Page 64 of Picture Perfect

"Because life is short and we're only young once." Gen grins, but then her expression turns serious. "You trust me, right?"

"Of course, I do," I reply automatically. And it's true—I do trust Gen, maybe more than I should. But it's hard to trust anyone when you've learned the hard way how easily trust can be shattered.

"Good." Gen nods decisively. "Because it's time to stop worrying about lines crossed and start drawing our own."

"Drawing our own lines..." I echo, feeling a mix of fear and boldness stir within me.

Dre uncovers his ears, giving us a suspicious look. "You two are plotting without me. I'm wounded."

"Aw, Dre," Gen coos, poking his arm. "You know you're irreplaceable."

"Damn right," he says, a genuine smile breaking through his tough exterior.

"Okay, so here's the deal," Gen starts, leaning in. "There's this party tonight. It's going to be out of control, and you're coming with me."

I feel the hesitation bubble up like a spring inside me. Parties aren't exactly my comfort zone, especially not the wild ones Gen seems to favor. I've seen enough to know they can go from zero to mayhem in less time than it takes to send a text. "Gen," I begin, my voice wavering just a touch, "I don't think my parents would go for something like that. They have... expectations."

"Expectations?" Gen scoffs, flipping her hair over one shoulder. "Surely they can let you loose for one night."

She has a point, but it doesn't ease the knot in my gut. My parents are all about appearances and control. A party—especially a high school party—flies in the face of their carefully curated image of family perfection.

Even if that only seems to apply to me. Wesley has attended every school event, sanctioned and unsanctioned.

"Trust me," Gen continues, her eyes lighting up with a spark of mischief, "your parents are pretty keen on keeping my dad happy. And since I'm pretty much the way to that man's heart, I won't even need to twist your folks' arms to sway them my way."

If Gen thinks she can leverage that influence...

"Really?" I ask, skepticism threading through my tone. Inside, a war rages between the part of me that wants to dive into the unknown and the part that fears the consequences.

"Absolutely." She grabs my hands, her own surprisingly warm and confident. "Addy, we're talking about one night of freedom. One night where you get to make the rules. You deserve that, don't you think?"

Do I? The question haunts the corners of my mind, ghostlike. After everything I've been through, perhaps I do deserve a night of recklessness—a night to forget the weight of the Winthrop name and everything it's put me through.

"Fine," I relent, the word escaping like a trapped bird taking flight. "But I really don't think this is going to work in your favor."

"Of course it will!" Gen exclaims, releasing my hands to clap in delight. "This is going to be amazing, Addy. You'll see."

??????

Gen maneuvers her convertible with an ease that suggests the road belongs to her and no one else. I'm just a passenger, both in this cherry-red machine and in the wild trajectory my life seems to be taking.

She hooks her arm through mine as we make our way to the front door. I can hear the clack of Cheryl's heels like a death march as we remove our coats and hang them in the closet.

"Adelaide, where have—" she stops short as she catches sight of my unexpected guest.

She stands framed in the doorway, a mix of surprise and curiosity etched on her face at the sight of me with company—a rarity. Her eyes scan from Gen's buoyant figure and I watch as her entire demeanor changes. She's wearing her public face now.

"Genevieve, what a pleasant surprise."

"I hope I'm not intruding Mrs. Winthrop," Gen chirps, her confidence clear. "Addy has been such a gem. We've really hit it off."

Cheryl's smile doesn't reach her cold, dead eyes. "Well, that's wonderful to hear. You're not intruding at all, sweetheart."

"Actually, I was hoping I could borrow Addy for the night." Gen clasps her hands together with infectious enthusiasm, "There's this party—everyone who's anyone will be there. And I simply can't imagine going without my new bestie." She throws an arm around me, pulling me close, and I'm enveloped by the scent of her floral perfume.

"Party?" Cheryl echoes, her brow furrowing in feigned parental concern.

"Absolutely! It's going to be epic. Plus, Rhett and his boys will be there, too. So, we'll be perfectly safe," Gen says, sliding a glance in my direction, her eyes alight with mischief and persuasion.

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