Page 354 of The First Time

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"You promise?"

I nod.

She stares back like she doesn't believe me.

Still, she opens the door and steps into the main room. "I love you, Kat."

"I love you too."

I pick myself up and step into the main room.

Natalie and Ashleigh are waiting. Staring.

I nod goodbye to Lizzy.

She disappears out the front door.

"Do you want a picture in that dress?" Natalie asks.

"No, this one is perfect," I say.

Ashleigh nods. "Excuse me." She stares at her phone and walks into the other room, shaking her head.

She calls someone in there. Blake probably.

Natalie helps me change out of the dress. She has a sympathetic look, but mercifully, she remains silent.

I change back into my clothes.

Natalie leaves to rearrange everything. I linger in the dressing room as long as I can.

At least here there's no one watching me, no one doubting me, no one deciding what's best for me.

My reflection stares back at me. Just Kat in here. Not the billionaire's fiancée, not the older sister, not the would-be artist. Just Kat.

I'm still not sure who that is.

That front door opens again. The bell rings. Again. There's a low voice. Ashleigh makes some dramatic noise.

I let out a sigh. She called Blake.

Like he's my dad and I'm a misbehaving child.

Or maybe like she's concerned and doesn't know what else to do.

Either way, I can't shake the feeling I'm about to get a lecture about being on my best behavior.

I adjust my sweater and step into the main room.

Sure enough, Blake is standing there. He's picture perfect in his sleek black suit.

"Let's get dinner," he says.

My stomach rumbles at the mention of food. My heartbeat picks up as I stare back into his piercing blue eyes. "Okay."

Ashleigh throws him ahurry uplook. "Natalie will freak if you see the dress."

"Of course." He almost smiles.

Enough pleasantries. I push out the door. Outside, the sun is setting. Orange light streaks across the skyline. It's beautiful.

But everything around me feels ugly.

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