Page 113 of No Rings Attached
She winked. “It’s my daily two-cents. Everyone needs it.”
Drew shook his head like a man resigned to chaos.
“Oh, you know I’m funny,” she scolded him, wagging a finger.
He tried to smother a grin. “Maybe a little.”
“A little?” She gasped like he’d insulted the Pope. “See if I keep you in my will.”
I laughed, warmth loosening my chest. For a moment, I forgot about Celia.
Until Glamma pointed. “Homewrecker at six o’clock.”
I yelped as she spun me around and clamped her arm around my shoulders like a boa constrictor. “And this is my sister!” she chirped, squeezing the air out of my lungs.
What. The. Hell.Alternate Universe?
“She’s beensuchan incredible help. She dropped everything to plan my wedding. We’re so close.”
I gagged. Close?
“And she and Kyle get alongsowell.”
I threw up a little in my mouth.
She turned her smile to me.“So, bestie, what are we doing first?”
Bestie.I nearly fainted from shock. My panicked gaze found Drew, who draped his arm over my shoulders like my knight in plaid armor.
“Oh, darn. Ellie and I promised the mayor we’d help hand out game tickets. And trash duty too, right, babe?”
I bobbed my head so hard my neck cracked. “Of course. It’s our duty as … uh, Kingsley Jewelry representatives."Smooth, Ellie. Real smooth.
Celia’s face pinched like she’d bitten into a lemon.
Before she could regroup, Glamma swooped in. “Perfect. You and I can spend some time together, Celia.” Her eyes gleamed like a cat who’d spotted a bird she wanted to pounce on.
“Oh … okay.” Celia’s voice faltered. She clearly wasn’t used to anyone saying no. “We could talk about … plans … later.” She flicked her gaze and toothpaste ad smile toward her cameraman, who held her phone.
Streaming Live. Of course.
“Or … ” Glamma raised a finger. “We could have a challenge.”
My stomach dropped. “Oh no,” I whispered.
“Oh, yes,” Glamma corrected, sequins sparkling like disco lights.
“What kind of challenge?” Celia asked, forcing a sweet tone, but I spotted the twitch in her jaw.
“A dance-off. Social media style.” Glamma’s voice boomed loud enough for people around us to hear.
The cameraman’s brows shot up. A circle began to form fast. Kids darted forward with popcorn, couples nudged each other. Somewhere behind me, someone muttered, “Best day ever.”
Celia blinked, panic flashing before she smoothed it over. “I don’t really do challenges. My platform is about meaningful connections with my fans?—”
“Oh, now, Celia darling. I never thought you’d be the kind to back down from a challenge,” Glamma baited her.
Hook.
