Page 55 of Shiny Things

“She’s a Grimes.”

“Someone’s getting a booty call.”

That caused snickers throughout the room, and my face burned with embarrassment.

“Be nice, you guys,” Felicity said. “She was probably just dropping something off for Elias or Ryan for Gia.”

“She was on the top floor?” Novaleigh demanded.

“I guess, she was on the elevator when I got on.”

“I know for a fact they both left about an hour ago,” someone replied.

I cringed. I was an imposter. I knew it, and they all knew it too. My pace picked up fearing they would actually stop and question me.

As soon as I stepped outside, a horn blared, startling me. I looked up to see Gia waving. Hurrying, I got in her car and sunk down, fighting back tears.

“What happened?” she demanded.

“Nothing. Just go.”

“Not until you tell me what’s wrong.”

“Nothing, just get me away from here. Please.”

She did as I asked, but I knew she wouldn’t let it go that easily. And sure enough, a few minutes later, she started up again.

“Tell me what happened.”

“It was nothing. I probably just overreacted. I just don’t like hearing people talking about me.”

“Who was talking about you?”

“Novaleigh, Felicity, and a group of other residents. They know I was on the top floor and that Elias and Ryan weren’t home.”

“So?”

“So, it didn’t look good, G.”

“That’s bullshit.”

“I love you, but just let it be. I was just embarrassed, that’s all. And the thing is, I told him this would happen, but he doesn’t understand. You guys are Davenports. People look up to you. It’s not the same for me. They’ll never accept me.”

“They will. Just give it time.”

I didn’t want to be upset about it, but I couldn’t help it. Gia could never understand, and neither could Elias.

Fortunately, she didn’t press it any further, and we remained quiet for the remainder of the drive back to her house.

It had felt like the longest drive of my life. But the second we stepped out of the car things resumed at warp speed.

David was waiting on us to tell Gia that there was an issue with the cake. And that began a run of last-minute things to do and possible complications to try and avoid.

There was no time for talking or even thinking about what had happened. We were fully thrown into go time.

Despite all our fears, the wedding went off without a hitch. It was a small ceremony with only their closest friends and family in attendance. I didn’t understand the need for a wedding when mating was so much more permanent and important to our kind. But I had to admit, I could understand the appeal, the dresses, the music, the cake, all of it. It was beautiful.

“Hey, it’s Kim, right?” a man grabbed my arm and asked.

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