Guardian Of Fate (Fate Series) by L.J. Kentowski Page A

other?" she asked as she threw a dress on the bed.
    "They both say no." I shrugged. "I don't know, must be a man thing."
    "Well they'll have to check their attitudes at the door if I'm going to Celestino's tonight. Nothing can spoil my mood there," she said with her hands on her hips. "You ready?"
    "Is it going to hurt?"
    Nora rolled her eyes and shook her head.
    She turned out to be a pro at transforming me into what she termed, "her masterpiece." In a matter of minutes, she managed to put my hair up in a stylish twist of waves, a few pieces left to dangle around my face. Later, I was unsure how I would find all of the pins it took to keep it that way. While she went to get ready herself, I put on my makeup. It wasn't much since I didn't like to feel like my face was painted on.
    Finishing up in my room, I jumped when Nora rushed in. Taking her breathlessness for excitement, I admired her ruche, form fitting, purple dress, which fell to just above her knees. The criss-cross style of the bodice accentuated her full breasts before the thick, jeweled straps pulled up and tied at the back. Her stylish honey blond hair hung just short of skimming her shoulders. Her green eyes seemed brighter than usual, probably from the purple hue of the dress. I was about to tell her how stunning she looked when I realized that the look on her face was not excitement. She looked scared.
    "Hey, what's up? What's wrong?" I stood and started towards her.
    She held up her hand. "I'm sorry, Cassie, but I have to go. Something's come up and I have to leave right now. I don't have time to explain. If I can, I'll meet you guys at the restaurant." She quickly left the room and I followed her.
    "Wait... What?... What the hell is going on, Nora? You're scaring me."
    "I'm fine, I just... I have to go... I'll call you and let you know what's going on. I promise." She was out the door before I could say anything more.
    I stood in the middle of the living room, one shoe in my hand, wondering what just happened. My heart was beating fast and hard in my chest. What could make her leave so unexpectedly? She's left in a rush before, but not like that. And she always told me where she was going.
    Sitting on the couch in my dress, still holding onto my shoe, I tried to piece together a hint of reason for what just took place. Scenarios, both good and bad, played out in my head. I lost track of all time and place, until the door buzzer jarred me out of my stupor.
    I glanced up at the wall clock. It was almost five. As I headed for the door, I wondered if Caleb had gotten out early and decided to come pick me up. I didn't feel much in the mood for going anymore, being too worried about Nora. But she did say she'd try to meet up at the restaurant, so I put thoughts of getting a rain check for the date out of my head.
    I pushed the speaker button on the wall.
    "Hello?" I greeted.
    "It's Hunter. You guys ready?"
    Oh crap! I thought. Obviously Nora hadn't called him to tell him about the change of plans.
    "Actually, Hunter, Nora had to run out unexpectedly. She might not even make it. Sorry for the change of plans so late. I thought she would have called to tell you."
    "I see." I felt his calm resolve through the speaker box. Nothing fazed this guy.
    I was about to say goodnight when his low voice came through again, "Are you and Caleb still going?"
    "Uh... yes." I didn't want to tell him that Nora may meet us up there. It was none of his business anyway. If Nora showed up, she could call him then. With no guarantee she was going to make it, I had an out.
    "You said she might not make it. Does that mean she said she would try?"
    Damn! "Well, yes, but she may not come at all. I'm sure you don't want to be a third wheel." Maybe if I were blunt about it, he'd get the hint.
    "But if she does make it, then she will be the third... Cassandra, just let me up. I'm not going to talk to the door anymore."
    I couldn't tell if it were owing to the fact that I was afraid of him that