Page 64 of Filthy Elites

“Ilovethat,” I say.

“Me too.”

We both head to the dressing rooms, and when I see Sage wearing hers, I know she’s found the one. She’s glowing.

“Nicola, you look amazing. You need to get that.”

“No, no. I said I’d try it on to indulge you. I can’t wear red. It’s not me,” I lie.

She takes her phone from her purse and snaps a picture.

“What are you doing?” I say, panicking. “Don’t post that to social media.”

“Relax. I’m just texting Luke.”

“Why would you do that?”

She smiles like the Cheshire cat. “Because I need his help convincing you to come to Jason’s party with us.”

Glowering, I cross my arms over my chest. “I’m not going to crash his party.”

“It’s not his party. It’s his mother’s.”

“Even worse. I’ve met the woman, and she’s a witch.”

“Who is a witch?” Luke asks, sporting a broad smile.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, then glance at Sage. The little traitor. She must have told her brother where to find us.

“I was in the neighborhood.” He gives me an elevator glance and wolf-whistles. “Looking good, Nicola. Jason will eat his heart out when he sees you.”

“I’m not getting the dress or going to the stupid party.”

His wide eyes tell me he’s genuinely surprised. “Why not? Everyone who matters will be there.”

“Newsflash. I don’t matter, hence I didn’t get an invitation,” I grit out.

“Bullshit. Youdomatter, or Jason wouldn’t have looked in your direction.”

“I know why Sage wants me to go, but why do you care?”

“Er…”

“My brother loves conflict, that’s why. He thinks if you crash the party, something spectacular will happen.”

I put my hands on my hips. “Oh, so I’m supposed to be his entertainment?”

He rubs the back of his back. “How is that such a terrible thing? You’re a violinist. Isn’t that entertainment?”

I open and shut my mouth, unable to come up with a retort. He got me.

“Sloane will be there, and she’ll be all over Jason,” Sage pipes up.

“For someone with such an angel face, you sure are a scheming little devil,” I grumble.

Her eyes round. “I’m not a devil. I’m being a good friend.”

An idea pops in my head, but I don’t want Luke to hear it.

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