Chapter 16

Beth had auburn hair; it was long enough to put in a ponytail, but barely. She had on a ton of eyeliner and no lipstick, and a big black T-shirt with slashed arms that she wore as a dress. She looked like she was twenty-two even though she was probably only eighteen. “Look at those little hoochies in the making,” she cracked, lighting up a cigarette. Her voice was low and husky.

Patrick snorted, and I lowered my eyes. Through my lashes I sneaked a peek at her. She had her legs stretched out on the coffee table even though she still had shoes on. “Let’s go upstairs,” I whispered, but Selena ignored me.

“Us?” Selena said. “Look at you. Where are your pants? In the back of somebody’s truck?”

Beth guffawed with hoarse laughter and took a drag of her cigarette. She looked sexy when she did it, like she was in a movie.

“Excuse me, but you’re not allowed to smoke in the house,” Rennie said, her hands on her hips.

Patrick tapped a cigarette out of Beth’s box. “Go play outside, little girls. W