Page 6 of Pills and Potions: Kase
“God, Tuesday,” I whispered harshly, eyes wide. “Please don’t say that out loud.”
She laughed, loud and unbothered. “Girl, ain’t nobody in here but us and your virginity.”
I covered my face with both hands. “I hate it here.”
“No, you don’t,” she said, sipping her coffee. “You just hate that Kase Maddox had your coochie playing slow jams on the dance floor. Oh, and to apologize for his little stunt,” Tuesday said casually, like she was mentioning the weather, “You got flowers.”
I walked over slowly, heart thudding in my chest as I leaned down to read the little white card tucked between the stems.
“From someone who knows you deserved better last night. – J”
My eyes widen. “Wait…J? As inJace?”
Tuesday didn’t even look up from her pancakes. “Yup. My man sent them. Said his brother was a damn fool and you ain’t deserve that mess.”
I stared at the flowers like they were ticking. “Why wouldhesend me flowers?”
“Because he has manners. And a heart. And eyes that work. Unlike Kase.”
I gently touched one of the petals, still stunned. “I don’t even know what to say…”
“Say thank you,” Tuesday replied, licking syrup off her finger. “And maybe post a little soft-boiled thirst trap with them. Let Kase see what grace and poise look like when he fumbles it.”
“I amnotdoing that,” I muttered.
“You should. He had you out there looking like a horny librarian who snuck in through the back door.”
“Tuesday!”
She laughed. “Girl, I’m just saying. Kase don’t deserve your crush. But my man? He saw you. And that’s saying something.”
I looked back at the bouquet. “I still can’t believe Jace did that. I didn’t even know he noticed me like that.”
Tuesday gave me a look. “Please. Jace ain’t blind. He might be mine, but he know good people when he see 'em. And he knows when his brother’s being a dick.”
I glanced at her. “So now what?”
“Now you either ignore it, or you text him and say thank you like a decent human being. Either way, fix your face. He gave you roses, not a subpoena.”
After staring at the card a little longer than I should’ve, I finally grabbed my phone and sent Jace a quick text. He was really so kind. He didn’t have to send me flowers to apologize on behalf of his brother, but I’m glad he did, because that was so sweet.
Me:Thank you for the flowers. That was really sweet of you. I appreciate it more than you know.
He didn’t respond right away, but I felt better just saying it. Tuesday and I sat down for breakfast. We both dug into her delicious pancakes. They tasted so good, so full and rich.I always loved it when she cooked; she had a real gift in the kitchen. Unlike me, who could barely boil water without messing something up
“Alright, hurry up and get dressed. We’re going to the mall.”
“For what?”
“For me, duh. The anniversary of the first time Jace kissed me is coming up. I need something cute.”
“You celebrate the firstkiss?”
“Yes. It was life-changing. And tongue-filled. Don’t hate.”
I laughed and threw on my shoes. We hit the mall together, walking arm in arm, talking about everything and nothing. I forgot all about the club, the dance, and even Kase for a minute. I was finally starting to feel like myself again. As we were walking, I saw a store tucked near the corner of the second floor, with bright neon signs in the window and mannequins wearing barely-there lingerie. The bold black letters above the door read:“Temptations.”
I slowed my steps. “Is that… a sex shop?”
