Page 39 of Bittersweet Legacy

“It’s good to have you back here, Little T.” Sophia smiled rubbing her own arms. She was doing that often I noticed, as if she was looking for the comfort and care she was not getting.

Taylor shrugged; “I’ll do it only once.”

I looked at her and she was dressed in a purple midi-length dress featuring all-over sequin embellishment, cape-style sheer sleeves and flattering wrap front. The figure-hugging dress and black stilettos were perfect for her curves. Her hair was also out of her usual high ponytail and styled in a rose-shaped braided bun. Her makeup was also flawlessly done, the charcoal eyeliner made her jade green eyes even more mesmerising.

“Are you going out?”

She smiled, “We are. Maxine?” she called, and a woman walked in with a rolling suitcase and a black dressing bag. “We’re going to your birthday party and I got you the best make-up artist and stylist on the East Coast. Happy birthday, my friend!”

I frowned. I understood her words, but it made no sense. My father left a note for me with a black box from Tiffany’s. It contained a diamond bracelet - I was happy with this, it was more cash in my college fund, but I didn’t have a party. “I don’t have a party.”

She chuckled, “Of course you do. It’s at the Astor Manor.”

“Oh!” My eyes widened. I’d seen Archie leave dressed in a stunning tailor-made black suit a little over an hour ago, he passed me on the stairs as I was hunting for a snack. I’d shouted ‘Happy Birthday’ at him, but he kept going without a look back. The sad part? I took it as a win because at least he didn’t glare or flip me off.

“This party is not for me, Tay. It’s for Archie.”

She snorted. “And you’re his twin. I swear to god I’ll get you to that party –”

“But you don’t do parties.”

She nodded. “True, but to wipe that smug smile off their faces? I’ll do it.”

I chuckled, shaking my head. “I’m not sure it’s a good idea,” but I was so tempted to go. I was fed up with being disregarded, ignored, and with what happened with Caleb and Ben I deserved to blow off some steam.

Taylor grinned. She knew she had won.

I turned toward Sophia who I hoped would be the voice of reason in this impending disaster.

“I think you should do it, sweetheart. You only turn 18 once and you staying here and doing homework is not right. I told you to choose your battles, but this one deserves a fight.”

I looked up. “Oh, what the hell.”

“Yes!” Taylor beamed, throwing her fist in the air. She grabbed my hand and pulled me to the vanity table.

“Hello Esmeralda. Working on your face will be an honour,” said Maxine.

“Thank you?” I said quizzically. Ah, she was a weirdo all right.

“You’re welcome,” Maxine said, settling behind me, her hands on my shoulders as she detailed me in the mirror.

I met Taylor’s eyes, raising an eyebrow questioningly. It was now crossing the weirdo line and intoCreepsville

“She is studying you, to get a feel of your face.”

“I see…” I was about to ask what was in the bag, but Maxine clapped her hands and turned me toward her.

I looked at the blood red dress Tay had got out of the bag.

“Where is the red of the fabric?” I asked, looking at the small piece of silk she was holding.

She rolled her eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous! You’re 18, rocking a body that most of us would die for. Flaunt it my friend, at least once.”

Sophia chuckled. “She’s right, you know. People pay to try and get your curves. Just be grateful your father’s not here tonight; it would give him a coronary.”

Our eyes met and for one second I was sure we were sharing the same thoughts – maybe it wouldn’t be a drama if he was gone.

“Done!” Maxine clapped. “You are absolutely stunning.”

---