Page 39 of Ask Me Something

I knew exactly how she felt. Her brother was one of the few people who I’d let in over the years. It made me nervous, however, that even he hadn’t seen the real me, the one I kept hidden from everyone.

Brian had questioned what was keeping me from saying yes. The answer I could never give him was fear. Fear of him seeing me vulnerable and finding out about my anxiety disorder. But he was only asking to see me every two weeks, which meant I’d still have my life, and he’d have his. If I thought about it that way, it was a lot less intimidating.

I went to work on Kenzie’s make-up, and we chatted more about fashion and other things.

Hearing another knock, I smiled when I opened the door to reveal Brian. His hands automatically reached for my face and his lips were inches away from mine, when I suddenly pulled back remembering his sister.

“Are you here looking for Kenzie?” I asked, wishing he could have landed that kiss.

His raised brow conveyed his surprise. Then he glanced beyond me, and it dawned on him as to what I was talking about. He dropped his hands on a sigh. “Yes, um I was looking for you, Kenzie. To let you know that mom, your dad and Benjamin arrived.”

I noted that they both displayed the same sour face. Was their family really that bad?

“I don’t suppose Rebecca got the stomach flu and is puking her guts up back home instead of here polluting paradise with her toxicity?” Kenzie asked, looking hopeful.

They laughed, and Brian shook his head. “I wish, but unfortunately, she’s here, too. Your makeup looks nice, sis.”

Kenzie grinned. “Sasha is going to sex me up.”

I winced at the sharp look coming from Brian, then shrugged. “She’s a grown woman.”

He let out a breath. “Do me a favor and don’t make it too sexy. This is a wedding, not a frat party.” He looked at both of us while he said it. “See you ladies downstairs in about twenty minutes.”

When the door shut, McKenzie turned toward me. “Sorry. I was only joking.”

“You’re fine. Believe me, it wouldn’t be the first time that I irritated your brother.”

* * *

Dinner broughtthe first glimpse of the happy couple. I gave Haylee a big hug, delighted to see her.

Last year when Haylee had been working for Josh, she’d given me a huge break by incorporating my idea of a vintage jewelry angle into her fashion shoot for Cosmo Life magazine. She’d garnered the cover as the model and I’d made my client very happy during the pivotal first couple months in my new role as vice president. She was one of the few people I’d met who didn’t have an agenda and simply did nice things for people.

Then she’d introduced me to Catherine. I’d gone from having Juliette as my only female friend to now having a circle of them, all who would do anything for each other. It was something I’d never thought to have, considering the first impression I made on most women was especially rough.

“I’m happy you could make it, Sasha. I love your dress. You always look so incredible,” Haylee greeted.

I’d dressed in a print wrap dress which was chic and cool for the tropical air. “Thank you. You look amazing and happy.”

She did, in a classic dress that most likely was a vintage design.

“Thank you,” she replied and promised to talk later. She welcomed other guests while the groom-to-be came up and kissed me on the cheek.

“Nice to see you Sasha,” Josh said.

“You, too. The resort and island are beautiful.” Josh Singer might be the owner of the company and my boss’s boss, but during this weekend I was going to think of him as my friend’s fiancée.

“Good. I’m glad you like it. And I’m happy you could make it.”

When I glanced over at Haylee and back at him, I nearly sighed at the way his eyes tracked her every move. I wondered what it would be like to have that type of peace and contentment in a relationship. It was a powerful thing to witness.

“Everything okay?” I asked when I noticed Josh’s eyes narrow while watching a group arrive.

He hesitated but then met my eyes. “Can you do me a favor?”

I nodded. “Of course.”

“Can I trust that if you hear about anyone saying anything that could be hurtful toward Haylee, you would let me know?” His voice was low and the intent was clear as his eyes landed on Brian’s brother and sister-in-law, Benjamin and Rebecca greeting Haylee across the way.

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