Page 7 of Charlie and Her Sweet Escape

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When he didn’t respond, I opened the bathroom door to find no one there. I swore I’d heard someone in the hallway.

“What is that!” one of the guests shouted.

“Get back!” another one yelled.

The sound of clinking silverware and screeching chairs on tile intensified.

And then I heard the bark.

4

BENNETT

Forrester Sibling Group Chat

Bennett

Is it just me, or is a black-tie event at your house insufferably pretentious?

Jules

You’re just uncultured.

Rosie

How else are they supposed to prove how rich they are?

Haydn

Lia and I go to black-tie events at people’s houses all the time.

Rosie

Thank you for making my point, Haydn.

Jules

Mine too.

Bennett

It makes zero sense to me. We’re eating. Wearing a suit or sparkly dress does not elevate a basic biological activity.

Jules

Sure it does.

Rosie

One of my favorite things to do is wear a sparkly dress to elevate a basic biological activity.

Jules

For the love.

Bennett

Banned.

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