Read Online Falling to Pieces by Amber Garza - Free Book Online Page A

a bunch of strangers. My fingers brush over my little black dress, and a memory of the last time I wore it flits through my mind. It was just a couple of months before that fateful night, and I was out with Asher and a group of our friends. I yank the dress off the hanger. Maybe a night with strangers is exactly what I need. It definitely beats running into people I know in town, like when Peyton and her friends showed up at the restaurant. Perhaps Billie is right, and it’s time to meet new people and move on.
    I take off my sweats and pull the black dress over my head. Then I move to my dresser and release my hair from the ponytail holder. It falls to my shoulders, but it has a funny kink in the middle, so I flick on my straightening iron. After applying a little makeup, I run the flat iron over my hair until it is sleek against my face. I put on some sparkly earrings, slip into my black strappy sandals , and walk into the hallway.
    “Wow, for not wanting to go you sure put in a lot of effort into your outfit .” Billie’s gaze runs the length of my body.
    I almost turn around and change. Especially when I see that she is wearing her usual jeans and low cut top.
    “In that outfit you’re going to have every guy at the party drooling.  I have a feeling that you’re not even gonna remember Asher’s name by the time we get home.” Billie grabs her purse off the table. “You ready?”
    I nod, and force myself to walk forward even though Billie’s words make me uneasy. I’m not sure I want the attention of every guy at the party, and more importantly, I’m not sure I want to forget all about Asher.
    My misgivings only grow as Billie drives. With each mile I fidget more with the hem of my dress and wish that I’d worn jeans like Billie. What was I thinking when I put this on? It’s going to seem like I’m trying too hard to impress. I’m going to look easy. Great. The last thing I want is to be the prey of every guy at this party. By the time Billie pulls over, I’m ready to run back home. Billie steps out of the car, but I keep my butt planted on the vinyl seat.
    “Coming?” Billie comes around to my side , and opens the door.
    My stomach knots. “I’m not sure. Why don’t you just go? I’ll pick you up later.”
    Billie closes her fist around her keys. “No way. I’m keeping my keys, so if you want to go back home you have to walk.” She glances down at my high heeled sandals. “Good luck walking for miles in those shoes.”
    I groan , angered again by my stupid outfit. Billie just laughs as I climb out of the car. She slams the door behind me, and together we walk across the street. My heels click on the pavement, and Billie’s boots jangle. I pull my dress further down my legs, wishing that I could trade clothes with Billie. My hair feathers over my bare shoulders as we make our way up to the house. We walk right in since the door is open. The family room is littered with people, and a soft music beat pounds under my feet. My gaze sweeps over the room, but I don’t see anyone I know.
    “Hey, I didn’t think you’d make it,” a male voice says from over my shoulder. I whip around to see Brandon flashing Billie a cheesy grin. Yep, it’s just as I suspected. He does like her.
    I glance over at Billie and see that she’s staring at him with the same look. So, she does like him too. I appraise him. I suppose he’s kind of cute, in a boy next door kind of way.
    “ Wanna grab a drink?” he asks Billie. In fact, I don’t even think he’s noticed that I’m here.
    Billie peers over her shoulder at me, giving me a questioning glance.
    I nod, shooing her away. “It’s fine. Go.”
    She grabs my hand. “No, come with us.”
    I’m grateful to Billie for holding my hand and including me. I can tell that she wants to be alone with Brandon, but the truth is that I’m not really ready to leave her side yet. Maybe after I’ve had a drink or two…or ten.
    My heels click on the tile ann ouncing our