Pretty Little Things

Chapter 11 - Annie

Colin looked pissed off as he stared me down. I squared my shoulders, ready to take the brunt of his attitude.

“He’s just a friend.”

“That the friend you’ve been sneaking off to see?” he asked as he ran his palm over his jaw.

“What does it matter?” I asked as I slipped on one of my heels. Colin stepped forward and grabbed my arm to help me steady myself as I put on my other shoe.

“He’s not a good guy, Annie. He’s a fucking druggie, and he looks too old for you.”

“He’s not a druggie. He smokes a little pot. So what? He’s funny and sweet.”

“Listing off his good qualities isn’t going to sway my opinion of him,” Colin said.

I looked down at where he still held my arm. He released his grip as I shook my head. “No one is ever going to live up to your ridiculous standards. Just don’t tell Connor. He won’t understand.” I lifted my head, looking into his angry blue eyes, pleading with him to keep my secret.

“I don’t understand.” He shook his head. “Just don’t lie to me anymore. We don’t keep secrets from each other.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry.”

“While I have you alone…” He stepped closer to me, towering over me as a mischievous smirk played on his lips. “I have something for you.”

He reached in his pocket and pulled out a small box. I looked up at him as I took it from his hand and slowly opened the lid. Inside was a silver cross.

“Do you like it?” he asked.

“It’s beautiful.” I ran my fingers over the delicate filigree carving over its surface.

“Let me put it on you.” He pulled the thin chain from the box. “Turn around.”

I turned on my heels and lifted my hair from my neck. Colin’s hands went around me as he slid the cold metal across my skin.

“This was my mother’s.”

My breath caught in my throat as my fingers reached up to my chest, and I slid them over the cross. He hooked the clasp, and I spun around to look up at him, a million questions on my lips. He smiled down at me, and his eyes went to the necklace.

“Beautiful,” he said before clearing his throat. “Now go have some fun. I have to find Amanda.”

I smiled up at him as I walked out of the door and was immediately greeted by guests.

The party was in full swing, and the music was loud enough that it drowned out the many conversations. I stopped the nearest waitress and took a glass of wine from her tray as I looked around, wishing Jacob hadn’t left so soon, but I couldn’t blame him. I would leave too if I could. I thought that idea was over as I took a drink from my white wine. It was bitter and dry like chewing on a piece of tree bark, but I drank it down anyway. If I was going to party, I was going to try to enjoy it.

My heart was feeling lighter now that I had made amends with Jacob, and Jacob meeting Colin was not nearly as bad as I’d imagined.