Page 12 of Too Safe

Salon experienceis a bit of a stretch, given my makeshift setup at the hospice facility.

“I’m licensed in the state of Ohio,” I clarify. “I just moved to the area.”

“Oh.” The receptionist’s censure is quickly replaced with mild interest. “We’re hiring an assistant position, so you might be overqualified. It’s mostly prepping and cleaning treatment rooms, taking out the trash—”

“I’m interested,” I interject.

Paying for my own gas is a must. And I’d like to earn enough to occasionally go out to lunch with Hunter. I want the freedom I’m used to when it comes to supporting myself.

Sam’s done so much for me already. But I can’t accept much more than what he’s given me thus far. I’ll feel more like myself if I can earn my own money. Plus, I’m only taking two in-person classes this semester, and this little downtown shopping area is halfway between the junkyard and campus.

“I’ll get you the new client paperwork, along with an application. Hang tight.”

Hunter links her arm with mine as the receptionist leaves the waiting room. “You’re a little go-getter, aren’t you?” she teases.

I smile to myself and think of Alice. I’m not usually a go-getter. But I did make a promise. And I fully intend to see it through.

Chapter 5

Josephine

Hunterputsthecarin park, then flips down her visor to check her makeup one more time. It’s perfect. It better be, considering I spent more than an hour acting as her one-person glam squad. And I was happy to do it. She has the best products money can buy, and we had a great day together.

We’re more similar than I ever would have imagined. People look at her and see a pretty face and a life of privilege, access, and connections. She’s judged for what those who encounter her think they know about her. We’re two sides of the same coin in that regard. They have no idea she’s genuinely kind, freaking brilliant, and has the dirty sense of humor of a twelve-year-old boy.

“Ready, hot stuff?” She caps her lip gloss and rolls her lips, then pops a smooch in my direction.

“Where are we supposed to go?” I ask, unbuckling my seat belt and scanning the lines of cars ahead of us and behind us. The sign at the entrance of the parking lot readNorth Marina, and even though it’s dark outside, it’s clear there are no houses in the vicinity.

“You don’t know where we’re going?” Hunter gives me a thoughtful look.

I arch one brow. “You said the party was at Crusade’s.”

“Andyou have no idea where that is. Shit. I’m sorry. You’re too damn easy to talk to, girl. I keep forgetting you’re not from around here.”

With that, she climbs out of the car. So I follow, still waiting for answers.

“Decker lives on the lake,” she explains, locking her car and tilting her head, indicating I should follow.

I know that. He lives in a lakeside mansion along with Locke, Kylian, and Kendrick.

“Like,onthe lake,” she emphasizes when I say nothing. “The Crusade Mansion is a lakefront property on a private isle. Please tell me you don’t get sea sickness.” Spinning so she’s facing me, she cringes.

A few other people get out of their cars and move in the same direction. In the dark, the whir of motors and the slosh of water are the only clues I get before the ground beneath my wedges transforms from concrete to wooden planks.

“Hunter,” I warn, grabbing her arm and halting her in her tracks.

She falters slightly on her heels and turns to face me.

“How, exactly, are we supposed to get to this private isle?”

She grimaces apologetically, thumbing over her shoulder. “On that?”

I peer around her and watch as a sleek vessel in chrome and black and red slows on approach. The thing is massive. I guess it’s a boat? Or maybe it would be considered a small ferry? Even in the dark, it looks expensive.

Do these people realize that it isn’t normal to travel by luxury watercraft to a party? Because the whole vibe of this small crowd is nonchalant. Casual. Like this is an everyday thing.

“Is this okay? I didn’t even think to mention it—”

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