Page 50 of Prince Charmless
Maybe bickering in front of her wasn’t a good idea.
Tom claps his hands together. “You’re right, Melina, are you going to let Prince Charmless take you to the ball?”
She kisses her teeth. “I don’t know.”
Great. “Helpful input, Melina.”
She raises her shoulders. “I handled myself through the drama the first time. Most of the comments weren’t even negative. What would be different about this?”
“People would know your face. Don’t take your anonymity for granted, you have no idea how much I envy it.”
I don’t think I meant to voice that last part out loud. It’s been a weird morning.
Melina opens her mouth to say something, but Tom cuts her off.
“Hugo Foust will be there. Taylor’s favorite forward.”
“Like in a kilt and everything?” she asks.
That seemed to pique her interest.
“Yeah, he’s a big donor. He goes every year, right?”
“I mean, yes,” I admit. “But don’t do this just to see some footballer’s calves. The PM’s son will also be there and he’s very ugly and an ass.”
She hums. “I’m probably not good enough to be your arm candy.”
God, is that what she thinks I’m suggesting? “Melina, I hope you know that’s not what I meant.” If anything, it’s the other way around. The girl’s a bombshell. Next to her, I’ll look like Slenderman.
“No, that’s a bonus,” she says. “I’m just a humble web dev. Doesn’t everyone love a good Cinderella story? It’ll add to the distraction.”
What is she thinking?
“If you’re serving alcohol, I’ll do it for five hundred bucks.”
Tom snorts at her pathetic offer, and I, well, I do nothing. I’m in pure shock.
“Too low or too high? Oh, and I don’t have a fairy godmother or any sentient rats, so you’d have to pay for the dress too.”
Is she serious?“I don’t get you, Melina. You’re selling the press your soul for five hundred dollars? No. I’m not allowing it.”
“Yet you were going to take the Giana girl for nothing? What’s different about me?”
“Because you’re,” I gesture her up and down, trying to search for the word, “you’re Melina! You’re you!”
“I’m your friend?” she offers with a smile.
“Yes.” I snap my fingers. “That. And the Giana girl is already famous. You’re no one.”
She looks offended.
“You know what I mean. No one in terms of celebrity. And I thought being moralistic was your whole thing. Now, suddenly you’re willing to do things for money?”
“This business dealI’mstarting. It’s honestly a win-win. I get free drinks, five hundred dollars, and a chance to see the hottest man in the world. I’m trying to be more spontaneous in life anyway.”
“It’s a win-win-win,” my brother adds pointlessly.
Why is he still here?
