Page 3

"Look," I forced myself to say, "I don't know what you're talking about, but Chad's waiting for me. So if you don't mind, let me through."

I tried to step around them, but Freckles grabbed my arm.

"Oh, we do mind," he said, gripping hard enough to hurt. "See, the thing is... Chad's a little busy right now."

"Yeah," Scraggly closed in from the other side. "Super busy. And honestly? We don't think you should go up there and bother him."

"Let go of me!" I tried to pull away, but he only squeezed tighter.

"Why the rush?" Freckles leaned in, reeking of beer. "What've you got in there for Chad? Let me guess... love letters? Chocolates?" He smirked. "Or something more intimate... condoms? Roofies?"

"None of your business!" I yanked my arm, but he wouldn't let go.

"Hey, don't be stingy," Scraggly said, suddenly grabbing for my bag. "Let us see—"

"Let go!"

I jerked back hard. The bag's strap snapped from the struggle.

Time slowed down.

The bag arced through the air, the zipper completely open, everything inside—phone, lipstick, keys, and that damn photo album—flew out.

The album spun in the air like a wounded bird.

Then it crashed to the floor at the bottom of the stairs.

Twelve photos scattered from the album, floating through the air like snow, landing one by one on the floor.

Red lace lingerie.

Silk sheets.

Me lying on them.

Me looking back at the camera.

Me on my side, showing the curve of my waist and hips.

Each one landed like a slap across my face.

No.

No no no no no.

The stairwell went silent.

The music still pounded, people still laughed, but in my ears, the whole world went dead quiet.

Then Freckles exploded into shrill laughter.

"Holy shit!" He bent down, scooped up a photo, and held it at eye level. "Yo, guys, check this out!"

Scraggly grabbed another and whistled. "Whoa, Ruby, didn't know you were so bold!"

"Give them back!" I screamed, lunging for the photos, but Freckles held it high over my head, way out of reach.

"Has Chad seen these?" Sandy picked up another photo, her mouth twisting into a vicious smile. "God, you really thought these would make him want you?"