Page 9 of Blind Bite
“Honestly, I’m glad she took the money. He would’ve been horrible in the long run,” I grinned, feeling lighter than I had all day. “Maybe I’ll just become a cat lady.” I tickled the spot behind Mysti’s ear that is her weakness.
She leaned in, strong purrs emitting from her. She purred louder than the TV’s drama. Her contentment vibrated against my legs.
Amelie jumped up and popped her hand on her hip, “You’re already halfway there. We’ll pick you out some floral muumuus tomorrow.”
I chucked a pillow at her head that she expertly dodged, her laughter never faltering from the assault.
Beside me, my phone remained dark. No texts, no calls, just silence—the consolation prize of my pathetic love life. I watched my best friend rummage through our kitchen for more snacks. Loudly, she decided she would order take out. I couldn’t help but let the gloomy feeling creep in. I always thought these were the moments I’d share with someone special. If I were destined to be alone in this life, at least I had the best friends to be lonely with.
Chapter Seven
“We’re going out tomorrow night,” Amelie’s declaration had cut through my pity party.
“No,” I buried my face deeper into the couch cushions. “I’m retiring from life. Me and Mysti are going to become hermits.”
“Perfect. You can practice being a hermit next week.” She yanked the pillow from my face. “I already texted Lacey. She’s in.”
“Traitor.” But my lips twitched at the thought of our pint-sized friend. Lacey’s brutal honesty was exactly what I needed—or dreaded. I hadn't decided yet.
“Come on, Lil. When’s the last time we had a proper girls’ night?”
“Last month when?—”
“Nope. Watching true crime documentaries in our pajamas doesn’t count.”
I pushed myself up, giving her my best death glare. “It totally counts.”
“It really doesn’t.” Amelie flopped beside me. “Look, you need this. We’ll dress up, drink overpriced cocktails, dance until our feet hurt?—”
“And fall into an Uber at 2 AM wondering why we thought this was a good idea?”
“Exactly!” She squeezed my arm. “Come on, let’s get your sparkle back.”
“My what now?”
“Your sparkle! Your glow, your—” she waved her hands in the air like she was conducting an invisible orchestra. “Your Lilith-ness.”
“I’m pretty sure my Lilith-ness is still intact.”
“Nope. That jerk dimmed it. But tomorrow?” Her grin turned wicked. “We’re cranking up your brightness to blinding.”
I groaned, but warmth spread through my chest. “You’re not going to let this go, are you?”
“Not a chance.” She bounced off the couch. “Now, what are you wearing?”
“Clothes?”
“Oh honey,” Amelie shook her head. “We have so much work to do.”
“That dress makes your butt look amazing.” Girls’ night was upon us and Amelie circled me like a fashion-obsessed shark. “Your violet hair with that black dress? Chef’s kiss.”
I tugged at the hem, wondering if it was too short. “Are you sure?—”
“Touch that dress one more time and I’ll staple it to your thighs.” Lacey appeared in my doorway, her copper hair styled in loose waves. She’d traded her usual tech-geek aesthetic for an emerald green number that made her hazel eyes pop.
“Threats of bodily harm already?” I checked my phone. “It’s only eight.”
“I’m efficient.” Lacey dropped her clutch on my bed. “Now, pre-game shots, or are we heading straight out?”
