those girls and not like the feminist I believe myself to be.

Focus, Rory. I write down some notes.

Talking to yourself? Carson sits in the chair opposite me at the table.

I feel my face get hot. Um, no. Just speaking out loud. My throat constricts and my heart pumps loudly.

Isn’t that the same thing? He picks up one of my books, flipping through the pages.

My face gets hotter. I guess so. I’m so focused on my paper I think I might melt a hole in it.

Hey? Carson asks softly.

I glance up.

I’m just teasing, he says, pulling out his phone. I actually have a few questions.

Crap, I think, swallowing down a whole bunch of nerves. I brush my hair off one shoulder and onto the other. Okay?

What’s your favorite food?

The question surprises me and I have to think about my answer. Probably fried chicken and waffles. I shrug, considering where he’s going with the questions. My aunties aren’t the greatest cooks, but they always take me out to eat for my birthday and I order the same thing—chicken and waffles.

Mmmmm, that sounds good. He makes notes in his phone. I know I just asked you to the dance last night, but have you thought about the color of your dress?

So the questions are about the dance, I think, finally understanding. He is serious! I glance down at my clothes. They aren’t anything special, old skinny jeans, a white tank and a bright pink sweater, but pink is my favorite color. Probably pink, I say.

He makes a note. Last question. His green eyes shine with joy.

I’m ready, I say crossing my legs, relaxing a little.

Your favorite flower?

That’s easy. Dahlias.

Dahlias? Carson repeats, raising an eyebrow.

Yes, they’re beautiful. I unlock my phone and show him a picture. See?

Oh, yeah. Pretty. He makes a note. Then puts his phone in his backpack.

I can’t help but watch him move. His broad shoulders flex and shift under his tight white tee shirt.

When he sits up, he catches me watching him and smiles. I brought you something. He slides a single piece of chocolate sitting in a small pink wrapper across the table, toward me.

What’s this? I ask. The smell of milk chocolate and cherry fills my nose. My mouth waters.

I saw how much you wanted to eat the chocolate yesterday while we were rehearsing and thought I’d bring one that’s new and hasn’t been handled.

I’m blown away. Before a few days ago Carson and never had a real conversation and now he’s bringing me chocolate. The gesture is thoughtful, and I realize he isn’t at all what I expected.

Go ahead, he says, indicating the chocolate in his fingers. I pick it up and put it in my mouth. As soon as the chocolate hits my tongue I close my eyes. The chocolate is delicious. I push the flavors around in my mouth a moment, allowing the incredible taste to linger. A sweet burst of cherry mixes with the chocolate and I sigh.

From across the table I hear Carson laugh. I open my eyes. You didn’t like it, he says with a smirk.

I try not to smile and shake my head. Totally gross. For some reason I’m embarrassed and look down at my paper.

Carson slides another chocolate across the table. Will you run through my lines with me again tonight after school?

I glance at the chocolate and then him. Are you trying to buy my help with chocolates? I pick it up and take a bite. This one has an orange filling. My favorite.

Are they working?

Yes, I admit, pressing my lips together to get the chocolate off.

Good. He stands, pulls an entire heart shaped box from his backpack and set it on the table.

I feel my eyes get wide.

He winks, and I’m smitten. No one should be allowed to be so amazingly good looking and nice. The combination seems unfair to the rest of the world. Meet me at my house around four.

Wait, we aren’t practicing in the theater? I turn to watch him walk away.

He pauses and glances back. We can’t tonight. The lighting crew is using the stage to do a last run through before we start final rehearsals.

I remember Mrs. Barrows saying that. Okay, but Carson?

He adjusts his backpack and lifts an eyebrow, waiting.

What about Kelly? I whisper, worried someone might overhear.

He walks back to my table and leans over. The smell of his cologne fills my nose. Kelly is a friend. We went on a few dates, but she and I aren’t a couple. He takes my hand. I can hang out with whoever I like and so can she. He laces our fingers together. But it’s cool you were worried. Says a lot about you.

Oh. My pulse pounds, making me jittery like I drank too much coffee. All right. I’m embarrassed again. Uh, Carson?

Rory. He gives me a cheeky grin.

I like the way my strange name sounds when it leaves his mouth. I don’t know where you live.

He squeezes my hand before letting go. I’ll text you. He heads back to the door. Anything else? He flashes me a huge smile.

Nope. I’m—Oh wait. Thanks for the chocolates. I hold up the box.

You’re welcome. He leaves and I lean back in my chair. I’m shocked. And a little confused. A strange thought keeps running through my mind. What if I’m the brunt of some kind of joke?

What do you think you’re doing talking to my man? Kelly slinks into the same chair Carson was sitting in. Her dark hair is up in a tight ponytail and she’s wearing thick eyeliner, making her brown eyes look like a cat’s. She’s wearing black skinny jeans, a purple top, and a black shrug.

Hi, Kelly. I try to sound nonchalant.

She ignores me. You and Carson? Kelly gives me a look that says she doesn’t believe what she saw. You know the only reason he’s spending time with you is to make me jealous. She