Page 47 of Victorious Vice

I’ve managed to put on some weight, so the gown fits me beautifully.

I’ve been practicing what I’ll say. I asked my father to say a few words to introduce me.

Hawk will escort me, as Falcon will be escorting Savannah.

How I wish I could arrive on Vinnie’s arm.

But it’s not to be.

Jared, of course, will also be accompanying Hawk and me. But he’s promised to be discreet. Most of the guests don’t know that I’ve hired a bodyguard as personal security, and I don’t want them to feel as if something bad might happen during the event.

“Your hair is coming in beautifully,” the stylist says.

I frown. “I suppose I don’t really need a stylist.”

“Don’t be silly. You’re going to look elegant. Have you thought about earrings?”

“Some emeralds, I think. My mother has some she’s lending me.”

“Perfect. Where are they?”

“In that box over there on the dresser.”

The stylist returns, holding the earrings. “These are beautiful. And I see there’s a necklace to go with them. May I?”

“Yes, please.”

She places the necklace around my neck and puts the earrings through the pierced holes in my ears. “Lissette did a beautiful job with your makeup. You look lovely.”

“I definitely needed some blush,” I say. “I haven’t seen the sun in a while.”

“Busy making arrangements for the gala?”

I bite my lip. “In a way. Either way, I’m looking pretty pale.”

“Don’t be silly. You have a lovely tone to your skin.”

“That comes from my mother. She’s Mexican. But none of my brothers and sisters are as dark as she is.”

The stylist smiles. “She must be a beauty.”

“Yes, she is.”

I’m looking forward to seeing my mother and my father tonight. I haven’t seen anyone besides Jared for the last several weeks.

“All right,” the stylist says. “Stand up now and take a look at yourself in the full-length mirror.”

I do so, and I can’t help a gasp as I look at myself.

My dark, short hair is styled sleek, and though I never imagined myself with short hair, I have to admit it looks a lot better than no hair at all. In fact, it looks pretty smart and sophisticated. Maybe I’ll keep it.

“What do you think?” the stylist asks.

I turn to her, beaming. “I can’t thank you enough. You came highly recommended, and I see why.”

She smiles. “Lissette and I are a team. We have our own salon in Austin if you’d ever like to visit us there.”

“I absolutely will.”

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