Page 42 of Forever Cursed

She locks her eyes on Ash next, and before he can bolt, she crashes into his arms and plants her lips on his.

I let out a small laugh and smile. My heart flutters at the idea of Rome and me having moments like this, and I dare to wonder how he would react if I tried to kiss him while wearing a fake mustache.

Ash turns red, and when Gwen pulls away, she twirls the keys around her finger and loops her arm through mine.

“Ready, pretty lady?”

I walk in time with her, and we giggle when we overhear Ash say, “Why was I kinda into that?”

It’s 6:35 p.m., and the sun has begun to set. The sky is pink and purple, interspersed with wisps of clouds. The engine’s hum and the noise of the radio station Gwen turned on surround us. We blast the AC, and goose bumps quickly trail over my legs.

The pizzeria is twenty minutes from the Waylens’, giving my anxiety enough time to go wild. I focus on the dashboard, the dark blue backlit gauges, dials, and displays. Gwen and I are silent during the drive.

“Thanks for doing this with me,” I whisper while playing with my hands.

She grins without looking at me. “I may not approve of the idea, but that doesn’t mean I won’t support you.”

My shoulders drop, and I close my eyes as my heart hammers against my ribcage. The thought of seeing Rome on a date with another girl conjures a potent mixture of emotions. If I weren’tsuch a coward, he and I would be on that date. All I have to do is talk to Zack. I mean, the worst he can say is no, right?

That’s not the only thing holding me back though. I want Rome, and I know I can love him, but would that be enough? I’m no one special.

I’m not smart like Gwen, and I’m not gorgeous like the cheerleaders. Miles and I didn’t work out because I knew he deserved more than I was giving him. But also, I didn’t feel like what we had was progressing. I want what my parents and Gwen and Ash have, but it may never happen. So, why bother trying?

We pull in behind the restaurant and find parking near the end.

With a shaky breath, I look at Gwen and nod. “Ready for operation ‘Spy on Carter’?”

With a smirk, Gwen fixes her cap and nods back. “Let’s do this.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

Rome

Idon’t remember the last time I went on a date. If I were to consider the movie outing with Chrissy a date, that would be my answer. And if I were to compare the two, the vibe is vastly different.

Here I am, sweating my ass off through my light running shirt and jeans. It must be a mixture of nerves and the heat. Either way, I’m uncomfortable. Something about Lindsay seems off, but I can’t put my finger on it.

Don’t get me wrong, she’s pretty and seems nice, but I have a gut feeling she’s not showing me her true self.

We get a table outside, and I sigh in relief when the sun begins to set.

The chairs and table are made from matching teakwood. The fence to my right is wrought iron and polished to perfection, with roses, vines, and fairy lights weaving across it. For a pizzeria, this place is very romantic and classy.

“So, Lindsay.” I break the silence as she sips her water. “What are you majoring in?”

“Nursing.”

I can’t help but chuckle. It seems the majority of the girls at Castle Brook are majoring in nursing. There’s nothing wrongwith wanting to be a nurse, but I can’t help but wonder why this generation is pulled toward the profession.

“What about you?”

I observe her frizz-free blonde hair and twinkling eyes. It’s not long before a sting pierces my chest.

I miss Chrissy’s wild curls and mischievous gleam. It should be her sitting across from me, not this stranger who managed to get my number from Levi.

If only I had a backbone.

“History,” I respond with a small smile.

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