Page 43 of Crown of Death
Except charming doesn’t even begin to coverit.
Through the terror ripping through my gut, it also fills withbutterflies.
“I am,” Amelia says, blushing, hard. She keeps giving him this little…look. Flirtatious, embarrassed, giddy. “It’s nice to finally meet Logan’s mysteryman.”
“Hey,” I say. But my voice sounds too tight. Too strangled. “You sure got over herequick.”
My beautiful, blonde bombshell friend looks over at me. “Well, yeah. You randomly say you’re giving up the apartment and giving me a tight deadline put a little fire under me. What’s thedeal?”
I feel my face blanch. Think. Think, think,think.
“When Logan told me she was having a difficult time keeping up with the rent on her own, I offered her a room in my house.” Cyrus offers a smooth, logical lie, just likethat.
I look over at him. And I’m…grateful.
“Really?” Amelia asks doubtfully, looking between Cyrus and I. “You two are already moving intogether?”
I bite my lower lip. I reach out for her hand. “Can…can I talk to you alone for asec?”
Amelia glances back at Cyrus once more but followsme.
I pull her into my bedroom and shut the door. It’s only a façade of privacy, I know Cyrus says he can hear every word. But I need Amelia to think this is just between the two ofus.
“Lo, this seems a little crazy,” she hisses, her voice low. “You’ve only know this guy for what? A week? You can’t be serious about moving in withhim!”
I have to sellthis.
I have to make her believe this is for the best. Because I can’t answer with the truth, to any of herquestions.
“Look,” I say, trying to seem a little embarrassed. “I didn’t want to say anything because I didn’t want you to feel bad. But covering all the rent on my own has been a little more challenging than I expected. You’re right, it is way early in this thing to be moving in together. But Amelia, I’mhappy.”
Sellit.
Let it show in your eyes. Smile. Standstraight.
“Collin is…not like anyone I’ve ever met,” I say. “You know me, I’m always so bitter that I just can’t see past anyone’s flaws. But Collin…” I pause, his face filling my mind. “He can take all of my acid. He’s got his own special brand of it. And maybe this won’t work out in the long run, but right now, this is where Iam.”
Whoa. I’m actually impressed withmyself.
Amelia studies me, looking for signs of lies ordistress.
But slowly, a smile creeps onto her face. She shakes her head. “It’s about time you did something a little crazy and open up to someone.” She laughs, throwing her arms around me. “I never expected this kind of speed from you, Lo. But I don’t know. You just seem different. You got this, don’tyou?”
No. Not really. Not any ofit.
Except for putting Cyrus in his place every now andthen.
But I keep sellingit.
I chuckle, squeezing her tight. “Thanks forunderstanding.”
She lets go of me. “A week huh? And then we’re out of here forgood?”
I nod. And I’m filled withsadness.
“The end of an era.” she says, frowning for show. “Look at us, growing up, getting in serious, committed relationships. We’re hard core adulting thesedays.”
I laugh. “Something like that.” My eyes slide toward the door. “If you have a hard time getting ahold of me this weekend, don’t freak, okay? Collin and I are taking a little trip thisweekend.”