Page 42 of Room Ten: Praise Times Three

She motions to the black envelope. “Is that a note from them?”

“Yes. They want me to meet them Saturday night.”

“Go.” Pip nods enthusiastically.

“How can I?”

“Oh, Leti. I’ve been all around the world and have met all kinds of people, and the one thing I can tell you is happiness is fleeting, but finding someone to love you the way you want to be loved, that is special—once in a lifetime style special. If you found three men who want to love you, whom you also love—well, you’ve hit the lottery, and you can’t turn your back on that regardless of what the masses consider a societal norm.”

“What about your guys? Have you heard from them?”

She glances down and shakes her head. “No, not yet.”

“Do you want to, Pip?”

“Yes, but I’m afraid. What if they don’t want me?”

I roll my eyes. “Of course they want you. You’re amazing and vivacious and maybe a bit of a handful.”

She chuckles. “I think they like that.”

I hold up my hand, showing Pip how it shakes. “Look at me, I’m so nervous. I don’t think I can do this.”

She grabs my hand and squeezes. “I tell you what. If you go on this date with them, I’ll track down my men and let them know how I feel. We’ll both be putting ourselves out there, supporting each other while we do one of the scariest things in our lives.”

“Yeah?” My eyes well up with tears. Happy tears, but tears nonetheless.

“Yeah.” Pip spreads her arms wide, offering me a hug. “Now, let’s go shopping and buy ourselves a couple of amazing outfits.”

* * *

It’s Saturday night, and I’m wearing the sexiest, slinkiest, most revealing full-length gown I’ve ever seen off the red carpet. This is so Pip, and yet, I feel glamorous wearing it.

Pip walks me out of the house and nods, sliding her hands up my bare arms. “You look amazing. They are going to eat their tongues when they see you.”

“I wish it was cold enough to wear a cape or something. I feel so exposed.” Even though there isn't a lot of fabric to adjust, I fidget, attempting to cover myself.

“Stop!” she giggles. “You look amazing. Have fun. Be honest with yourself and let them love you.”

I pull her into my arms. “I couldn’t do this without your support. Thank you.”

“Hey, what’s a sister for?”

Giggling, I ignore the way the town car driver’s eyes bug out of his head. “I love you, Pip.”

“I love you, too.” She squeezes me and then pushes me toward the open door. “Now go get your men.”

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