Page 111 of The Pakhan

All three of us laughed. I thought I’d lost my best friends. “Thanks for being here.”

Daniella and Sofiya looked at each other, smirking. What were they doing smirking?

“Go. Now,” Sofiya barked.

“Yes, Sergeant.” I saluted and headed in. The dressing room was bigger than most walk-in closets I’d seen complete with soft lighting, a plush chair, a lovely table to put a drink, and of course the piped-in music. I glared at myself in the mirror for a few seconds before nodding to the girl staring back at me.

I’d changed over the last two weeks. So much so I barely recognized myself. But that was okay. I was almost twenty-seven years old and certainly not a child any longer. I’d allowed my parents and their attitudes to push me into a corner.

What was one of my favorite movie lines? No one was putting this baby in a corner. If they did, this woman would come back fighting. I shucked my usual attire, jeans and my red Converse tennis shoes, sliding into the incredibly expensive and gorgeous piece. I’d worn my hair up on purpose, thinking that’s how I would style it for tomorrow night’s festivities.

Vadim had said the occasion would highlight the best fireworks in the city. He hadn’t let me in on every detail of what he was planning but enough to allow me to know the night would be… interesting.

The dress on, I took a step back, twisting and turning. Not only did a smile cross my face but a sense of relief passed through me.

I pulled a pair of matching heels from a box that Sofiya had already placed in the dressing room, struggling to get them on. I stood back one more time, feeling more confident than I had in a long time.

What had happened to the young girl who’d preferred burying her nose in a book or a computer versus living for real?

When I stepped out, the two girls were jabbering as they’d done for as long as I could remember. They were both employed by incredible companies, living amazing lives of sophistication and often travel, but they could still be the girls who squealed over whatever popstar all three of us liked.

It was Daniella who noticed me first, slowly climbing off her perch, her mouth hanging open. “Oh. My. God. You are… gorgeous. My father will not know what hit him.”

Sofiya clasped her hands over her mouth, shaking her head.

“Is that good or bad?” I asked.

As she fanned her face, tears springing to her eyes, I could feel my usual warm flush creeping up on my cheeks.

“You look like a princess,” she finally said.

“I wouldn’t go that far. I look okay.” I moved onto the platform, shocked to see the reflection of two of the store clerks who were smiling.

“Get the present,” Sofiya instructed.

“You’re not the boss lady,” Daniella threw back but pulled something from her purse, handing it to Sofiya.

It was a box wrapped in silver foil with a sexy red bow. She had a look on her face that was entirely different than her usual playful one.

“What is that?” I asked, stepping off the platform once again.

“You’ll need to open it and find out. Won’t you?” Sofiya stuck it out in front of me.

Exhaling, I narrowed my eyes but took it from her. I pulled the bow, placing it gingerly on the side table, even taking my time to peel away the tape.

“I bet you’re fun Christmas morning,” Daniella said and laughed.

“Oh, I was lucky if I got maybe two presents under the tree. Three if my mom felt like getting me another one. I cherished opening them.” I’d never really told either one how bad it was at my house. For all the money and things, all I’d really wanted was for my parents to care and take the time. I hadn’t needed a diamond watch when I was ten. I’d wanted books and board games, a doll even but I never got any of those.

“Jesus. I hate your parents,” Sofiya said.

With the paper finally off, I gingerly opened the lid. I was shocked to see the most beautiful ruby and diamond necklace.

“I know you don’t like jewelry much, but I think this kind of event calls for something extraordinary.” Sofiya had sadness in her voice.

“It’s gorgeous. But… I’ve seen this before. Right?” I lifted my head and noticed the tears slipping past her lashes. “This was your mother’s.” When she nodded, I pushed the lid back on. “No, I cannot take this. It belongs to you. She’s your family. Your mother. A memory.”

She came closer, wrapping her arms around me. “You’re family now too. You’ve always been our sister but now you’re going to officially be a part of our lives forever.”

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