Page 10 of My Best Friend's Dad

“Well, you won’t be for long! There’s a party tonight at Jake’s place, and you’re coming with me. No arguments.”

I sighed, sitting up and crossing my legs. “I don’t know, Soph. I’m not really in the mood.”

“Nope. None of that,” she insisted. “You need to get out, have some fun. Besides, Jake’s parties are always epic. It’s just what you need to shake off whatever funk I’m hearing in your voice.”

I bit my lip, considering what she’d said. Sophie had a point. Moping around all summer wasn’t going to bring Bella back anysooner. Maybe a party was exactly what I needed to snap out of my mood.

“Okay,fine. What time?”

“I’ll pick you up at eight. Wear something hot!” Sophie hung up before I could protest.

I dropped my phone on the bed and stood up, stretching. A party might actually be a good distraction. At the very least, it would keep me from brooding over Bella’s betrayal and my twisted fantasies about Vincenzo.

Maybe I’d meet someone else… A hot diversion may be exactly what the doctor ordered.

With renewed energy, I rifled through my closet, looking for something to wear, and I found nothing. My wardrobe felt so uninspiring and flat. I thumbed through hangers, hoping to find something, anything, that would make me feel like going out tonight. Nothing seemed right.

“Ugh, why do I even bother,” I muttered, pouting at the lack of options. I flopped back on my bed, staring at the ceiling again.

For a moment, I pondered just staying in with a pint of ice cream and aBridgertonmarathon, but then it hit me.

Bella’s closet!

Bella always shared her clothes with me. She had some amazing outfits and I bet I could find something just right in her closet since I couldn’t find anything in mine.

I jumped up, feeling a spark of hope. Bella’s house was just next door, and I knew the code to get in. She’d given it to me ages ago for emergencies and I had it memorized.

Vincenzo was probably away at one of his restaurants, which meant I’d have the place all to myself to try on whatever I wanted to my heart’s content.

Grabbing my phone, I headed out the door, the warm evening air brushing against my skin as I made my way to the Santoro house. It looked quiet and empty, the lights off inside.

Perfect.

I could slip in, borrow something fabulous, and be out before anyone noticed.

I punched in the code at the back door, and it beeped softly, the lock clicking open. I slipped inside, moving through the familiar kitchen and up the stairs to Bella’s room. It was complete chaos, clothes and shoes scattered everywhere, yet it had a certain charm that was undeniably Bella.

I headed straight for her closet, pushing aside hangers and rummaging through the options. Bella had the best wardrobe—cute summer dresses, trendy tops, and skirts that could make anyone look amazing. I pulled out a few items, holding them up to the light.

First, there was a white lace crop top that I knew would look perfect with high-waisted jeans. I tried it on, but it didn’t quite fit the mood I was going for. I needed something a bit more… striking.

Next, I found a red off-the-shoulder dress. It hugged my curves in all the right places, but it felt a bit too formal for a house party. I sighed, tossing it onto the growing pile of rejects on Bella’s bed.

Finally, I stumbled upon a sleek black mini dress. It was simple yet elegant, with thin straps and a neckline that hinted at justenough cleavage without being too revealing. I slipped it on and twirled in front of the mirror.

Fuck, yeah.

I slipped on a pair of Bella’s strappy heels and gave myself a onceover in the full-length mirror. I had to admit to myself that I looked fucking good and anyone I ran into would undoubtedly think so too.

Not needing to be ready for another few hours, I changed back into my bright pink jogging shorts and a tight black fitted t-shirt. I put the rest of the clothes I tried on back, folded the dress, and took the shoes in my hand before I left the room.

As I walked down the hall, my gaze passed over the one room I’d never been in but was always curious about. It had always been locked as long as I could remember.

It wasn’t locked now.

In fact, the door was slightly ajar.

Wait. What?

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