Page 20 of Sinful as They Come
“You’re gonna have to deal with this at CalArts next year when you get ready for all of those shows you’re gonna be in.” Next year, Annie would be off to California. She was the most talented girl on the cheer team, but I knew it was ballet that had truly captured her heart, and when she wasn’t cheering with me, she was usually busy on stage putting on the most magical, mesmerizing performance.
Eye snapping open, she looked right at me. “Hey, don’t jinx it.”
Picking up a bottle of setting spray, I rolled my eyes. “Don’t be silly. You’re getting in. And you’re gonna be in all of those fancy performances and wear so many beautiful costumes. I’m jealous.”
“IfI get in. Can you imagine if I don’t? I didn’t spend years perfecting my pointe technique for no reason.”
I winced at the visual. “I still have no idea how you do that. Either way, you’ll get in. Close your eyes for a second.” I gave her face a quick spray before doing the same to mine. “And I’ll get into Columbia. Hopefully. Maybe. Pray for me.”
“Oh, please. They’re probably writing your early acceptance letter as we speak. You get perfect grades. And then you’ll get to go to all of those Broadway shows and have brunch at really nice cafes with Carter…”
“He’s applying to Cornell,” I said with a little sigh. “So, I don’t know how we’ll manage having dates anywhere.”
“He could come drive down on the weekends. You’ll make it work, don’t worry. And then you two can go to The Met and sit on the steps, and it’ll be veryGossip Girl. Your life is already likeGossip Girl, but you get my point.”
“My life is not likeGossip Girl.”
“Your house and wardrobe say otherwise. And I’m not complaining about the wardrobe, ‘cause you’re a good friend who never says no when I wanna borrow something.”
“Is that all you want me for?” I asked playfully. “I told you that you can keep whatever one you want.”
“I couldn’t do that.”
“I don’t mind.” I reached up to tighten the bright, red bow in Annie’s hair, making sure it was secure. “You can borrow the new Zimmermann dress I got on the weekend. It was meant to be for me and Carter’s date next week, but he had to cancel. He has some football thing going on.”
“Again?”
“He’s busy all the time with football and school. It’s not his fault. I don’t wanna pester him about it. He needs some alone time; some space to himself.”
“It’s not like you two do anything together, anyway…”
I heard a whisper and a snicker to my side. My head quickly spun to the left, eyeing the person who had uttered those words. Amber was standing a few feet away from me, patting down her cheer skirt. I could see her sending what seemed like a knowing glance to some of the other girls on the team – to Tatum and Evie – who didn’t seem to bother hiding theirlaughs.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Me and Annie asked at the same time.
“What?” Amber ran a hand through her sleek, blonde ponytail.
“What are you talking about?” I asked.
“Nothing,” Amber said with a soft laugh, finally turning to look at me. “It was just a joke, Holly.”
“It wasn’t funny,” I said pointedly.
“There’s nothing wrong with just kissing.” Amber smiled, but I could practically feel the condescending tone in her voice. “I know you guys really like doing that.”
My eyes widened. “Um, excuse me?”
“You guys kiss all over campus, silly.” She gave my arm a squeeze. “I see you guys kiss all the time.”
“Okay, why are you spying on her?” Annie narrowed her eyes. “That’s weird.”
“I’m not spying on anyone. It was just a joke, okay? I’ll meet you guys in the hallway.” Blue eyes rolling, she turned around and linked her arms with Tatum and Evie, all three giggling amongst themselves.
“What was that all about?” I murmured.
“She’s just being annoying,” Annie said.
“Why is my relationship so interesting to other people?”
