Page 279 of The Blairville Legacies

My gaze drifted to the clothing rail next to me. And of course, I was spoiled for choice between these insanely figure-hugging dresses that would all have the same effect. Everyone would stare at my body and I would feel insecure.

“I think this would suit you.” Larissa pulled a very short black dress with strange spikes on the breasts from the rack and I immediately blushed.

“Larissa!” I stammered and snatched the dress from her hand, only to immediately put it back where it belonged.

“Why don't you send her in lingerie,” Grace laughed, and I looked at her in disbelief.

“How about this: You two go and help Bayla and leave me to do it alone.”

“Wow, Miss is voicing her needs.” Grace raised both brows.

Again, my cheeks heated. I hated it. Did she always have to point out that I preferred to hold back?

“You're right. We shouldn't letBayout of our sight,” Larissa agreed, and then disappeared around the corner.

Grace and I stayed behind.

I didn't know if she was still upset about the little conflict a few days ago, because she'd been avoiding me a lot. Something typical for her. Conflict resolution wasn't her strength and since I was bad at talking, the times she was mad at me were lonely times.

“Julie, is everything okay with you?”

She looked again at the mask in my hands as if it was proof that I was going insane.

I felt naked. As if people could see through my protective shield. As if they could see that something was wrong with me.

“Why do you ask?” I stammered and looked at the clothes again.

I would never wear such figure-hugging dresses. Couldn't I just go with what I was wearing? In light-colored jeans and my gray knit top?

“You look different...” Grace remarked, her eyes scrutinizing me.

I felt exposed to her.

“I feel a bit ill,” I lied. Apparently, bad again, because she gave me a meaningful glare.

“Julie, the last thing you are issick.”

I looked at each dress one by one, taking extra time, so I didn't have to look directly at Grace.

“It's like something is bothering you, and you're trying to suppress it.”

I paused. “I don't know what you mean. I'm fine.”

“You may be able to pretend to others, but you can't foolme.” Grace looked annoyed. “When you're ready to talk, you know where I am.”

Then she disappeared back into another row.

She was still angry with me. And I seemed to be finding it harder and harder to keep secrets.

Blub.

I let go of the clothes and sat down on the velvet-covered bench in the row, relieved that there was Erik to keep pulling me out of this miserable reality.

I decided to be honest.

And how I was. My heart was racing as soon as I thought about the meeting.

A smile spread across my lips.

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