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piece of it actually manifested itself right
here -- in Louisiana of all places -- for a reason. Gavin carried a
supernatural aura that exuded something genuine, and for all of this, I knew he
was worth the risk of Andrew’s wrath.
    I looked down at my wrist to examine his phone number,
smiling when I read what he wrote underneath: “Sir,”
aka Gavin.
    I did not forget his name.

* * *
    Audrey stood next to me at my vanity while I contemplated
which outfit to wear, her arms folded, tapping her foot. “Okay, Camille. I know
I’m supposed to play the role of super-supportive friend here, even though
you’ve gone crazy and all. But this ? Going out
with this new guy in the midst of an end to an abusive relationship that you’ve
yet to really deal with? Have you even called
the beast to tell him about next weekend yet?”
    “Audrey, you’re getting on my nerves. Will you chill out?
He’s a nice guy. And I met him before, I told you.”
    “For like twenty minutes! Like two years ago!”
    “So? Isn’t that better than a complete stranger?”
    In the mirror, I saw her roll her eyes. I ran a brush
through my hair, reached for my makeup, then stopped. “Audrey, look. I meant
it: he’s a nice guy. And I can’t explain it to you, I just get a good vibe from
him. He’s different. Mysterious. In a good way.”
    I began to put mascara on. “It’s not like I’m marrying the
guy. We’re just gonna hang out. Stop freaking out.” I
batted my eyelashes, moved on to the lipstick. “Speaking of hanging out, you
should go get ready. He’s bringing a friend of his.”
    I waited for it.
    “Unbelievable!”
    Here we go....
    “They’ll be here in thirty minutes. When did you plan on
telling me this? And where the hell are we going for this date? Details,
woman.”
    “Audrey, seriously. You sure you wanna be a cook? I really think you should reconsider your career. What about acting?
Do you have any idea what a drama queen you are? You’d be amazing on Broadway,
seriously.”
    Her nostrils flared, and I’d swear it looked like she might
pounce and kill me.
    “Camille Elizabeth Hart!”
    I was pretty sure only dogs could hear her.
    “Why is it that I’m being called a drama queen, when I’m the sensible one here?” she said. “Why are you so composed ? I’m more worried about you than you are!”
    “Exactly.” I threw down my lipstick. I was about to spill
and let her know we might have a little magic on our side, but I didn’t. She’d really think I was crazy if I told her that. “That’s
my point. If I’m not freaking out, you shouldn’t either. It’s my problem, so
let me be the one to worry about it.” I tossed my makeup back into the drawer
and stood, placed my hands on her shoulders. “Everything’s going to be okay. I
don’t know how, I just know it is. This is why I’m here, remember? To start
over? So please, just be happy I have a nice guy to hang out with, and come
have fun with us tonight.”
    She pouted and folded her arms like the child she was.
    “Please, Audrey? Let’s just put aside this
Andrew-the-barbarian drama for a few days and have fun. I need this.” I stared at her, waiting for her to give
in.
    “ Barbarian . I like that.
Fitting. Fine. Where are we going, so I know what the hell to wear? And who is
his friend?”
    I hugged her. “Yes! Okay, just wear something casual. But
not too casual. I think we’re going up the road to a little hole-in-the-wall
joint for some dinner, but ya never know. His friend’s
name is Gabe. He’s our age, but Gavin didn’t give me any other details.”
    “He better be good-looking. And if he’s one of those cocky
jocks, I’m bailing, got it?”
    “Don’t be so shallow,” I said. “I don’t think he’s like that
anyway. Not if he hangs out with Gavin. But whatever you say, drama queen. Now
go get ready, please ? They’ll be here soon, get
a move on it!”
    “Ugh, so bossy.”
    She turned and moped toward the guestroom. Did I really