Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 51827 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 259(@200wpm)___ 207(@250wpm)___ 173(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51827 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 259(@200wpm)___ 207(@250wpm)___ 173(@300wpm)
“You need my help getting into your dress?”
She scoffs. “After all the noodles I ate, only shapewear can help. Since we’re getting ready together, though, I may need you to zip me up.”
I furrow my brow. “Since we’re what now?”
She unzips the garment bag, glowing with excitement. “Surprise! You’re getting your Cinderella on tonight.”
I laugh heartily. “Nice try. I’m spending the next several hours inhaling pizza and watching a movie.”
She shakes her head, her expression sheepish. “No ... you’re not. I hoped you’d be excited about this. Chloe’s coming over to babysit the boys.”
“Chloe!” Coop bounces with excitement.
Noel’s youngest daughter is seventeen, and both of my boys adore her. She doesn’t make them go to bed and she always brings them candy.
“Oh.” I try to look happy about my sister changing my plans, but I can’t force my mouth into a smile.
“I promise it’ll be fun.”
Jules takes the dress out of the garment bag. It’s a beautiful halter-cut sapphire gown with sparkly beads sewn into the bodice and skirt.
My hand flies to my hair, which is up in a messy bun. “I can’t get ready in time. I haven’t even taken a shower today. I appreciate the offer, but—”
“A very expensive ticket has already been bought for you. And have you met me? I’ll have both of us ready with time to spare.”
Coop approaches the dress, reaching out to touch it. Jules pulls it away.
“Only clean hands on the gown, my dude.”
“It’s pretty, Mom.” He smiles at me. “You should wear it.”
Jules gives me a victorious look. She knows not to say anything more. Coop just sealed the deal for her.
“Fine.” I relent with a sigh. “I’ll get dressed up so I can watch you and Noel dance all night.”
“I don’t know if there’s dancing at this event. But whatever it is, I won’t leave you; I promise. There’s a big group of us going, so you won’t have to make awkward small talk with strangers.”
“Who else is going?”
“The usual. Suki and Carter, Bash and Lainey, Leo and Mara, Talia and Lucien.”
I groan under my breath. Great. I’ll be the eleventh wheel—the only single hanging out with five happy couples. I’d rather go back to looking at graphic wound photos.
But Jules was smart—now the boys need me to go so they can hang out with Chloe tonight. They’re already piling blankets on the couch to use for a fort like the one she made last time she was here.
So much for my quiet night in.
“Is this a joke?” I ask my sister a few hours later, my big smile hiding the panic in my voice. “This better be a joke, you whore.”
“Don’t be an asshole, Blair.” She grins brightly at me and brushes my long, sideswept bangs away from my eye. “Take the stick out of your ass and enjoy yourself.”
“I’ll kill you,” I hiss, still smiling like I couldn’t be happier. “I’ll cut your hair off while you’re sleeping and—”
“Blair, I’m so glad you wanted to come tonight.” Noel greets me with a hug, then gives Jules a once-over. “You both look stunning.”
“Sir, I am taken,” she says. “You can look, but you can’t—”
He cuts her off by pulling her close for a kiss. I don’t look at them because creepy, but what else am I supposed to do? I just found out I’m being set up on a date tonight, and I’m probably the last to know.
Magnus, who came over with Noel, saves me from the awkward moment.
“Want to look at the auction items with me?” he asks, offering me his arm.
I smile and nod, grateful for the save. Jules made me wear heels, which I’m not used to, so it’s nice to have his arm to stabilize me.
“You look beautiful,” he says. “That dress matches your eyes.”
“Thank you.”
I have to admit, I do look really good. The dress Jules got me is sleeveless, the V-neckline emphasizing my ample breasts and the perfect fit around my hips emphasizing my curves. A slit down one side starts at my upper thigh, which makes it easier to walk but leaves a lot of my leg exposed.
And not only did she blow out my hair and style it in a loose, elegant knot at the nape of my neck and transform me with full makeup, she even filmed it for her socials. When she went live, lots of her followers commented about my eyes and smile.
As we walk to one of the bars in the huge hotel ballroom, I feel people assessing us. I channel my sister’s confidence, keeping my gaze ahead.
“What would you like?” Magnus asks once we’re in line at the bar.
I consider. Wine might help me relax a little, but I’m careful with alcohol.
“What I really want is a Sprite, but I bet they don’t have that back there.”