Blood Magic Read Online Free PDF Page B

but didn’t hear any reply because Nick lifted his gaze right then, and caught mine. He smiled crookedly. His knees jutted out, as did his elbows. He was like a giant scarecrow folded up into the seat, smiling at me. I glanced away.
    “Let’s see the start of act four!” called Stokes.
NICHOLAS
    I’d never been a theater guy. But even I saw it as Silla stepped into her role.
    It was like—I don’t know. Silla was there, but she was more than herself. It was a witch up on the stage, talking about eyeballs and lizard parts, and even though I’d seen her out in the cemetery, this was different. But it was also real.
    So, acting. Apparently it wasn’t just something kids did when they couldn’t get into college.
    Mr. Stokes paused the scene, and Silla fell out of character. Like flipping a switch. She flicked her stare past the director, to me. I smiled a little. Silla glanced away.
    Even when Stokes moved on to a scene Silla wasn’t in, I watched her. She stood at the edge of the stage, leaning against the arch. Her hands were covered in rings. She fidgeted, causing the rings to glitter under the multihued lights, making colors dart crazily across the black stage floor.

SILLA
    In the parking lot after rehearsal, Nick was waiting. He rested his butt against the passenger door of a sleek black convertible.
    Wendy bumped her shoulder into mine. “He’s staring at you again. He could be crazy. You know, I heard that his mom spent time in an institution.”
    “An institution?”
    “A mental one.”
    “Hey!” Melissa cackled. “You two might have been made for each other.”
    I should have done it myself, but Wendy smacked Melissa’s arm for me. “God, Melissa. Insensitive much?”
    We were close enough then that Nick said, “Hey, Silla.”
    I cautiously approached, knowing Wendy was going with Melissa and her boyfriend in Melissa’s old Camry to Evanstown for burgers. I didn’t want to go, and maybe Nick was my excuse. “Hi, Nick.”
    “Can I give you a lift home? It’s right on my way.”
    Low gray light filtering through the afternoon clouds softenedall the shadows. I could see all the angles of his face. His eyes were brown, a dark, greenish sort of brown like a freshly turned field. His lashes curled like birthday ribbons. “Silla?” he said.
    “Oh, sorry.” I lowered my chin and looked at the asphalt for a moment, at his black combat boots. Wendy’s fingers brushed against mine.
Go, dummy
, she meant. I smiled up at Nick. “Yeah. Yes, I’d love a ride.”
    “Great.” He opened the door for me.
    I waved to Wendy, who bounced after Melissa. As I slid into the passenger seat, I said, “Nice car,” because I was supposed to.
    “It’s my dad’s, but thanks.”
    As he jogged around the front and got behind the wheel, I studied his profile. He’d broken his nose at some point. Before I could ask, Nick revved the engine and pulled out of the lot. Wind grabbed my short hair and ruffled it, and for a moment, I missed the feel of its length whipping against my cheeks and neck. I closed my eyes and leaned my head back against the soft leather.
    “I don’t know if this is an appropriate question or not,” Nick said.
    My guts rolled. He was going to ask about my parents. I kept my eyes shut.
    “How come you aren’t playing Lady Macbeth? I mean, you’re the best one up there. Way better than that blond girl they have in the role.”
    Startled, I glanced at him. His hands were on the wheeland his eyes on the road. But he did flick a quick look my way, once and then again. I felt my lips soften and let myself smile. “Thanks. I don’t mind the role, though. The witches are fun.”
    “Yeah, but … I mean, I don’t know much about theater, and I can tell you’re better.” He winced, shrugging as though apologizing for the compliment.
    Inexplicably, I wanted to touch him. To put my fingers on his shoulder or knee. I folded my hands in my lap and watched the winking glass in my rings. Each one