"Trouble," he says, gazing after her and shaking his head. And even though I sense that it's true, I'm wondering what exactly he means. Because the ene
rgy in this place is bubbling and swirling like a big cosmic soup, too lumpy to slog through or try to tune in. "What do you mean?" I ask, squinting against the glare.
"Isn't it obvious?"
I shrug, my head pounding so badly I can't get inside his. "There's something just so-creepy about their friendship. I mean, a harmless girl crush is one thing. But this-this just doesn't make any sense. Major creep factor."
"Creepy how?" I tear a piece off my taco shell and look at him.
He ignores his rice and favors the beans. "I know this is going to sound horrible, and trust me, I don't mean it to be, but it's almost like she's turning Haven into an acolyte."
I raise my brows.
"A follower, a worshipper, a clone, a Mini-Me." He shrugs. "And, it's just so-"
"Creepy," I provide.
He sips his drink and glances between Haven and me. "Look at how she's started dressing like her; the contacts, the hair color, the makeup, the clothing, she acts like her too-or at least she tries to."
"Is it just that, or is there something else?" I ask, wondering if he knows anything specific, or if it's just a general sense of doom.
"You need more?" He gapes.
I shrug, dropping my taco onto my plate, no longer hungry. "But between you and me, that whole tattoo thing takes it to a whole new level. I mean, what the hell?" he whispers, glancing at Haven, making sure she can't hear. "What's it even supposed to mean?" He shakes his head. "I mean, okay, I know what it means, but what does it mean to them? Is it the latest in vampire chic? Because Drina's not exactly goth. I'm not sure what she's trying to be with her fitted silk lady dresses and purses that match her shoes. Is it a cult? Some kind of secret society? And don't get me started on that infection. Na-sty. And, by the way, so not normal like she thinks. It's probably what made her so sick."
I press my lips and stare at him, not sure how to respond, how much to share. And yet, wondering why I'm (so determined to keep Damen's secrets-secrets that bring creepy to a whole new level. Secrets that, when I think about it, have nothing to do with me. But I hesitate for too long, and Miles continues, ensuring the vault stays locked, at least for today.
"The whole thing is just so-unhealthy." He cringes.
"What's unhealthy?" Haven asks, plopping down beside me and tossing her phone back into her purse.
"Not washing your hands after you go to the bathroom," Miles quips.
"And that's what you guys were talking about?" She eyes us suspiciously. "Like I'm supposed to believe that?"
"I'm telling you, Ever refuses to suds up, 'and I was just trying to warn her of the dangers she's exposing herself to. Exposing all of us to." He shakes his head and looks at me.
I roll my eyes, my face turning crimson even thought it's not true. Watching as Haven digs through her bag, pushing past stray tubes of lipstick, a cordless curling iron, stray breath mintstheir wrappers long gone-before coming across a small silver flask, unscrewing the top, and dumping a fair amount of clear, odorless liquid into each of our drinks.
"Well, that's all very amusing, but it's obvious you were talking about me. But you know what? I'm so freaking happy I don't even care." She smiles.
I reach for her hand, determined to stop her from pouring.
Ever since the night I puked my guts out at cheerleading camp, after drinking more than my share of the contraband bottle Rachel smuggled into our cabin, I've sworn off the vodka. But the moment I touch her I'm overcome with dread, seeing a calendar flash before me with December 2I circled in red.
"Jeez, relax, already. Stop being so clenched. Live a little, will ya?" She shakes her head and rolls her eyes. "Aren't you going to askme why I'm so happy?"
"No, because I know you'll tell us anyway," Miles says, discarding his plate, having eaten all of the protein and saving the rest for the pigeons.
"You're right, Miles, you're absolutely right. Though it's always nice to be asked. Anyway, that was Drina. She's still in New York, enjoying a major shopping spree. She even bought a bunch of stuff for me, if you can believe it." She looks at us, her eyes wide, but when we don't respond, she makes a face and continues. "Anyway, she said hi even though you couldn't be bothered to say hi back. And don't think she didn't know it," she says, scowling at us. "But, she's heading back soon, and she just invited me to this really cool party and I totally cannot wait!"
"When?" I ask, trying not to sound as panicked as I feel. Wondering if it could possibly be on the twenty-first of December.
But she just smiles and shakes her head. "Sorry, no way, promised not to tell."
"Why?" Miles and I both say.
"Because it's super exclusive, invitation only, and they don't need a bunch of crashers showing up."