Page 73 of The Pinkie Pact

I loved doing that to him, shocking him. He was too damn easy.

"Halloween can't come soon enough," he texted.

"Can't wait."

And I really couldn't wait. His mom had some important vote the day after, so Kieran would be coming in Halloween night before flying out again the next evening for the final few crazy days up to the election.

We texted a little longer until I felt my eyes start to close, and he ended the conversation with my favorite, "Good night, beautiful."

This time, I didn't resist sending back heart emojis. He could just deal.

Back to the '80s

Sky

Thank God the days flew by leading up to Halloween. It helped that I added an extra volunteering day on Wednesday mornings. But during the week, there was already someone manning the pancake station, so they put me on the frontlines.

It was heartbreaking to see the sheer amount of people there, and it was quite different to be actually serving the food, looking people in the eyes. Some smiled at me, and others had forgotten how to smile.

But I was doing what I could do at the moment. And maybe someday, I'd figure out a way to do more.

Halloween finally arrived, and I was literally counting down the hours until I'd see Kieran. We were heading out for the night as a big group with Kieran hopefully meeting us there or at least letting me know when he was back.

Blasting music, Kara and I put the finishing touches on our Halloween costumes, well, more like outfits. One of our favorite clubs was hosting an '80s alternative night, and we tried our best to look the part. Kara had smoked out our eye make-up, and I had some black lipstick that we both used.

My favorite thigh-high black boots were perfect with my short tartan skirt and fishnets. To top it all off, we both wore black wigs which were itchy as hell. Man, I felt for people who had to wear wigs all the time.

I wasn't sure how authentic we were, but we had fun trying as Kara let loose with her Love Spell body spray, dousing me as well.

Just for Halloween night, Kara and I wore four bracelets each. God, sometimes, I couldn't even believe we'd been so successful so far with our pinkie pact. When we'd clasped pinkies nearly two months ago, I'd had no clue if it would actually work. But apparently, itwasworking.

We met up with our usual crew lately, that same group that included Gen, of course, Aria and Eleanor from down the hall, plus Amir and Bear who brought along some of their friends as well. At the last piano duet practice, I had asked Brie once again to come out with us, but she shook her head no.

Maybe I'd try asking her to do something else sometime, like get a cup of coffee or grab lunch. Maybe going out wasn't her thing.

The streets of DC were jam-packed with crazy people in costumes. Honestly, it was freaky, and I was glad to have Bear and his housemates walking with us, looking like bad-ass rocker dudes.

For the millionth time, I checked my phone. Kieran was supposed to be here already, but his flight had been delayed. I cursed the airlines because they were taking precious time away from us being together.

We waited in line and paid the ridiculous cover to get into the ridiculously crowded club. But once we were in and finally had our drinks in hand, it was actually pretty fun. The place was insane, and I felt like I'd traveled back in time.

But it was also kind of confusing, especially as the alcohol really began to flow, because my friends were unrecognizable. So coming back from the bar or bathroom, we really struggled to find each other in the sea of dark clothing.

I was well into my fourth drink and kind of ready to go when I finally got that text from Kieran that he was back.

He was back! He'd already dropped off his bag at his place and was on his way.

I patted Kara on her shoulder. "Kieran's back. I'm going to meet him outside," I shouted to her because I knew there was no way he'd find us but also because I was dying to see him.

Outside, I paced back and forth, trying to stay warm while I waited, my heart pounding in anticipation. I could hardly believe how excited I was to see him again. It felt like it'd been forever even though it had only been a few weeks.

I thought about that phrase—absence makes the heart grow fonder—and lordy, how true that was. I'd never experienced anything like it before. I wanted to feel those lips on me. I wanted to feel his arms around me. I wanted to do everything with him... but it was magnified by a million.

I had it bad.

Right when I didn't think I could take it any longer, a car pulled up and the back door opened.

Please let it be him. Please let it be him.

---