Page 56 of Cashmere Ruin

Embroidered lace for the corset. Tulle for the skirt. Chantilly lace for the details.“Do you think this could work?” I ask, suddenly uncertain.

But Charlie beams at me. “Are you kidding me? This isthesh?—”

“No swearing!” I jump up to cover May’s ears.

“Apes, she’s one month old. She has no idea what it means.”

“You don’t know that. She could be a prodigy.”

“And if you don’t submit this, I’ll put on Kanye West right now. Good luck covering her ears then.”

Now,that’sa threat. “Fine, fine!” I give in. “I’ll… consider making it. Maybe.”

“‘Let’s have a toast for the douche?—’”

“Okay, I’ll make it! Happy?”

“Very.” Charlie grins.

For the first time in forever, I feel that familiar itch come back to my hands: the itch towork.To make something out of nothing. “Then… would you mind staying a little longer to watch her?” I ask.

My brother beams. “Throw in that pizza you were talking about and you’ve got a deal.”

“Only if we get pineapple.”

As I start moving around the room, that tickling frenzy already taking me over, my thoughts finally grow quiet. For the first time today, I feel like I can breathe.Like I don’t have to worry about tomorrow.

Which is, of course, when the doorbell rings.

“Grisha?” I frown as I answer. “Is something going on?”

“Not at all,” he reassures me. “I was just given this for you.”

He holds it out formally, all butler-like. And that’s fine, because this is Grisha we’re talking about, right? Except that in his hands is an oval, golden plate. And on top of that…

“A sealed envelope,” I mutter.

“Very old-fashioned,” Grisha comments, not without a little admiration.

“Does it say who’s it from?” It’s a stupid question. Deep within, I already know.

I take the envelope and rip off the wax seal. Charlie hovers close, having sensed something’s wrong. “April? Is that…”

You are hereby invited for afternoon tea at the Flowers Mansion,

13 West 10th Street. Time and details on the back.

“From my dad,” I confirm. “And that’s not all.”

“What else?” Charlie frowns, concern suddenly on his face.

“It’s…” I try to find the words, but they fail me. All I have is questions.

Why this? Why now?

And most importantly…

How does he know?

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