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