If I’d Known (Cursed 1)

It sounds like a line. I should totally blow him off like I do any other guy who tries too hard. Except it doesn't feel like a line. Everything about him makes my heart race, causing me to do and say things I never would.

I press my lips together to hide the huge smile that wants to explode onto my face. "I want to see you again too." I am so pathetic tonight.

We pull through the open gates of the chain-link fence a few minutes later, entering The Point--which is a collection of old brick factory buildings and warehouses in the middle of nowhere. Some of the buildings are abandoned. Others have businesses in them. It's hard to tell the difference because they all look like they should be torn down.

The truck stops at the first building. "We'll let you off here since we have to park out back."

"Thanks for the ride," Lincoln tells him as Nina gets out of the cab and shuts the door.

"Not a problem."

"We'll look for you inside." Allie pops out of the open window and sits on the door. "Love you guys!" She remains hanging out of the truck when Seth pulls away, thrusting her arms in the air and screaming in excitement.

"What is she on?" Tori asks.

"Sunshine and fucking rainbows," Nina says, grabbing the bottle away from Lincoln.

I laugh.

"Girl talk," Tori says to Joey and Lincoln.

They nod in understanding and start walking down the alley between the first and second buildings. Vic remains behind us ... somewhere. I should probably be more aware of where he is. I should also be more afraid of him than I am. But I'm not.

Tori nudges me with her shoulder to get my attention. "About earlier ... I know how weird you can get about keeping your mouth shut, especially if you think it might take us down too. I won't ask. But know you have nothing to worry about. Okay?"

"We've got you," Nina pledges, passing me the bottle. "And I'll get your bag from Gary tomorrow because you know he can't fire me."

I look between her and Tori. "Thanks."

"Now what's up with you and Joey?" Nina asks giddily.

"I'm not sure," I answer honestly. "But whatever it is, it's ... intense. I can't explain it."

"Yeah. Anyone within ten feet of you two can smell the intensity." Tori shoots me a side-eyed look loaded with judgment. She takes the bottle from me.

"Ew, Tori," Nina says with a laugh.

"Stop. I'm not going to hook up with him. But let me have a little fun, okay?" I implore.

Tori lifts a shoulder in resignation.

"Speaking of fun"--I reach into my pocket and pull out the plastic bag--"look what I got us for tonight. It only cost me ... well, nothing."

Nina squeals. "Let me see." She examines the bag in her palm. "There's a little of everything in here. They sell it like this?"

"They call it, 'party in a bag.'"

"That's kind of a stupid and genius name at the same time," she says, pulling the seal apart and selecting a tiny foil square labeled with a smiling mushroom sticker. "Do you trust them?"

"Can you really trust anyone with a pocketful of drugs?"

"True," Nina replies. "Well, here goes nothing." She chews the chocolate and swallows. "Let the party begin."

"Don't get lost on your trip," Tori tells Nina, taking the bag from her. She removes the small blue pill with an X stamped on it before handing the bag back to me.

I inspect the contents, select the brown powder capsule of Molly and toss it back with a swig from the bottle, finally starting to feel the mellowing effects of the alcohol.

"This night is going to be ridiculous!" Nina exclaims, thrusting her arms in the air with an exaggerated sway of her hips.