“You don’t have to answer,” Sarah says, like it doesn’t matter. “I can tell by that stupid look on your face.”
“You look really hot in that dress,” I say, both to change the subject and because it’s true.
“I know, right?” She smiles and then strolls over to her dresser and opens the top drawer. She takes out a small shopping bag and then brings it over, holding it out to me. “For you. And don’t be all, ‘Oh, I can’t accept it.’ That pisses me off.”
I feel awful. The only thing I can offer her as a friend is the Need, a way to help her. But instead it sent me to an abandoned warehouse. “I can’t accept it,” I repeat, mocking her voice.
She groans and shoves it into my hands. “Take it! Did you just listen to me cry about giving a blow job?”
“Um, yeah.”
“Did you judge me and call me a slut?”
“Of course not.”
“Exactly.” She leaves the bag in my hands. “And there aren’t many friends who wouldn’t have at least thought it. You didn’t. That’s why I love your complicated ass. Now stop being modest and open it.”
“If it’s a hat I’m beating you with it,” I murmur. But as I reach in my hand closes on something smaller. A box.
I pull it out and stare at the jewelry box covered in maroon fabric. “Are you proposing?” I ask.
“No. You’d leave me for Harlin.” She smiles. “Now shut up and look at it.”
I flick open the box and my heart thumps loudly. “Earrings?” I ask when I see them. They are simple, glittering hoops, just like the ones she has on now. “They’re beautiful. Thank you.”
“For the charity ball,” she says, like I already knew this. “You and Harlin are coming on Friday night. Did I forget to mention it?”
I narrow my eyes. “Yes. Yes, you did.”
“Sorry.” She shrugs. “Pick out a dress before Harlin gets here.” She motions toward her closet. “Something to go with the earrings. Oh, and PS, don’t wear anything trashy. Daddy hates that.”
I start laughing. First, I’d never wear anything trashy. And second, because it’s hilarious when she calls her stiff, stuffed-suit father Daddy. “Deal.”
Sarah grabs my arm and we rummage through her designer labels, my cheeks pink from embarrassment, but also gratitude. As soon as she starts holding dresses against me, I realize that there’s no way I can pull off a formal dress. Not with glowing skin. And what if the Need hits me when I’m there?
Anxiety is just about to overtake me when Sarah holds up the perfect dress. “This is it.” The shimmery navy fabric is knee length and fitted without being too tight. It’s paired with a matching jacket that both tones it down and adds class. Not to mention it’ll cover my shoulder. I think I can actually get away with wearing it.
“Well?” Sarah asks, pushing it toward me. “Try it on.”
“Uh . . .” I glance back into her room. I can’t change here. I can’t let her see. “It’ll fit,” I say. “And I should go. Harlin’s probably waiting downstairs.” I chew on my lip. “He’s not happy with me right now.”
“He’s fine.”
I hope she’s right. “Are you sure I should borrow this?” I ask, touching the silky fabric. “Maybe I can borrow something from Mercy.”
“Not that kind of event, Charlotte,” she sings, folding the dress over her arm. “I’ll have my driver drop it off at your place. I don’t want you taking it on a motorcycle. Now, run off and catch your Romeo. But please tell him that it’s black tie. And that means no leather.”
I thank her profusely before backing away, thinking again how perfect the dress will be. But as I leave her place, I feel the questions building again. I’ve been putting them out of my mind, trying to be a friend. Trying to have a normal life.
I’m about to burst into tears again when I get to the outer doors and see Harlin waiting at the curb on his motorcycle. He looks over just as I see him, a soft smile on his lips. He holds out his hand to me, and again, I feel like I can breathe. I rush out to meet him.
“Not a chance,” Harlin laughs as we climb off his bike in front of his apartment. He looks tired from staying out late with me, or maybe it’s from worry. His dark hair is hanging near his eyes and his bristled chin has gotten scruffier. Which is actually a look that I like, so I don’t mind.
“Please go with me?”
“Charlotte,” he says. “Since when do you like Sarah’s high-society charity events? And since when do you think I do?” He’s smiling at me, his hazel eyes amused and curious.
I shrug. “I don’t. But she invited us and I’ll feel bad if we don’t go.” I squeeze his hand. “Besides, it might be cool to hang out together all dressed up.”
“Will there be a band?”
“Maybe.”
His dimples deepen. “So you’ll save me a dance?”
“Every one of them.” He watches me for a long moment before exhaling. “Okay, but I’m not shaving.”
I grin. “I’m glad.”
He leans forward to give me a quick kiss. “I know. By the way,” he says, reaching into his pocket to take something out. “I saw this and thought of you.”
“A present?” I grin and snatch it out of his hand. He’s laughing, but when I look down, I gasp.
“It’s pretty, right?” he asks, reaching over to brush a strand of my hair behind my ear.
“Yeah,” I say without looking away. In my palm is a clear stone, and inside it is a small ivory statuette. A guardian angel.
“Figured if you’re going to be out at night getting hit by cars, you might as well have some backup.”
I look at him, feeling stunned. Like this is some sort of sign. But as I stare at Harlin, his mouth curved in a confident grin, I don’t care about signs. I get on my tiptoes and wrap my arms around his neck, pressing my mouth to his.
We stand there, kissing in the middle of the sidewalk in front of his building. But I don’t notice anyone but him. I’m taken in by the feel of him, the smell, the beauty. Harlin is like my drug—my constant need.
“I love you,” I murmur.
His hands rest on my hips. “Show me,” he says with a soft smile, and then pulls me inside.
Harlin’s brothers are gone and we’re in his room, backed against the door. He kisses at my neck as I pull at his shirt. I yank it over his head and then he’s against me again, kissing me hard.