Page 108 of Stroke of Fate

Girls like Sadie never back down until they get their point across. I can handle the occasional word spat with her, but not knowing why she hates me so much bothers me more than anything.

My gut tells me I’m missing something obvious. I just haven’t had the time or energy to dwell on it. But when I’m reminded of her shitty attitude toward me, it’s frustrating not being able to put my finger on what it is.

Pia fiddles with the music until she finds a song we both like, and I’m pulled back into the moment with my best friend.

We shout the lyrics of our favorite songs until we’re back at the apartment, our cheeks hurting from smiling so much.

31 | BEAR

Everyone knows the getting-ready stage is one of the best parts of a night out. Being with my girls, it’s no different.

Between the four of us, we’ve already devoured half of my birthday cupcakes and are well on our way to finishing our second bottle of wine.

“May the universe know that I, too, need a Levi in my life,” Elsie groans, stuffing the last bit of the cupcake into her mouth.

I smile, catching her eye in the floor-length mirror. I just got done telling them about my date with Levi last night and the surprise he left at my door this morning.

Pia lifts her wineglass in solidarity. “That makes two of us.” She takes a long sip before going back to curling her hair.

As expected, she immediately clicked with Macy and Elsie, and we spent the better part of an hour taking turns doing our hair and makeup. I’ve brought every mirror in my apartment into the living room so we can all get ready together.

The plan is to meet with the boys in a few hours at the football house. A few parties are happening in and around campus tonight in honor of Halloween, but according to Elsie, this is the one we have to be at.

“Who knew he was such a romantic?” Macy says, putting the finishing touches on her pirate costume.

Smacking my lips together, I cap the lipstick in my hand and toss it into my makeup bag. “As great as it is going on dates with Levi, it would be nice if we could double date sometime.”

I look at my friends with an exaggerated pout, hoping they catch my drift.

“Unless you’re hopping on a plane for those dates, don’t look this way,” Pia says, sticking her tongue out at me.

“Don’t look at me either.” Elsie sighs. “I have notoriously bad luck when it comes to L-O-V-E.”

We glance over at Macy, who’s braiding her hair into French braids on either side of her head.

When she feels our attention on her, she raises a single brow. “What?”

“What’s your take on what Bear said?” Elise asks.

“I thought it was obvious. I’m last on that list.” She shrugs, going back to doing her hair.

Elsie gawks. “How is that obvious?”

“Yes, please tell me because you’re the hottest Pirate I’ve ever seen. Tattoos and all.” Pia chimes in from the floor.

“Thanks,” Macy grins, glancing at the very real tattoos adorning her arms for a moment. “But I don’t think something long-term is in the cards for me right now.”

“Because you’re holding out for a certain someone?”

Macy shoots Elsie a look, which Pia catches.

“Oh, there’s something there.” My best friend says excitedly. “Spill the tea. Who is he?”

I busy myself with putting together my outfit, letting Elsie take the lead on this particular topic. Macy likes to keep things close to her chest, and I know she’ll talk about whatever’s going on—if there’s even anything going on—when she’s ready.

“No one,” Macy says nonchalantly. “Elsie is delusional.”

“I am not.” Elsie laughs, joining Pia on the floor. Her long hair is more wavy than curly tonight.

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