Page 140 of Fractured Fates

My head isn’t as sore as it was last night but it still hurts, especially when my vision is met by bright sunlight.

“Woah, Winnie, did you open the curtains?” I ask, slamming my eyes shut.

“Oh, yes sorry, it’s just such a beautiful day.”

I hear her crank the curtains shut and I venture to open my eyes again.

“You’re in a good mood this morning,” I observe as she floats round the room, scooping up clothes and rearranging books. She nods and smiles to herself.

“Can I conclude that last night was a good one then?”

“He kissed me!” she blurts out. “Well, actually I kissed him. Or maybe it was more like we both did it at the same time.”

“And?” I ask, propping myself up on my elbow so I can get a better look at my best friend.

“And,” she clutches her stomach and spins around. “It was so good. So seriously good.”

“How long were you kissing for?” I laugh. “You came in really late.”

That crimson color creeps up her face. “It wasn’t only kissing,” she admits. “We went back to his room … and let’s just say that man is very talented with his hands.”

“Winnie,” I shriek, flinging my pillow over my head. “I don’t want to know,” I mumble into goose feathers, ignoring the pang of jealousy that gnaws in my stomach.

Am I really jealous? Do I really care? I don’t want that, do I?

Do I?

What happened with the man in black was a distraction. A mistake. Nothing more.

And as for that kiss with Spencer …

I peek my head out from under the pillow. “Actually, I do want to know.”

Winnie grins and climbs up into my bed, recounting everything in miniscule detail until we’re interrupted by her phone beeping.

“It’s him,” she says, almost dropping her phone. “He’s not meant to contact me for at least three days.”

“Why not?” I ask, frowning.

“Never mind,” she says with a wave of her hand. “He wants me to go hang out with him tonight.”

“I bet he does!” It sounds like the two of them had a very good time last night. Winnie on more than one occasion.

I have a feeling my best friend and her long-term crush may now be a thing.

Her gaze flicks up to mine. “He is going to make tacos. You can come too, hang out with us.”

“I don’t think that is what Trent has in mind, Winnie.”

“That doesn’t matter. You’re my best friend. I’m not about to dump you for a dude and leave you on your own on a Saturday night.”

“Winnie, it’s fine. I havePuzzle Masterand Pip remember. I’ll be just dandy.”

Winnie chews on her lip. “I’ll tell him I’ll be over at ten, that way we can–”

I snatch the phone from her hand.

“No, you will not. You’ve liked this guy for forever, haven’t you?” She nods. “Then you’re not going to blow things on my account.”