MADI ANXIOUSLY SAT through the final minutes of her business law class. After class, “Operation Fool Nate” was in full effect. She and Kendra had devoted several hours into creating their master plan. When class ended, Madi hurried out the door. Nate was waiting for her with a smile. He was actually really nice, and Madi secretly felt bad for misleading him, but it was the only way she could ensure a proper surprise for Jake. As they walked back to her dorm, Madi struck up her planned conversation with him.
“So, Nate, I hope you brought a lot of reading material, because it’s going to be a long, boring weekend.”
Nate smiled. “No need to worry about me, Madi. I’m perfectly content with quiet and boring. I’d rather that than you be in harm’s way.”
Madi smiled at him as she wrapped her arms across her chest. It was getting colder day by day. “My friend Kendra decided to go away for the weekend. I’m letting her borrow my bags and she’s coming to get them in a bit. She’s getting dressed up for Halloween. She’s going as a hot witch with red hair. Is there even such a thing?”
Nate laughed. “I’m sure many would agree she’d make a great witch.” He closed his eyes as regret crept in. “I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”
“No worries,” Madi said as she taped his arm. “She’s been called a lot worse. After she leaves, I’m going to take a nice long nap. I probably won’t see you until the morning.”
Nate smiled and nodded his head. Madi couldn’t believe how well her plan was working. As she walked into her room, she watched Nate make himself comfortable in the lobby outside. Ever since Jake had told her about him, he’d been following her more closely than usual. Madi closed the door and immediately began getting ready. Kendra had purchased two outfits. One was the witch costume with a red wig, which she would wear over to Madi’s. The other was for later. Kendra would change out of the outfit when she got to her room, and Madi would put it on and leave with her bags, pretending to be Kendra. She’d change back into normal clothes at the airport. The sunglasses would definitely help disguise her face. After ten minutes, Kendra knocked on her door. After they had switched clothes, Kendra burst out laughing.
“Holy mother of mother fuckers! You look hot! Wait, you look like me, so of course you do!”
“Did Nate get a good look at you as you walked in?” Madi asked.
“Oh, hell yeah. Probably too good of a look. I think he was checking out my ass. Did you look at the costume I brought over last night?”
Madi shook her head as she produced Kendra’s bag from her closet. Kendra laughed as she pulled out a short vampire costume complete with thigh-high stockings and a long black wig.
“Hot!” Madi nodded appreciatively. This covert stuff was fun. “Now, remember the plan. It’s a quarter after one now. My flight leaves at four and arrives in L.A. at six Jake’s time. That means eight here. You can’t leave the room until after I text you. We don’t want him to get suspicious.”
“I know the plan,” Kendra said with a roll of her eyes. “Just go. Have fun and tell the fine piece of ass he owes me twice now.”
Madi hugged Kendra, grabbed her bag and placed her sunglasses over her eyes. She adjusted her sexy witch outfit, took a deep breath and slid out the door.
Nate’s eyes perked up as Madi, dressed to look like Kendra, came out of the room. “Have fun on your trip, Ms. Parker,” Nate said with a smile.
Madi smiled and waved her hand. She didn’t breathe until she got into her car. She drove away slowly, always checking her rearview mirror. As she exited the University gates, she smiled and relaxed. She pulled her car over and texted Kendra.
Madi: I think he bought it! Thank you again! Love you!
Kendra: You bet your sweet ass he bought it. BTW, I’m eating your Doritos.
Madi: Enjoy! Have fun tonight.
Kendra: You too. I know you will. Bow chicka wow wow!
Madi covered her mouth as she giggled. She texted Ang.
Madi: On my way!
Ang: Is Nate with you?
Madi: Nope! Gave him the slip!
Ang: Madi, go back. He needs to come with you. Jake hired him for a reason. He won’t be happy about this. Please go back and get him.
Madi: By the time he knows I’m gone, I’ll be in Jake’s arms. Everything will be fine. See you in a few hours!
Madi shook her head at Ang’s warning. There wouldn’t be press following her at the airport. Why would she need Nate to come with her? Did Ang know something she didn’t?
