Page 82 of The Lies We Steal

It was moments like these where I felt the most comfort. When my life had become everything I’d wanted. Study sessions with someone I could call my friend.

Absent-mindedly, I rub my thumb over my middle finger like I’m playing with a ring. The slightly raised skin under my knuckle makes me look down. Still in shock that it’s even there to begin with.

“Does it hurt?” Lyra asks curiously.

The makeup I’d put over it, was starting to fade and I’d need to reapply it soon.

“No. I think it would be better if it did hurt.”

“Why?”

“Then I’d be more inclined to hate it.”

I’d promised myself that I’d be open and honest with Lyra about everything. Including the fact that the tattoo itself was beautiful. I loved the way the letters fit in the space of my finger, the A and C designed to swirl around like vines around rose bushes.

I thought about getting it covered up with an actual rose when this was all said and done. Just to shove it back into Alistair’s face that anything he threw at me I could handle.

Even if it was a permanent memory of him.

“Should I be offended that I wasn’t invited to this study session?” Easton Sinclair’s voice reminds me of coffee in the morning. Smooth, warm, everything you need to start your day.

I lift my head, looking over at him with a smile, “Extremely offended.” I joke, “I lost your number or I would have invited you.”

Small white lie. I did lose it. After purposely throwing it away. Easton was nice, I’m sure he was a great guy, and given the opportunity I might accept a date offer from him, but not while he had a girlfriend.

One from what I’ve seen is pretty nice. I mean, she looks at me like I should be shinning her shoes, but she still seems nice. And no one deserves to be cheated on, ever.

My mama taught me that if he cheats with ya, he’ll cheat on ya. Cue the Texas accent.

“No worries.” He replies smoothly, “Hey Lyra,” Waving softly to acknowledge my roommate’s presence.

“Hello,” She flutters her fingertips in a wave back, picking up another piece of candy and chewing it.

“I asked my dad about the fruit trees for next year and I think I’ve won him over with the idea of a cherry tree. No more waiting on shipments to the grocery store.”

Lyra’s eyes burst with light, fireworks exploding inside of them. I crinkle my eyes at him suspiciously, winning over my friend was a smooth move. I’d admit.

“That’s so cool, thanks Easton.” She replies, excitement in her voice. The ability to just walk outside her dorm and pick cherries off the tree was all Lyra needed to be happy. And bugs, obviously.

“I’m actually glad I ran into you, I wanted to ask you something,” He returns his attention to me, placing his hands behind his back, rocking on his heels a bit.

“Sure, what’s up?” I close my applied mathematics book, giving him my attention.

“The All Hallows Eve ball next Friday, if you haven’t already sworn off going, I wanted to know if you’d go with me. I’ll even make sure to let you poke me with the corsage my mother will inevitably buy for us.” His floppy blonde hair falls in front of his face a bit, blue eyes confident.

He knows I’ll say yes.

I mean who would say no to Easton Sinclair?

I wasn’t sure if I found the confidence attractive or annoying.

“I’m shocked, I mean, flattered.” I laugh out, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear, “But aren’t you going with Mary? I’m pretty sure I voted for you two for Hallow Queen and King.”

“Mary and I broke up last week.” He sighs, running a hand through his hair, “It just wasn’t working out, we felt it would be best if we were just friends.”

“So you’re single?” I stall.

“As single as one could be. Is that a yes?”