* * *
My mind should beon the textbook in front of me, but instead, all I can think of is Caleb and my muddled feelings. Jealousy and guilt don’t mix well.
I stopped by to surprise Caleb a few nights ago while he was working, but I was the one who ended up stunned. I know he’s a bartender, but I wasn’t expecting the extreme flirtation that happens between him and the female patrons. I sat around nursing my drink as the green-eyed monster continued to build each time he smiled, teased, and winked at the female customers. I had to leave after the first drink, not able to stomach the sight.
When I brought it up earlier today, he blew up and claimed he was only working. He claimed I didn’t understand and was being insensitive about the fact that he needs to work since my parents were wealthy and paid for my school. I was hurt he called me spoiled but hate that I was so blind not thinking about those who have to work to be able to afford to go to college. He explained the more he showed interest, the better his tips. I apologized, feeling horrible and embarrassed, but still a little bitter about how he acts at the bar
5
Halloween on SixthStreet is the ultimate party! We arrive at Briana’s apartment, and I ask Caleb and the guys to come in so they can meet everyone. Jason’s eyes rake over Brianna slowly when she opens the door. I predicted that would happen but didn’t expect Caleb to do the same. I am used to Briana’s beauty and the attention she receives from guys, and I have never felt jealous over it, until today. While Caleb may not be openly flirting, his attention is definitely on my gorgeous friend.
"Who’s all in town?” I ask Bree as we all settle to relax before getting dressed.
“Paige has some friends from school that are meeting us, and Preston called and said he was in town with friends.” Bree answers.
“Preston came in town?” I ask excitedly.
“Yup.” Bree smiles. “It’s almost a reunion!” She laughs.
“Who’s Preston?” Caleb asks.
“One of our friends from home.” I answer. I didn’t realize how much I missed him until Bree said his name.
After about a half hour of chatting, Paige tells the guys while pulling on Wes’s and Jason’s hands. “We gotta kick you guys out now,” “I don’t care where y’all go, but you can’t stay here.”
“Looks like you’ve got to go,” I tell Caleb, standing up and grabbing his hand. “I’ll walk you out.”
Outside, Caleb pulls me into a hug and kisses me. “I’ll call you in a little while to find out where we’re going to meet up.”
“Okay.” I settle into him, the jealousy from earlier subsiding with his tenderness. “I’ll see you later.” I pull him toward me for a deeper kiss.
“Let’s go!” the boys shout at Caleb, so he pulls away and follows them to the car.
Back in the apartment, the girls are already chattering about Caleb and the boys.
“You’re in trouble, Sof! The pictures didn’t do Caleb enough justice. He’s ahottie.” Paige exaggeratingly licks her lips while everyone laughs at her. “And what’s up with his friends, huh? They’re gonna be trouble. I can feel it.”
I give them a tight-lipped smile, unable to squash my feelings of inadequacy.
“What’s with the face, Sof?” Paige asks.
My facial expression has betrayed what I wish to keep private. I shake my head, but Briana continues, “And please don’t hide anything. Didn’t we cover this last time you were in town?”
“It’s just that…” I sigh in defeat. “I’m beginning to hate being the cute one. I want to be the hot one that guys fall all over for once. Did y’all notice that even Caleb was smitten with…” I wave my hand in their general direction a bit too dramatically. “I just don’t want to be invisible to him tonight.”
“Well…I can certainly help with that. You still haven’t seen what I got for you to wear.” Briana goes to her room and brings out a large bag.
All she told me was that she was going to be a devil and I was going to be an angel and she had found the outfits.
“We’ll transform you tonight so you will no longer be seen as,” she air-quotes, “the cute one, as you like to call yourself. Although I think you’re hot as hell.” Paige interjects as Briana takes clothes out of the big shopping bag.
“I know you think you are going to be cute as an angel, but you are going to be anything but cute.” She pulls out a white corset.
“Oh, my freaking—” I begin.
“Love! It!” Paige exclaims.
I am given limited mirror views of myself while they do my hair and makeup. I slip on the outfit Briana laid out and finally look in the full-length mirror. My eyes widen as I take in my transformation.