Page 79 of Invisible String
My head falls back in laughter.
“If it were Max, you would immerse him between your legs,” she adds.
My sister joins in on the joke. “Oh, my gosh. He would need a raft.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. I swear, how do they expect me to let go like they say when they mention him touching me?
“You two are not helping me.”
“Okay, sorry, you’re right,” Lana offers.
My head swings back to the TV, and they show Max again. My insides cave, taking my breath away. It’s been years, and I wished for so long I’d see him again. Now, I want to erase it all. How can you fall so deeply in love with someone you don’t know and won’t let you in? Only a fool would allow it. I rub my wrist.
As I standin front of the full-length mirror, I run my hands over the satin of my off-the-shoulder dress. The open back reveals a subtle V-line, giving it an elegant touch. I can’t help but admire how it shimmers in the light and hugs every curve of my body, making me feel confident and beautiful. My dangling earrings complement my high heels perfectly. Finally, I curled my hair and left it down for a matching touch to the outfit.
A knock on the door startles me out of my thoughts. Andrew must be here to pick me up. He asked me to be his date for a gala tonight, and unfortunately, my father and brother will also be in attendance. My dad is a well-sought attorney, so he always gets invited to these kinds of events.
“Hey, you’re here early,” I say, stepping back to let him in.
Andrew gives me a boyish grin, reminding me of when we were younger. My sister and Lana are not his greatest fans, and I understand why. He’s self-centered.
He leans to kiss my cheek. “You look pretty. If you’re not ready, no worries. I can wait.”
“I’m ready.”
“Thank you for coming with me. I didn’t want to come solo since your brother has a date.”
I take my sweater wrap and handbag from the sofa. My eyebrows arch. “He has a date?” He’s never mentioned a girl before he was dating.
His lips twitch. “She’s actually a new trainee. His assistant.”
I roll my eyes, of course.
Twenty minutes later, we arrived at the gala. Andrew drops his car off at a valet parking lot. He places his hand on the small of my back, guiding us toward the entrance.
As I enter the grand ballroom, the chandeliers sparkle above me, and the sound of a live orchestra fills the space. The room could easily fit three thousand people, but tonight, it was filled with elegantly dressed women in flowing gowns and men in sharp suits and ties. Their chatter and laughter echo off the high ceilings and marble floors as they mingle under the glow of crystal lights.
A soft sigh leaves my lips. I would rather be home binge-watching any show, reading, or maybe baking than be here, but I did Andrew a favor. Not that I owe him one.
A server stops near us to offer us a drink. I shake my head while Andrew grabs whiskey on the rocks. My dad spots us and waves us toward him. I turn to walk the opposite way, but Andrew pulls me along. “Hello, sir. I’m glad you made it.”
Sir?He’s known him for years. My dad pats his shoulder.
“Rainey, honey. I’m so glad to see you two together here. I tell Andrew that he needs to scoop you up. You two would make the most beautiful couple.”
“I’m trying.” Andrew wraps me around my waist. “We are taking it slow,” he adds.
I lift not one, but two brows at him.
“We’re only friends,” I admit.
“For now.” Andrew winks, and my dad roars in laughter.
What in the actual fuck?I want to shiver at both of them in disgust.
“You two have fun.” My dad turns, walking toward the chief of police and the governor.
There are so many people I don’t recognize, and I wouldn’t know anyone here. “Hey, Ney.” My brother smiles, looking sharp in his black slacks and suit. His brown, disheveled hair has a slight speck of red from my dad’s Irish roots. A blonde woman hangs on his side. “Ney, this is my friend Mel.”
