“Your dad is a rock star. I can’t believe he let you get a tattoo.”
“I’m eighteen now. He knows I would’ve just gone on my own. He figured he might as well tag along.”
“You have him wrapped around your little finger for sure.”
I take her hand and pull her inside, and for a minute, all we do is study one another, both wearing silly smiles. We’ve seeneach other so many times via FaceTime or Snapchat, but this is the first time in almost four years we’ve been in the same room.
“You’re so beautiful.” I loop my arms around her for a gentler hug. “And I missed you so much.”
“Missed you too.” She releases me. “I’ve spent four years hating that my bestie lives states away.”
“I know the feeling.”
Eyes narrowed, she pouts. “No, you don’t.”
“Is this about Jeff again?”
“Maybe.”
Head thrown back, I laugh. “You’re still mybestbest friend. No one could ever take your place.”
“Good to know.”
“You’re the only one who knows I’m in Monterey—other than my dad, of course. Isn’t that proof enough you’re the most important person in my life?”
Chia grins. “I can’t believe you really pulled off the surprise.”
I shrug. “Still gotta show up on Mom’s porch tomorrow morning, ready to spend two days with her. Only then will I have officially made it happen.”
She breaks into a grin. “Remember how I told you Romero is throwing a masquerade party for Halloween?”
I nod.
“I scored an invite, and I know exactly where to get costumes.”
As we head out, discussing costume ideas—agreeing that masks aren’t enough; we want wigs too—I feel lighter than I have in a long time.
Long,blonde wig in place, I assess myself in the mirror. The Alice in Wonderland outfit makes me giddy. It was fate that the store had a single one left that fits me perfectly. The blue dress and crisp, white apron are reminiscent of what Alice wore in the animated movie, but the skirt is short, hitting me mid-thigh. The bodice hugs my full breasts and narrow waist in a way that makes me look far from innocent.
The blonde wig makes me seem a little pale, but in this case, that’s a plus. There’s a chance someone I know will be at this party, so I’ll take all the help I can get staying in disguise—although I haven’t been home in almost four years, so I can’t imagine anyone would remember me anyway.
After some nude lip gloss to complete my look, I study my reflection. Maybe the brown contacts are overkill since I’ll be wearing a mask, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. The last thing I want is for Mom to find out I came home today when I don’t plan on showing up at her house until tomorrow.
Chia knocks on the door. “Are you ready?”
I open my mouth with a pop, and with a wink at my reflection, I pick up the sleek, lacy black mask to cover half my face. “Yes,” I say as I open the door.
Tonight is going to be amazing.
The house is packedand loud. Dozens of people stand around with red cups in their hands, most wearing masks. Some partygoers, like us, have gone all-out with their costumes. Others are wearing masks with their street clothes. There’s even someone dressed as…Pennywise? Seriously? The music is deafening, the bass reverberating through me, lighting me up from the inside.
“Thank you for agreeing to this.” Chia, who’s dressed as Little Red Riding Hood, is grinning from ear to ear.
“Leaving you on your own wasn’t an option,” I tell her. “But are you sure Matt won’t be here?”
“I’m sure.” She loops her arm through mine. “There’s a huge party on campus. The whole football team will be there. Promise.”
With a deep inhale, I will myself to relax. She’s right. Matt does everything with the guys from the team. I scan the living room, taking in the crowd each time the strobe lights flash. “Where do you want to start?”
