Carswell's Guide to Being Lucky Read Free

didn’t want the sensitive nature of their conversation to be overheard. “-you know, clearing away the first layer of dead skin cells. Exfoliation, as it were. But a real y deep, intense, all-natural exfoliation. That takes two weeks. In step two, it unlocks al the grease and dirt that’s been stuck in the bottom of your pores. That’s the step you’re in the middle of right now. IN another week, it’l move on to step three. Hydrating your skin so that it has a constant, beautiful glow.” He quirked his lips to one side and shrugged. “You know, like me. I’m telling you, it does work. And if there’s one thing I know, it’s skin care products.” Unscrewing the cap, he took a long sniff of the cream. “Not to mention . . .no, never mind. You don’t want it. It’s not worth mentioning at al . I’l
    just take this back and-“
    “Not to mention what?”
    Carswell cleared his throat and dipped forward, until Jules had lowered his own head into their
    makeshift huddle. “The scent is proven to make you more attractive to girls. It’s practically an
    aphrodisiac, in aroma therapy form.”
    A crease formed in between Jules’s brow and Carswel recognized confusion. He was just about to
    explain what an aphrodisiac was when a third form sidled up beside them.
    “Hey, Carswell,” Said Elia, the pep squad captain, slipping her hand into the crook of his elbow. She
    was easily one of the prettiest girls in school, with thick black hair and a persistent dimple in one cheek.
    She as also a year older and about four inches taller than Carswell, which wasn’t particularly uncommon
    these days. Unlike Jules, Carswell hadn’t seen even a glimmer of a growth spurt yet, and he was really
    starting to get fed up with waiting, even though none of the girls had seemed bothered by the fact that
    they’d been outpacing him in the height department since their sixth year.
    “Morning Elia,” Carswell said, slipping the canister of facial cream into his pocket. “Perfect timing!
    Could you do me a favor?”
    Her eyes widened with blatant enthusiasm. “Of course!”
    “Could you tell me, what does my good friend Jules here smell like to you?”
    Instant redness flushed over Jules’s face, and with a snarl, he pushed Carswell into the lockers again.
    “What are you-!”
    But then he froze. Carswell’s teeth were still vibrating when Elia leaned forward so that her nose
    was almost, almost touching Jules’s neck, and sniffed.
    Jules had become a statue.
    Carswell lifted an expectant eyebrow.
    Elia rocked back on her heels, considering for a moment as her gazed raked over the ceiling. Then –
    “Almonds, I think.”
    “And. . .do you like it?” Carswel ventured.
    She laughed, the sound like an inviting wind chime. Jules’s blush deepened.
    “Definitely,” she said, although it was Carswell she was smiling at. “It reminds me of one of my
    favorite desserts.”
    Jules released him and, once again, Carswell smoothed his jacket. “Thank you, Elia. That’s very
    helpful.”
    “My pleasure.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I was wondering if you’re going to the
    Peace Dance next week?”
    His smile was both practiced and instinctual. “Undecided. I may be cooking dinner for my sick
    grandmother that night.” He waited expectantly as Elia’s gaze filled with swooning. “But if I do end up
    going to the dance, you’l be the first I ask to go with me.”
    She beamed and bounced on her toes. “Wel , I’d say yes.” She said , loking suddenly, briefly bashful,
    “Just in case you weren’t sure.” Then she turned and practical y skipped down the hal .
    “Well,” said Carswell, pulling the canister back out of his pocket. “I guess our business is all
    concluded, then. Like I said, I’l return your payment in full by this afternoon. Of course, the retail price on this stuff just went up twenty percent, so if you change your mind later, I’m afraid I’m going to have to charge-“
    Jules