Page 104 of Such Sharp Teeth

“What are you doing here?”

“Scarlett thought you could use some company.”

“She said that? When?”

“Let’s go out tonight,” Ash says, ignoring my question. “I got a babysitter. And you promised you’d take me out drinking.”

I groan. Going out is the last thing I want to do right now. I didn’t anticipate being a werewolf would turn me into such a drag.

“I brought a change of clothes and all my makeup. Let’s get ready and go out. I think we could both use it.”

“I’m good,” I say, eating a nugget. “Clearly.”

“Clearly,” she says. “Then for me.”

Tricky little minx. Ash knows I’d do anything for her. She’s a selfless angel who asks for nothing. Her only character flaws are being too nice and encouraging certain vulnerable parties to get bangs.

“Remember when you told me I should get baby bangs and then I did and looked fucking ridiculous?”

“You did not! They were adorable on you.”

Oh, Ash. “Okay. Let’s go out.”

“Yay! Girls’ night!”

“Should we invite Mia?”

“More the merrier,” she says. “I’m surprised she’s still around. I guess she probably has to settle her dad’s affairs or whatever. God, I can’t even imagine. My heart goes out to her.”

“Mm.”

It’s not my place to tell anyone what Mia’s been through, about her dad, but I do feel a little weird that she hasn’t shared with anyone besides me and some terrible ex. It’s a heavy secret.

I clear my throat. “So what are you wearing? What should I wear?”

Ash insists I take a shower, which, fair, considering my stench. She also insists on picking my outfit. She chooses a little black dress, black stockings, my red stilettos, and a black faux-leather jacket that she steals from Scarlett’s closet. She wears a hot pink long-sleeved jumpsuit.

She plays bad pop music as we do our hair and makeup.

“I need your hair secrets,” she says.

She really doesn’t.

“Where should we go?” I ask her.

“Corner Pub?”

“Corner Pub is full of townies.”

“I’m a townie,” she says. “Scarlett’s a townie.”

“Scarlett’s something, that’s for sure. Matty’s been to the house. Did she tell you?”

She mimes zipping her lips.

“Really?”

She’s had a strict policy since we were kids. She does not play monkey in the middle.