Page 119 of Roses in Summer

“Of course you do,” Bianca scoffs, though her tone is playful and not harsh.

She holds up her phone, showing us the page on her screen. “Shut up, B. And here, this is a picture they posted of the dress.” It’s a stunning recreation of the drop-waist dress originally worn by Ginger Rogers in the thirties. On the model, the dress fits tight until it hits her thighs, and then it flares out in a burst of chiffon. In another picture, the dress is partially hidden by a matching chiffon cape with pearl detailing at the neck. It’s dramatic yet simple and the perfect accompaniment for my sister’s beauty.

“It’s stunning, Aves. I can’t wait to see you try it on.”

“At least someone is supportive. Anyway, where are you going on your date tonight?”

I smile at the change in subject. “I have no idea. He told me to dress comfortably, and then he wants me to see his apartment.”

“Hm, I wonder where he’s taking you. And his apartment is sick. He’s an annoying little shit, but he’s pretty much talented at everything he does, including decorating.”

“He decorated the apartment?” I question.

“Well, he and his mom, probably. Anyway, you’ll have to call me when you get home tomorrow. I—” A timer on Ava’s phone goes off, interrupting her. “Soup’s ready.”

—

“I’m not saying that Rob is a catch, but he’s nowhere near as bad as Aaron. Look at that guy. He’s got a face that makes you want to just punch him right in the nose,” Ava muses as we watch our second episode ofLove Island USA. “Can you imagine when Kaylor sees this footage? He’s going to be so fucked.”

“Why is no one talking about how hot Miguel is?” Bianca asks, squinting her eyes at the screen.

“I’m pretty sure everyone is talking about how hot he is, B.” I roll my eyes and look at my phone, noting that I need to start getting ready soon. I have no idea when Lincoln will be here, and thanks to his phone being left behind, it’s not like he can give me a heads-up that he’s on his way.

Standing from the couch, I stretch my limbs out and smile at my sisters. “I’m going to take a shower.”

They wave me off, bickering about the merits of each guy on the absurd yet highly addicting dating show. I stop in my room to grab my robe before shutting myself in the bathroom and turning the water to warm. It takes a few minutes for the water to heat up, but when it does, I step under the spray, letting the water quell the excitement I have for tonight. I reach for my shampoo, apply a healthy dot to my palm, and emulsify it, rubbing it through my long hair until suds start to form.

I’m rinsing the suds out when a crash sounds from the door, and I turn, stunned to see Bianca running into the once-locked but now broken-down door.

“What—”

“Seraphina, there’s a fire.”

44

Lincoln

Work passed slowly, though I’m not sure if it’s because it’s a Monday or it’s because I feel the loss of my phone like a phantom. I realized that I had left my phone at Seraphina’s apartment halfway through my drive when I went to call my mom for our weekly check-in and realized that I didn’t have it on me.

I don’t like the feeling of disconnection, of not being able to respond if something happens or if someone needs me. The odds of a catastrophe happening are slim, but it doesn’t stop the dread from pooling in my stomach at the possibilities.

The “what ifs” that run rampant in my brain.

The knowledge that there are assholes out there who know exactly where Seraphina and her friends are.

I’m finishing up my last piece of cleanup for the night, breaking down my station, and making sure that everything is set up and prepped for tomorrow’s dinner service.

“Di, I’m heading out. Are you on the schedule for tomorrow?” I call over my shoulder.

“I’m off until Thursday,” she quips, her voice unusually upbeat.

I pause in my breakdown and turn to face her. “Big plans?” I shouldn’t be making small talk; I should be getting the fuck out of this kitchen and back to West Elm, but I can’t turn down the sight of a happy Diana. It happens so rarely that I have to capture the moment.

“Ricky is taking me to Avalon.”

I whistle low, happy for her. “Good for you. Enjoy the beach.”

“Oh, I will. Enjoy sweating your ass off. Now get out of the kitchen and stop distracting me.”

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