Hollow (Hollow Point #1) Read Online Free

what I said to her, her response was always sweet. She wouldn’t make it a week in Los Angeles.
    “You guys want to go catch a movie?” he asked, nodding to the theater that was down the West wing of the mall.
    “Tate and I have some serious shopping to do.” I grabbed her arm and pulled her back from his embrace. “You’re just here to hold the bags.”
    “ Tate huh?” His eyes went back and forth between us. “Since when do you like to shop?” His gaze is settled on hers. I pulled her closer to my side.
    “Since she has me here to help her with fashion advice,” I replied.
    “I thought you said we were going to spend time together, Tatum?” He was practically whining, and I wanted to turn away so I wouldn’t have to watch him humiliate himself.
    “I said you could carry the bags,” I shot back.
    “Whatever. I’m just gonna hang out with the guys. I’ll catch up with you later.” He gave Tatum a kiss on the cheek before shooting a glare in my direction.
    We watched him walk away before I squealed, “Let’s go spend some of my father’s money!”
     
    ***
     
    Tatum talked nonstop about anyone and everyone at our school. I had enough dirt to bring the entire town to its knees, but she didn’t seem to worry about what could be done with the information. She was trusting me, and she barely knew me. Tatum had a lot to learn about the world, and I was looking forward to taking her under my wing.
    “You know,” I took a drink of my frappe as I studied Tatum’s face. “You would look super-hot with some layers and highlights.”
    “Oh, thanks,” her cheeks darkened as she tucked her hair behind her ear. “That’s kind of expensive, though, isn’t it?” Her nose scrunched up as she took a sip of her drink.
    “Come on.” I stood, walking toward the closest salon with Tatum trailing behind me. “I’m sure my father can claim it on his taxes as charity or whatever.”
    Tatum let out a loud laugh, and I stopped, staring out her like she’d just had a mental breakdown.
    “What?”
    “You’re funny,” she explained.
    “That’s a first. I like to think I’m more cruel with a touch of sass.” I raised my eyebrow, and she laughed again.
    “We are a sarcastic bunch. It’s in our DNA. I think you will fit right in here.”
    I struggled against a smile. I never really fit in back home. Where I’m from we were all too busy trying to stand out.
     
    ***
     
    I explained to the hairdresser what I wanted her to do before I disappeared into the mall, leaving Tatum to get fixed up. A project was just what I needed to take my mind off not being back home, and Tatum was practically a blank canvas. Besides, I couldn’t be seen in public with someone who looked like she was nearly homeless.
    While I waited, I slipped into a clothing store and picked out a cute blue dress, with matching slingbacks that would look great against Tatum’s pale skin. I grabbed a few outfits for myself as well, before stocking up on my makeup supply.
    When Tatum finally emerged from the salon, she looked like an entirely different person.
    “I don’t even recognize myself!”
    “That’s a good thing,” I quipped, and her smile faltered for a second. “I just mean, it’s nice to change things up every once in a while. Keep the guys on their toes.” I winked, and the happiness returned to her. I wasn’t used to people being so damn sensitive. It was obnoxious, but Tatum would make a good ally. She knew everyone. “Come on, let’s complete the look.” I looped my arm in hers and pulled her into the nearest restroom, shoving the dress bag into her hand with her new shoes.
    “I can’t walk in those.”
    “It’s not that hard. Besides, how are you going to wear heels to prom if you don’t get some practice in?”
    Reluctantly, she took the dress and the shoes and slipped into a stall.
    I touched up my mascara and smeared some gloss on my lips as I waited.
    “This is too tight,” she called out and I rolled my