“Getting jealous of the kitten,” I reply in an irritated voice.
She snorts. “What’s got your panties in a twist?”
“That no one has any interest in my panties.”
A bubbling laughter escapes her as I pull the blanket over my head. “I’m kind of feeling lonely,” I confess.
“Why? Where’s everyone?”
“Mere left for her competition and Keith has been hard to get since—”
“Since the morning you gave him an adult show,” she finishes my sentence in her own style.
“I didn’t give him a show. But the way he is avoiding me it’s like I’ve got cooties or something. Tell me what to do, Em. Help me here, I’m so lost.”
She stays quiet for a while and I hear rustling of fabric, as if she’s settling on her bed. “I think you need to show him you’re an adult.”
“I am an adult.”
“Yes, but he sees you as his thirteen-year-old daughter’s friend and that fucks his brain. You need to show him you are a twenty-five-year-old woman looking for some fun.”
I cringe at her last words.
“That’s what this is, right? Some fun while you’re staying with them?”
“What do you mean?”
“Clem, you now have a permanent job at Vanshionista. Soon, you’ll find your footing in St. Peppers and wouldn’t you want to have your own place?”
My heads spins. Not living with Mere, Keith, and Snowy. My eyes close and I imagine Keith’s smile as he caresses my face. His eyes blazing with hunger before he devours my lips.
“Hello?”
“Yeah… I’m here.”
“What got you so silent?”
“Nothing,” I lie and clear my heavy throat. “Tell me more about your plan.”
“You need to seduce that man, show him what you got. Dress sexy, open some wine.”
Talking to Em has made my mood gloomier than ever before.
After Keith put his foot down, informing my family I’m staying, the thought of leaving this place never crossed my mind. A few days ago, Mere and I were making plans of traveling after school ended like a family. We discussed how Snowy might have her own litter someday.
I forgot, I’m just a tenant, a guest.
Is this what Keith is waiting for? Me leaving his place?
My eyes fill with tears and I hide my face in the pillow.
Next thing I know, it’s already dark. I get up from the bed, determined. I left Cherrywood to not let my mother decide the rest of my life. I can’t let Keith do the same.
I rummage through my wardrobe until I find the silky, sheer nightshirt. This is the sexiest thing I own. I glance toward the digital clock by my nightstand, it’s eight. I know Keith will not return before ten or so, until he’s sure I’ve gone to bed. This gives me enough time.
After taking a shower, I generously apply my rose-and-argan-oil-scented body lotion all over myself. Blow drying my wet hair, I pull it up in a loose bun, a few strands falling over my face. I apply some makeup, but don’t go overboard. I want Keith to see me as an adult, but I still want him to see me as me.
Finally, I go into the kitchen and hunt for something to drink.