Page 28 of Shadowed Obsession

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the fairy godmothers

Deirdre

3:40 p.m. | 10 days after ‘the incident’

My phone buzzes on my desk, tugging me from my thoughts. A notification appears on the screen.

1 unread attachment.

I swipe up, opening the group chat with my best friends, Alora and Skye. Photos of a vibrant lavender gown, one that I can only assume Alora created, leave me stunned. It’s gorgeous, and she never ceases to amaze me.

Lo

Shipping it tomorrow. You’ll have it by the end of the week.

Alora Hannon lives, eats, and breathes style. She’s a fashion director for Delphine Bloom—a world-famous bridal designer—but loves to sew and upcycle thrifted finds in her spare time. I happen to be lucky enough to be her muse, even though we’re thousands of miles apart. That woman knows my measurements better than I do. My smile widens as I admire the photos again, imagining myself in this gown.

Since I no longer attend my family’s lavish parties, I’m not sure where I’d wear this dress. But gift giving is her love language, and I know better than to decline a present. Thankfully, wearing Alora’s designs make it impossible to not see the beauty in every curve.

I’d be lying if I said I never experienced any insecurities about my body, because I’m human. Lawrence would make snide comments about my appearance toward the end of our relationship. And while he didn’t say anything I hadn’t heard before, that was one of many reasons I decided to leave him.

I always struggled with my weight, but it was never something my family gave me a hard time about. The kids at school were another story, which led to Regina and Darius getting into fistfights for me.

By the time I went to high school, my dad got me into boxing with Regina and her friend, Audrey. Then I began fighting my own battles, literally and figuratively. While I may not be a killer, I’m not against throwing well-deserved punches.

Skye Daddy

Goddamn, Lo. This is gorgeous!

Make me something next! Please?

I met Skye a few years ago at the LaGuardia airport. I had a layover and grabbed a coffee. When I found her sitting in the café, reading a Lilith Keene book I love, I went over to strike up a conversation. I hadn’t expected to leave with a potential friend, but I did.

We were only yapping about books, and I felt like I’d known her for years. We followed each other on Picturegram and kept in touch. Fast forward to now, she’s one of my best friends.

I invited her to brunch once when she was in town to meet Lo, who welcomed her with open arms and adopted her into our friend group.

It’s always been difficult to date with a family like mine. Finding genuine friendships are a similar struggle, but I am fortunate to have found them.

After admiring the photos for a moment more, I type a response.

I have nowhere to wear this dress, Lo.

Lo

Girl. You better find an excuse.

Skye Daddy

Somebody’s got a birthday coming up!

Lo

Throw a birthday party in that big ass house of yours!

I don’t have friends here to invite to a party.

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