Page 91 of Massacre Monday

“And black.”

“And purple.”

“But there’s also black,” I correct him, pointing to the long drapes that now frame the tall windows along the back wall of the studio. “I think it gives it a soft but gothic look.”

Does it go with his rustic orange and green industrial vibe? Probably not.

He spins slowly in the center of the apartment, taking in the changes. I didn’t bring everything. Just a few items, like a fluffy purple throw pillow that now resides on the leather sofa. My neon pink mini fridge that sits next to the bed. All the clothes I could fit are stuffed into the one closet.

Silence fills the air until one of my eyebrows lowers. Maybe I need to remind him of what his mother said at the game. Finally, a smile settles on his lips, then he tosses an arm over my shoulders and kisses my temple.

“I like it. It looks like us.”

A satisfied grin paints my face, and his stomach rumbles. I latch my body onto his side and let my palm rub his taut abs. “You must be starving.”

He nods. “Do you want to head out to eat?”

It’s Friday night and I’m definitely not tired. Not after the workout we just had in the locker room. “Sure. Salty Oyster or a diner? Something else.”

One corner of his lips raises as he pulls out his phone. “Nah. Let’s go to Luminescence.”

With a gasp, my heart picks up pace. I hate to confess that the idea of heading there to makeSigmagirls jealous is a lovely thought. “Can you even get in tonight? It’s late.”

“Yep. We own it.” He sends some texts while wandering toward his closet.

“Cardell Enterprises?”

“And soon the Freidenberg Foundation…”

“Ah. After our Culling, you mean.”

A surge of panic makes my forehead sweat. What if he’s using this as an excuse to propose marriage? He supposedly popped the question to Elina at the same restaurant. What if he’s planning to give me a ringtonight? I don’t need one. We’reappointed. That’s an order that must be followed.

Still…a part of me deep inside that I don’t want to admit to asoulkind of dreams of him giving me one and having a pretty wedding with him in the future. It makes me think about my childhood memories of playing with dolls in my room, hidden away from Adal and Oz. One of my favorite things to do was arrange intricate weddings and proposals.

Will it be like that?

I feel weird. Like I’m putting on someone else’s life and acting it out. However, I’m also not that upset by the script I’ve been given. If Ryan officially proposes, I’ll definitely be happy. Right?

I mean, it’s not reallymykind of scene. But maybe it’s his.

“The guys are coming. Invite your friends for nine o’clock. Anyone and everyone you want. I’m reserving the entire roof.”

He spins on a heel and calls someone to arrange the reservation while I scurry to grab my phone from my purse and text the group.

Me

Dinner on Luminescence’s rooftop tonight at 9?

Evie

WTF ARE YOU SERIOUS YAS

Who can I bring, babe?

Valencia

Do I have to dress up?