Page 15 of The Rivals' Touch

“George!” Ariana calls out and, like magic, a man in a suit materializes out of nowhere. “Will you check Remi’s new cheer uniform? Make sure the stitching is perfect. I need her to try it on before she goes to school today.”

My head shoots up. “Oh, that’s not necessary.”

Zayd puts his elbows on the table, drawing my eyes to the muscles on his tanned arms. He looks too fucking good to be real, dressed in a black, short-sleeved Henley and distressed jeans. Even I can admit that.

This morning, I did a double-take when he walked into the dining room with the witch on his heels. I’ve rarely seen him wearing anything other than his basketball jersey.

“But it is. We must ensure it’s perfect for your first cheer practice later.”

“My first cheer practice later?” I parrot, hoping I misheard her. Baby steps, right? This is like jumping in at the deep end with no idea how to swim. “Doesn’t the basketball team have a game today?”

Ariana stirs her coffee. “They do, but the girls practice before then.”

“Oh, right.” The banister on the top floor looks more appealing by the minute.

“Darling,” Ariana says to my father as he puts the spoon down and picks up his cup of coffee. “Did you give Remi the class schedule I gave you?”

He doesn’t look up from the newspaper in his hand. “It’s programmed on her phone.”

“Here you go,” George says, returning with a neatly-folded, blue-and-black cheer uniform.

“I trust that you inspected it?”

“Every single stitch.”

“That’s splendid.” She looks at me expectantly. “Why don’t you try it on?”

I would rather peel off my own skin.

“Remi!” my father says, lowering the paper.

I smile sweetly. “Fine. Thank you, George.”

Ariana looks pleased when I grab the uniform and stride out of the room, searching for the nearest bathroom. Two hallways and numerous doors later, I find one. I shut myself inside, strip out of my clothes, and pull on the offending garments. The skirt is minuscule. Cheer outfits always are, but it makes my skin crawl to wear my main rival’s uniform.

Up next is the top. The cheer uniform at Hedgewood covers the belly, but this one doesn’t. Not only will I flash my butt if I bend over, but I will also show off my stomach. I might as well step out in my underwear.

I reluctantly walk out and count to ten so I don’t scream and throw something as I retrace my steps.

“Here we go!” I pause outside the big doors to the dining room and smooth my hands down my new uniform before stepping inside.

“Oh, look at you, darling!” Ariana says as she stands up and rounds the table, her eyes lit up like a proud mother. “You’ll look fantastic with your hair up.”

She lifts my arms and inspects the fabric. “It’s a perfect fit.” Then she turns. “Isn’t it lovely on her, Zayd? Legacy?”

“She looks like something the cat dragged in!” Legacy sneers, but Ariana laughs and waves her off.

“Nonsense.” Ariana gestures to Zayd. “What do you think, son?”

I treat him to one of my infamous glares as he sweeps his gaze down my belly and legs. “I think she’ll look great if she smiles.” His eyes linger on my thighs.

“Smile, pumpkin,” my father orders like I’m some fucking performance monkey.

I plaster on my fake smile, which I’ve perfected throughout the years. It makes Zayd laugh, and he motions for me to turn in a circle. “Let me see the back.”

I put my hands on my hips and quirk a brow, about to give him sass, but one look from my father and I spin in a circle like an obedient circus animal.

“I like that you added my number. Nice touch.” He pops a grape into his mouth and winks.

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