Page 125 of Best Friends Don't Fall For Best Friends

“You mean a terrible singer,” Rylee corrects.

I don’t let their words get to me because I’m in the best mood I’ve ever been in. “Say whatever you want, Rylee. I’ll be dancing at the masquerade ball while you’re stuck at home.”

I skip around the kitchen, humming again. So, I suck at singing. Doesn’t mean I shouldn’t sing. Would my secret admirer think my bad singing is cute or…would he find it unattractive?

“Hold up.” Noah latches his hand on my arm. “What do you mean you’re going to the ball? You never go.”

“I never had a reason to.”

His eyebrows shoot up. “And now you do? Did someone ask you?”

Great. He’s being all protective Noah now. I’ve never come close to having a boyfriend, so he’s never been the boyfriend police. But now…

I raise my chin. “No one asked me.” It’s not a total lie. “I’m going with my friends. Ava and Lily want to go with their boyfriends, so the rest of us decided to go, too.”

Rylee makes gagging noises.

“You’re just jealous,” I throw at her.

She snorts. “Suuure.”

I go up to my room, throw my school stuff on my desk, and plop down on my bed. I think about the message I sent to the secret admirer, where I told him I want to meet him at the masquerade ball at eight outside the ballroom.

In just a few days, my dreams might actually come true.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chloe

Tonight is the masquerade ball! I’ve barely been able to sit straight for hours. We’re getting ready at Ava’s house because she asked her family’s hairdresser and makeup artist to help us.

“You think someone will catch your eye?” I tease Willow as the hairdresser does her hair. She’s wearing a dark green dress, provided by Ava, of course, and her matching mask sits next to her on the table.

“Sure.” She rolls her eyes. “I’m only here because of you guys.” She throws me a smile. “But I’ll have tons of fun. Don’t worry.”

I can’t help but notice that her smile seems a little forced. I’ve also noticed that she’s been a little off the past few days. I guess she’s still stressed about her app.

Once the hairdresser and makeup artist finish their work, we examine ourselves in the mirror. “Dang we look good.” Ava beams.

She’s wearing a long red dress with a slit on the side, and a matching red and white mask. Aidan will have an identical mask and matching tie. Xavier’s tie matches Lily’s light blue sparkly dress that reaches just below her knees. And I’ve got on a dark purple ruffled dress.

My eyes catch sight of the person who just walked into the room. A young man dressed in a dashing black suit that makes him look like the most handsome guy I’ve ever seen in my life.

“Someone cleans up nicely,” Willow jokes.

“Liam, you look amazing!” Lily gushes.

“Ooh, you look so mature in that suit,” Ava says.

He gives everyone a look. “This isn’t the first time I’m wearing a suit.”

“But you look different,” Ava says. “It’s like you grew the last few weeks and have gotten more good-looking.”

Liam’s eyes flit to mine. I offer him a small smile. “You look really good, Liam.”

“Thanks. You look beautiful. You all do,” he quickly adds.

“Thanks!” Ava says. “Are we ready to go? Don’t forget your masks.”

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