Page 146 of Never Kiss and Tell

“Just wait until you get to be my age. It’s not as easy to eat whatever you want and not gain a pound.”

Mila finishes tying the ribbons in the back of the built-in corset and steps back to admire her handy work.

“Oh, I don’t plan on living that long.”

“Mila!” I snap, concerned.

“Relax,” she says. “I saw a fortune teller last week that said I would die young.”

I roll my eyes and grab my clutch off the nightstand before leading her downstairs.

“Don’t let Mom hear you talk like that,” I warn quietly as we make our way out to the car. “She’ll have you baptized in salt water.”

“Hi, Christian,” Mila beams, her cheeks flaming as the chauffeur opens the door for us. I give him a curt nod, having avoided him since I came home. He smiles gently, though I can see from the look in his eyes that he no longer bears any feelings of unrequited love for me. Maybe he finally found a lady friend.

Thank God.

“It’s about time you two showed up,” Savannah mumbles, applying her lipstick in a lighted compact.

“Miss Dark-and-Depressing over here was complaining about the weight she’s gained,” Mila says, jabbing a thumb in my direction.

Savannah meets my eyes over the mirror. “I think it looks sexy.”

“Thank you,” I beam, elbowing Mila in the arm. “You hear that? I look sexy Miss I’m-Going-to-Die-Any-Day-Now.”

“God, Mila,” Savannah scoffs, rolling her eyes. “Don’t be so dramatic.”

The Hilton is hosting tonight’s event, with more than two hundred people in the large grand ballroom. I’ve been here before, but every time I step through the golden doors, it takes my breath away. The ceilings are tall, adorned with a large mural of angels in the clouds. Tall windows stand at the far side of theroom, showcasing the Los Angeles skyline.

Tables are set everywhere with name cards on each. Everything is run like a military operation. The staff are expected to keep everyone straight and in their correct seats, glasses filled with bubbling champagne and not a single person goes without a plate of some of the most expensive food the city can buy.

Mom and Marcus are already here, making their rounds like nothing happened. Currently, they’re stood by the mayor and his wife, laughing dramatically at something the mayor says. I roll my eyes and fall in step beside my sisters, already counting down the hours until this event is over.

“I’ll be right back,” Savannah says coolly, her eyes trained on something across the room that I can’t see. I watch her as she walks up to group of girls around her age.

Mila is watching her friends huddled together on the other side of the room. I grit my teeth.

“You don’t have to hang out with me,” I say, though I want to force her to stay. “I’ll be okay.”

She eyes me, unsure. “Are you sure?”

I nod, searching around the room. I see a few people I used to hang around, but they’re mostly Drew’s friends. I’m practically an outsider now. “I’ll be good.”

“Okay, well I’ll be right over there if you need me.”

I watch her leave, anxiety bubbling in my stomach. I’m about to go to the donations table when a hot hand on my elbow stops me. I jump, my heart hammering a thousand beats per minute.

“It’s been a while,” Drew says, standing beside me. Thefamiliar smell of his cologne that I loved so much hits my nostrils and my stomach revolts. Now, it just makes my head ache. “How are you doing?”

I square my shoulders, searching around the room for any excuse to leave. “Good. Haven’t been chained to a bed in a while. It’s been relieving, to say the least.”

He lets out a sigh, shoving his hands in his pockets.

“I guess I deserved that. I never apologized for how I treated you.”

“Treated me?” I scoff. “You’ve been harassing me for months.”

He shakes his head. “I missed you. I was upset. When Coulter called me, I lost my mind, knowing you were with another man.”

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