Page 11 of Lucky In Love

“Get your ass in the chair so hair and makeup can get to work. You’ll only have twenty minutes for wardrobe at this point.” What in the world is he talking about?

The door slams shut, and we all just blink at it.

“Does anyone know what’s going on?” I ask out loud, but no one says a word.

“Is he always a raving lunatic?” That breaks the tension some.

“Careful, miss, he’ll fire you for talking like that.” I chuckle.

“I’d like to see him try.” He can’t fire me from being family.

“You heard him. Let’s get to it.” I’m led to a chair, and against all my protests to stop that they had the wrong person, I’m transformed into a fucking runway model.

My clothes are stripped off and replaced with a frilly satin number as soft as a cloud.

By the time I’m placed in line and told to wait for my que, I decide to just go with it. Clearly, someone has made a great error, and that somebody is my brother.

He doesn’t have a clue who I am.

“Guess all the teasing and practical jokes you pulled on me are finally catching up to you, Ciarán,” I mumble under my breath as the door opens, and I step out into a dark room.

The stage looks like a cloud with twinkling stars.

I look around me in shock.

What the hell am I doing? I can’t ruin this for him. I turn around, but one of the other models grabs me and twirls me into the arms of another man who dips me, making me blush.

They dressed like angels in loincloths.

Another man lifts me up, and I gasp as he drapes me over the laps of two other men, and I turn my face away so it’s not in his groin. Closing my eyes against the bright light now shining down, I hear who must be the director yell.

“CUT!” Everyone moves at once, and I stumble to keep my balance.

I make a run for the dressing room.

I’m back in my own clothes before the team comes in happy and congratulating themselves. I make my escape and hail a cab before anyone comes to find me.

“Mom,” I press the phone to my ear once we’re on our way.

“Are you all packed honey?” I grind my teeth at my own error.

“I’m already here. I missed up the time zones.” Silence fills my ears as I let my head hit the seat behind me.

“Jade, of all the things to get wrong.” She sounds amused, but under that tone, I hear what she’s really saying.

You’re an adult now and need to get your life together.

“I’m in a cab now. I’ll see you soon.” Before she can say another word, I hang up.

I open my text app and send a quick one to Ciarán.

Sorry for mixing up the dates and time zones. You were busy, so I caught a cab home. See you at dinner tonight.

When he doesn’t answer right away, I close my eyes and hope I didn’t cause him millions by not insisting that someone listen to me. My guilt fills my chest, and anxiety replaces fatigue the closer we get to home and the more time passes without him responding.

Glad you got here safely. You should have waited for me. I might not make dinner tonight. Let Da and Ma know.

FUCK.

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