Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 106797 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 534(@200wpm)___ 427(@250wpm)___ 356(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 106797 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 534(@200wpm)___ 427(@250wpm)___ 356(@300wpm)
“Ow owww,” she whistled when she came to a stop. “I can’t believe I get to spend all night with this sexy beast. And I stole some wine from my parents’ stash? Oh yeah, tonight will be trouble.” She winked and I tossed my bag in the back before plopping down beside her and fastening my seatbelt. When I didn’t smile or joke in return, she frowned, but didn’t ask me what was wrong. She just threw the car in drive and turned up the volume on the radio.
She would ask me for details when we got to her house. I knew that. This was only a temporary relief. And I knew I’d have to tell her what I was feeling. I’d have to tell her what was going on with Mason, with Rhodes.
The problem was, I wasn’t sure I really knew, myself.
The fair that came to Poxton Beach in late May was nothing like the state fair that rolled through South Carolina each October, but it was an event that drew all the locals out in addition to the tourists passing through. It was themed around corn, being that it was held right in the middle of harvesting season, and there were food competitions, Future Farmers of America showcases, and rides for a promising night of entertainment. I always got excited for it before, but Willow had to practically drag me from her house this time.
“I promise we’ll have fun, Natalie,” she said for the seventh time as we made our way through the dirt lot to the entrance. I was struggling, trying to balance and walk somewhat gracefully in the nude, strappy wedges she’d forced me to wear. “Just ignore Mason and Shay. They’ll probably be off doing their own thing, anyway.”
“Wishful thinking.”
She glared at me, applying another coat of lip gloss.
“Fine,” I sighed. “I’ll try. For you and only for you, Lo,” I trailed off, watching my feet as we walked. “You’re right, we don’t have much longer together. I want to have a fun summer with you, regardless of them. Especially since you’re probably leaving me early, too. Because we all know you’re going to get into the advanced program.”
Willow wrapped her petite arms around me and gave me a squeeze. “I love you! Don’t get sad on me now, though. Tonight’s about fun.” She pulled out a purple sparkly flask. “And that fun starts now.” She winked, took a swig, and passed it to me.
Smiling, I accepted her offer and threw back a shot. Last time we were out I made the mistake of turning down alcohol. This time, I wouldn’t be so stupid. I was down for anything to numb all the feelings bubbling up inside me.
“I wish you would have let me wear sneakers,” I complained. “It’s a fair. It’s mostly dirt and grimy concrete covered in fair food. Why did we have to get so dressed up?”
“Because Mason is going to be here and if you want to get him back, you need to look drop dead gorgeous every time he sees you. The more he sees that you’re doing fine, the faster he’ll realize how badly he messed up.”
“I haven’t changed,” I pointed out as a driver waved us to pass in front of his car in the gravel parking lot. “Not yet. I’m still the same girl he dumped less than three weeks ago. Plus, he saw me yesterday when I’m pretty sure I looked like a sweaty walrus.”
She laughed but stopped me just before the entrance. “You have changed, Natalie. You’re already walking with your chin held higher, and believe it or not, I can tell you’ve lost weight. Especially in your face.”
“It hasn’t even been two weeks, Willow.”
“Well, then Rhodes must work magic.” I eyed her and though I tried not to, I blushed. Rhodes definitely had some kind of voodoo juice happening. “Besides, from what you told me about yesterday, Mason said he missed you.”
“He said he missed our calls.”
“Exactly. Which reminds me that he called you in the middle of the night the night before. I don’t think getting him back is going to be as hard as you think. Especially after he sees you in this dress.” She smiled.
I fidgeted, shifting on my feet that were already sore. Every time I heard Mason’s name, my stomach fell to my feet. But I couldn’t tell if it was for the same reasons as before. “I love Mason, Lo. You know that. I know that. But this is about me, too. It’s about getting me back. Or rather, getting a new me. A me that’s never existed before. A better me.”
She smiled at that, linking her arm through mine and leading us through the entrance. “Every life-altering change stems from a series of small, seemingly meaningless amendments.” She winked as they scanned our tickets and I shook my head. My best friend was a wacko.