Page 78 of Shattered By Grace

Taylor smirked. “Way too late to still be sleeping.”

“Thanks.” Victoria smiled back.

Taylor clapped her hands together. “So… umm, we’re supposed to go dress shopping today.” Her excitement was already building. “I can run home, shower, change, and come back, or…” she shot Victoria a hopeful look, “if you have extra clothes, we can just shower here, get ready, grab breakfast, and then hit the dresses.”

Victoria didn’t even hesitate. “Second option.”

She wasn’t about to let Taylor out of her sight.Not after last night. Not after what we discovered. The last thing I want is something happening to her.

Taylor grinned. “Knew you’d say that.”

With that settled, they wasted no time. Taylor grabbed towels while Victoria rummaged through her closet, tossing an oversized hoodie and leggings onto the bed for her. A quick shower and a strong cup of coffee later, they were both refreshed, dressed, and ready to go.

Taylor adjusted her ponytail in the hallway mirror. “Okay, food first, then dresses. I need something greasy.”

Victoria smirked as she grabbed her keys. “Agreed.”

They stepped out the door, but Victoria immediately froze.

Sitting on the ground, just outside the entrance, was a single red rose. Beside it, a folded note with her name scrawled across the front in a familiar, confident hand.

Her stomach tightened.

Taylor let out a low whistle. “Damn. Looks like someone wants your attention.”

Victoria bent down, picking up the rose with careful fingers before unfolding the note.

A slow smirk curled her lips as she turned the note over in her hand.

Taylor leaned in. “Should I be concerned or excited?”

Victoria slid the note into her pocket, the rose still in her grip. “Both.”

And with that, they walked toward the car, the game officially in motion.

Breakfast was exactly what they needed. Greasy, satisfying, and a perfect distraction. Seated in a corner booth of a small café, they chatted between bites, letting the heaviness of the past twenty-four hours fade, at least for now.

Victoria made an effort to shift the focus, leaning her elbows on the table as she arched a brow at Taylor. “Alright, enough about me. Spill…how was your date?”

Taylor’s eyes lit up as she dramatically set her fork down. “Finally, you ask!” She launched into a play-by-play of the night, complete with exaggerated reenactments of awkward moments and swoon-worthy details.

Victoria smirked, sipping her coffee. “So, is there going to be a second date?”

Taylor twirled a fry between her fingers, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Mmm… I haven’t decided yet. Gotta keep him on his toes.”

Victoria tilted her head. “And… You didn’t ask him to the masquerade thing?”

Taylor hesitated for half a second before rolling her eyes. “Ugh. No. I chickened out.”

“You? Chickening out? Now that’s shocking.” Victoria laughed.

Taylor pointed her fork at her. “Listen, it’s different when you actually like the guy. Besides, I still have time.”

Victoria smirked. “Not much.”

“Alright, alright,” Taylor huffed. “I’ll ask him. Eventually.”

Once they finished eating, they paid the bill and headed out, the crisp air waking Victoria up even more. Taylor stretched her arms over her head. “Alright, time for phase two. Dresses!”

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