Page 31 of Forever Cursed

“This Saturday around noon work for you?” Chrissy asks as we walk back to campus.

“Yeah, that’s great.”

“Anything specific you want to do?”

“Well... never mind.” I drop my gaze to the sidewalk.

“What is it?” she asks. “I’m up for anything. Well, maybe notanything,but you catch my drift.”

“You wouldn’t be into it.” I shake my head, but Chrissy doesn’t give up.

“Spill it, football boy.”

“There’s this movie I’ve been dying to see.” I sigh. “No one has wanted to go with me though.”

“What movie is it?” she asks with genuine interest.

“Fearless, the movie about the haunted manor,” I answer while trying to hide my embarrassment.

“Seriously?” is all I need to hear to know it’s a stupid idea. “I want to see that too!”

“What? Really?” She’s left me speechless.

Everyone I’ve asked either didn’t have the time or they simply weren’t interested.

“Yes, really! Gwen and I want to see it, but she’s been too busy. I’m sure she won’t mind if I go without her. She can drag Ash the next time she’s off work. Oh my gosh, I’m so excited.” Chrissy bounces up and down, smiling wide.

“You really want to go?” I’m shocked. I was pretty sure she hated spooky things. She’s the last person I was expecting to bring to such a movie.

“Yes! Gwen has me hooked on scary movies. Now, listen. I can’t promise I won’t be a big baby though. I might scream and cling onto you for dear life.”

The idea of Chrissy throwing herself at me, needing me to protect her, makes me way too giddy.

“Oh, Wildflower. I’ll protect you, don’t worry.” I can’t help but shamelessly flirt with her.

Chrissy drops her gaze and blushes.

“I’d punch you in the arm, but all I’d do is hurt myself in the process.”

Leaning in close, I say, “I’d never hurt you on purpose, and I hope you know that.”

Chapter Eighteen

Chrissy

That son of a bitch was lying to me. Does he really think I can’t tell? Not only did he lie, he did it terribly. His eyes darted around the room, his cheeks flushed, and his voice dropped an octave. Rome doesn’t intend to put any boundaries in place, which means I need to keep working on him. I didn’t expect a miracle in the first session. I hoped he would be more open to the opportunity, but I can work my magic on him.

Finishing combing the knots from my hair, I put on a purple V-neck and button my jeans. Rome should be here any minute, and even though I know this isn’t a date, I can’t push aside my nerves.

“Oh, Wildflower. I’ll protect you, don’t worry.”

Following one of Gwen’s techniques, I sip on some ginger ale to settle my stomach and try to breathe out the violent anxiety that has taken over.

“This isn’t a date. Rome and I are two friends. I’m helping him get out more. That’s all. Stop freaking out,” I lecture myself.

My phone goes off beside me, and I nearly fall off my bed in response to the sudden interruption.

I’m right outside :)

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