Page 140 of Thorns of Malice

I grapple with the what-ifs and facts. My grief mixes with anger. The blame I set at Dax's feet now moves toward my father.

One question never stops nagging me: What if...

Numbness sets in. I stare at the pages, unable to comprehend how my father could be so selfish.

A bird flies into the window, tearing me out of my dark thoughts, and something occurs me. I can't keep living like this. I can't keep wallowing in this sense of emotional grief day by day.

Determined to change things, I go into my bathroom and toss water over my face.

I stare at my reflection and order, "No more crying, Ivy. Enough's enough."

The doorbell rings again.

I pat my face dry and exit the bathroom. I go to the front door and open it.

Kristen stands there beaming, holding too many shopping bags in her hands to count at first glance.

Three women stand behind her, smiling just as wide.

Kristen chirps, "Surprise!"

"I, uh... W-what's going on?" I stutter.

A blonde woman pipes up, "We're here for your date."

My date.

I forgot about my date with Dax from the moment I sat down to read my father's medical records.

Kristen introduces the women. "This is Laura. She'll be doing your nails." She points to a brunette. "And Via is the makeup artist." Then she points to a redhead, announcing, "And Jackie's a hairstylist."

I admit, "I'm sorry, I'm confused."

Kristen answers, "Dax wanted to spoil you before your date. Are you going to let us in?"

"Oh, sorry." I step back and open the door wider.

They all shuffle in.

Kristen sets the shopping bags on the counter. The other women set their stuff on the table, filling it with items so nothing else will fit.

Overwhelmed and confused, I stare at everything. My phone beeps.

Lilly: Mr. Sexy doesn't disappoint.

I text her back.

Me: Glad you're getting along.

Lilly: He went down the road to get me a piece of pie I've been craving from Sugar Lover. He's so sweet, but I also told him he needs to feed me chocolate if we're going to go at it all night.

She sends three winky face emojis along with it.

Me: Jaxon's a good guy. That doesn't surprise me he went to get it for you.

Lilly: He fucks like a stallion.

My lips twitch.

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