Page 114 of Fall

His voice trails off, letting go of his attempt to joke.

“Will the guys be there?” I ask.

“Nah. They got lucky. They’re doing some business in California or Texas, or some place. I can’t remember. They’ll be back in time for spring break, though, if you want to see them,” he says with hope in his voice.

I shake my head. He obviously has the wrong idea of why I’m asking. He thinks I want to see them—I don’t.

“Can you ever bring a plus one to these things?” I continue, as a plan forms in my head.

“Yeah, sure. It’s boring as hell, but we’re allowed to bring dates. Why?”

“What time do you have to be there?”

“It’s a late dinner, so probably around eight or nine. Again, why?”

“Tell them you’re bringing friends. Pick us up at seven-thirty.”

“What?” he says in shock. “Why the hell wouldyouwant to go to a gala?”

I give him my most saccharine smile. “What better way to help Celeste than to give her a ball to go to? I think we’re due for a girl’s night. Don’t you?”

He narrows his eyes. “What are you playing at?”

My right hand covers my heart, and I make my eyes go wide. “Why, whatever do you mean,” I say, mimicking Scarlett O’Hara.

“Evelyn?”

I tilt my head. “Are you going to take us or not?”

“Fine. I’ll pick you guys up at seven-thirty. But, Evie, you might want to go shopping. It’s a black-tie affair.”

I roll my eyes. I’m not an idiot. “Don’t worry, Taylor. I’ll dress the part,” I say and walk into the building, bracing myself for an afternoon of shopping with Celeste.

30

“You look stunning,” Celeste says in awe. “I mean, I still think you should let me curl your hair, but wow.”

I stare at the familiar stranger in the mirror with a smokey purple eyeshadow that accents the purple in her eyes and deep red pouty lips. I feel like a clown, but she does look beautiful, and the black strapless gown with chiffon layers does fit me.

My eyes shift to Celeste. Her makeup is just as flawless, accentuating her full lips and natural tan. The deep turquoise of her sweetheart gown looks so good against her skin, you’d think it was made just for her.

“You look incredible,” I say to her.

We gather our things and head to the kitchen for a drink before it’s time to go.

“What made you want to do this?” she asks, handing me a shot of Hennessy.

I shrug my shoulders. “It’s been a rough couple of weeks. I know I haven’t been easy to deal with. Think of this as my olive branch.”

She nods her head and raises her glass. “Thank you for a great day, and cheers to an amazing night. I’m glad to have you back.”

She gives me a genuine smile. We drink our shots and head downstairs to meet Taylor.

“Holy fuck. You guys look amazing,” Taylor stutters through his greeting.

I snort. “It’s just makeup.”

He rolls his eyes and opens the back door of the limo, giving Celeste a quick kiss on her way in. It’s about damn time.

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