Page 34 of Salvation

Istand in front of my old wooden mirror and do a little spin to make sure I’m comfortable. There’s nothing I hate more than going out in something that makes me feel like I’m not even wearing my own skin. More than not, I’d wear only specific dresses Marshall had picked out. One he deemed acceptable for whatever lavish occasion we had planned that night. At first, it was sweet. Cute, even. But over time, it was a bit exhausting being told I couldn’t wear the new skirt I had bought myself or the chunky boots I was obsessed with the minute I spotted them at the thrift store. Now, I see that behavior for what it truly was. Marshall didn’t want people to sample what he had, even though he could gorge on others himself.

Literally.

I’m more than comfortable tonight, though, and a little smile lights up my face because I’m positively glowing. I haven’t felt or looked this good in a long time. I’m thankful that my thighis better, and it didn’t end up ruining going out.I typically wear little makeup, but tonight was clearly an exception. I spent extra time doing my face. A bronzy eyeshadow that makes my eyes pop and a soft peach lip color that makes them look full and glossy.My blonde curls are blown out to frame my face. A little cropped, black vest top that makes the girls look perfect, a jean mini skirt, and black booties to match. I don’t dress up often, not anymore, butgod,do I love it when I do.

Look good, feel good, and all.

Before I can stare too long and possibly convince myself to change, a knock rings out from the front door. I yell, “Coming!” and after a few seconds, I whip open the door, shocked to find Elain standing there, nervously twisting her fingers and peering up at me from beneath her hoodie. I crane my neck to check the clock on the wall behind me. “Did you walk here?”

“Rode a bike.” She hikes a finger over her shoulder where a bright green bike leans against a tree trunk.

“Your bike?”

“Do you really want to know?”

Jesus.I look to the ceiling and draw in a long breath before looking back down at her. “No. I can’t bail you out if I’m privy to the crime.”

She smirks, but it falters just a smidge when she looks over my outfit. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were going somewhere.”

“Karaoke is tonight.” I open the door wider and motion for her to step in. “Come in.” As I close the door with a click, I turn around and find her sitting on the couch with her hands tucked beneath her legs. “Everything okay?”

“Can I stay the night?”

I nod. No hesitation. “You’re always welcome here, Elain.”

“Did you want to talk about it?”

“Not tonight.” She avoids any eye contact, but I shrug.

“Okay. Well, I’m going to the bar. You want to tag along?”

Her eyes light up. “Can I really?”

I almost laugh. Not much will bring a smile to her face, but the little things always tend to. “Yes, just don’t even think about trying to talk me into getting you drunk. It’s not happening.”

She giggles but jumps up from her seat on the couch. “Let’s go.”

***

When we get there, the night is already vibrating with life. Music blasts, and people are talking, laughing, and drinking. It’s the busiest I’ve seen it since I’ve moved back.

“I’m gonna grab a soda.” Elain shouts over the music. I nod my head. It’s not like the bar is very big, so I’m not worried about her getting lost.

“I’ll join you in just a sec. Gonna look for Whitney and Harper.” She shoots me a thumbs up before spinning around and weaving through the crowd. Just as she disappears, a deep voice sneaks up behind me.

“You followin’ me?” I turn to find the man from the coffee shop behind me, two beers in his hands and a teasing grin on his face. Haden, I guess his name is.

I cock my head. “Kinda feels like you might be following me.”

He pushes one of the beers towards me and whistles as he takes in my look. “Lookin’ mighty fine tonight, Ms. Warner.”

My brows raise as I take the bottle. “Funny. I don’t remember giving you my name.”

God, please tell me I do not have a stalker on my hands.

He laughs like he can read my thoughts. "Turns out we have a lot of the same friends."

I nod along, just watching him. This flirting, I’ve done this flirting before. The kind that turns into a one-night stand or fling. When it’s clear that it’ll be nothing more than a physicalconnection. Before I can finish my thought, a large presence pushes against me. So close, too close, that I can feel his chest brushing against my loose curls. Goosebumps and a thrill I can’t place rushes through my blood. Something earthy floods my nostrils, and I know immediately who it is. Haden’s eyes catch on the man behind me, and a teasing grin pulls at his cheeks. “Wesley,” He greets. “I was just asking Blake here if she wanted to dance with me.”

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