Page 53 of Counting the Stars

One day, my mom was asked to endorse some type of haircare product. With the money made from that side gig, my parents started making investments, which paid off nicely. From there, they made more investments and more money. With their recognition on the rise, other companies started offering endorsement deals for both of my parents. Every successful moment fueled my parents’ hunger for more fame and fortune.

Before I knew it, a cook and a nanny replaced my mom making us breakfast and seeing us off to school. A tutor took the place of my dad helping with homework. As their reputations continued to grow, so did their expectations of the kids. The rest of my siblings seemed to handle all the changes well. I did not. I wanted my old life back…a simpler life.

The sound of giggling behind the guest room door pulls me from my melancholy thoughts. Gabby and Lilli came back to the guest house a little over an hour ago with their arms full of bags. They locked themselves in the spare room to do their hair and makeup, claiming that I could not interrupt their girl time. I’m happy they’re getting along. If there’s one family member I want Gabby to bond with, it’s Lilli.

My sister opens the door a crack and pokes her head through. “You’re going to lose your mind,” she squeals with delight.

“Are you finally done hogging all the time with my girl?” I cross my arms over my chest. Gabby and I haven’t officially labeled each other as boyfriend and girlfriend, but it certainly seems like that’s what we are to each other. I find it funny that for over the past year and a half, I begged her to date me and now that we’re here, I don’t care what we are as long as we’re together.

“I want to steal her away more often. We had so much funtoday.” Lilli beams.

“All the more reason to come to Starboard Beach.”

“Yes! But only for a visit,” she stipulates. I would be over the moon if Lilli moved to Starboard Beach, but with her being ten years older, she’s firmly set in her career. Lilli adores her patients, and I know nothing would pull her away from them. Even though she also has differences with our family, she’s happy and content here in Elmwood Grove.

My sister opens the door wider and steps out of the room wearing a dark-blue floor-length gown that has some sort of diamond-looking clip in the front. As always, she’s the epitome of sophistication.

“Ahem. May I present to you, your date for tonight.”

Gabby steps out of the room looking like an angel sent directly from Heaven. My mouth drops open. She could wear a pillowcase and I’d find her attractive. But this? Damn!

“The lovely Ms. Gabriella Ramirez is wearing a high-waisted amethyst gown with a sweetheart neckline and a floor-sweeping hem,” my sister says like she’s an announcer at a fashion show. “Her classy updo, styled by the magnificent Lilliana Jones, shows off her diamond teardrop earrings and matching necklace. We ran out of time to go shoe shopping, so those are just the heels she brought from home,” Lilli adds.

“I feel like Cinderella,” Gabby gushes as she lifts the hem of her dress and daintily walks over to me.

“You look gorgeous.” I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her in for a hug, careful not to mess with her hair or makeup. I know better than that.

“We had so much fun today.” She pulls back from our embrace. Her eyes seem to dance as she talks. “It felt like old times when Mari and I used to go back-to-school shopping. Except this was way more upscale.”

“I’m glad you two had a good time.”

Gabby has been doing a lot more of that lately—opening up to me about her past. I love that she feels comfortable enough to share her memories with me, and I know it’s a positive step to help her through her grief. I enjoy learning about the Ramirez family and I’m happy she grew up surrounded by so much genuine love.

“We really did.” She bites down on her lip and keeps her voice low. “I’m worried about how tonight will go. Lilli told me a little more about your family and how you guys grew up. I mean…not much different than what you said, but hearing it from her perspective—I don’t know, it just made me more nervous.”

“Hey.” I place my hand under her chin and lift it so we’re eye to eye. “Everything is going to be okay.”

Gabby responds with a nod and a smile. I can only hope my words turn out to be true.

27

Gabby

Asmall orchestra plays a classical number as we make our way through a huge crowd. The lights, sounds, and people send me into sensory overload. It’s an unusual feeling for me, but I guess I’m on high alert. During the limo drive to the party, I learned even more about the Jones family, the high expectations they have, and how critical they are of their children’s partners. As a girl who grew up in a low-income household and later became an orphan, I know I’m already starting out with several strikes against me.

“I hate this kind of music.” Alex leans down and whispers in my ear. “It makes me feel like I’m trapped in an elevator.” He tugs on his bow tie. He looks devastatingly handsome and totally uncomfortable at the same time.

I nod in agreement as I take in my surroundings. Guests in designer suits and gowns make small talk as waiters carrying a variety of hors d’oeuvres and champagne weave their way through the crowd. Though I feel like a fish out of water, I’mrelieved Lilli took me dress shopping. At least I blend in with the rest of these stuffy people.

“Alex,” a nasally voice calls from behind us. We spin around to the sight of a short man with jet-black hair, brown eyes, and glasses too big for his face. Without the eyewear, he could almost pass for the female version of Elena.

“Luis.” Alex pastes on a smile as I wrack my brain, trying to remember details about each sibling.

“I didn’t know you were coming.” Luis pushes up his glasses.

“It’s Mom and Dad’s anniversary. Why wouldn’t I be here?” Alex frowns.

“You don’t show up to everything.”

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