Page 43 of Lost Without You (Chasing Olivia 2)

“Monster-in-laws?” Justin asks. Nathan nods as he makes his way to the door.

“Yeah, it’s pretty ugly over there. I’m sure there will be a murder by the end of the day.” As Nathan opens the door, he calls back to the boys, “Just make sure you two are at my place by three.”

“I better go, too. I need to engage in peace talks.”

“Alright. I think I might need to do that as well,” Chase says, looking in my direction. “See you at three,” Chase calls after Justin as he walks out the door.

“What?” he asks all innocent.

“Don’t ‘what’ me. That was uncalled for.”

“You wouldn’t get up, so I needed to take drastic measures. It worked, didn’t it?” he says, smiling. “And, it’s almost twelve-thirty now. That doesn’t give you much time to get ready.”

“Get ready? I’m having my hair and makeup done. What do I need to do to get ready?”

“Oh.” He’s still smiling.

“You really enjoyed that, didn’t you?”

“Maybe a little.”

“Well, payback’s a bitch. Remember that,” I say, walking toward him. Reaching out, he pulls me into his arms.

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist,” he chuckles.

“That’s okay,” I concede. “I’m not really sure I would’ve gotten up any other way. I’m exhausted. How are you so perky and awake?”

“I got up and went for a run, then worked out a little in the gym. Endorphins kicked in and I’m wide awake.”

“Too much work just to wake up. I’ll take the cold shower.”

Kissing the top of my head, he releases me. “Go grab your dress and shoes, and I’ll walk you over to Amanda’s.

“Okay.”

Walking up the path leading to Amanda and Nathan’s place, Chase and I hear yelling.

Opening the door, Chase calls in, “Hello?”, silencing the arguing.

“Olivia, thank goodness you’re here. Go to the back bedroom and have your makeup done. Miranda is having her hair done in the other room,” Amanda commands before turning around and yelling, “Mom, you need to stop micromanaging everything. Go have a drink, you’re driving me crazy!”

“I just want everything perfect for you, darling,” she answers back from another room.

“God, she?

??s making me fucking nuts!” Amanda whispers to Chase and me. “Chase, go. Olivia needs to get ready.” Handing me my shoes, Chase gives me a quick kiss on the lips before Amanda ushers him out the door.

“If I have to hear how I’m doing something wrong one more time, I swear, I’m going to feed her to the sharks.”

“Where’s your dad?” I ask as we walk to the makeup bedroom.

“Hiding, if he’s smart,” she says. “I think all the boys are hiding somewhere, except Justin. He’s still trying to get Miranda to talk to him. That’s why she’s in the other room getting her hair done and we’re in here.”

“How’s it going?” I ask, concerned.

Laughing, she says, “They’ll be fine. Miranda’s just making him beg. She thought Justin fighting for her last night was romantic, but wants to make him suffer.” Turning to the two makeup artists, she says, “Okay. Make us beautiful.”

We spent hours getting our hair and makeup done while snacking on canapés and drinking champagne.

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