KNIVES AND HEARTSTRINGS
later tonight," Penny declar
mid-air above my third plate of
ated, incredulous.
r shimmered under the soft light, and her brown eyes sparkled with barely
ned a serene afternoon by the pool. Catching up with Penny had been the plan-relaxing, low-ef
ation practically radiating from h
estion.
mouth, hoping to evade her question. S
er eyes, undeterred. She slid cl
ll
o the pool. Eyeliner and all," I warned
ok her head. "Addy, you can't hide behind that
itutional rights, I a
ded over the plate, gazing lo
g me headfirst into its Mediterranean equivalent. My sanity is alr
s just a little fun. And isn
ering my things. "Isn't it to
when it
hi
asked, her b
aba!" I bolted inside, racin
house so unne
my room and grabbed my phone, dialing my dad. Desp
ood-natured lecture about my forgetfulness. Mama was in the ba
I thought wit
th parents, I collapsed onto my bed, face
doorway, her brown e
oice came from the d
hose flaming chips you
. My we
bribe? Uh... Duh. We're talking about the w
with delight, pouncing onto the bed with the energy of a golden retriever.
ch fun dressing you up!" she ex
**********
I'll have none left!" I protested, wincing
swatting my hands awa
!" I groaned, but one look at
she announced
na
ad to admit: she was good. "O
ss," Penny said smugly, tossin
my room-a battlefield from our quest for the perfect "I'
sleek black boots, Pen let her hair fall in loose waves, adding bol
oked s
otally sleep with you," I qui
gged my curves perfectly-was a hard find. I didn't even know I had it. Paired with three-i
" Penny added, f
exclusive club known for its elite clientele. One look at us
tless sophistication. A live DJ spun electrifying beats that blasted through
mured, taking it all in. Everyt
errupted, her gaze locked on a distinguis
up!" she teased, sauntering off
her. She disappeared into th
leave me? The
o follow her or make a run for it, a
invited to th
atures. He gestured toward a handsome stranger watchin
accepted the invitation. If Penn
e a crime to waste su
of the man who had delivered the invita