Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 112892 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 452(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 112892 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 452(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
“Yeah, that didn't last very long, but I really think you need to go for an updo.”
“I don't know how to do that.”
“I'm sure you can figure it out,” she said, with maddening tranquility. “The internet’s not just for cyberstalking and watching shirtless chefs. There are hundreds of tutorials on hairstyles and updos.”
“Excuse me, not all of us can look perfect just by putting our hair back in a ponytail. It's more difficult for the rest of us.” I’d always envied Tori’s sleek dark hair. It would take me years to grow mine that long.
“Well, look into it. Maybe you’ll find something that works for wavy hair.”
Suddenly, a thought hit. “Do you think I need to have my hair dyed?”
“Why?”
“Well, I mean, I got these red highlights over the summer, but they’re fading a bit now.”
“No, I think it's fine. Just, you know, make it look all fancy.”
I rolled my eyes. That was a lot easier said than done.
Tori reached up and pushed some hangers aside. “These are the three dresses I think might fit you and the occasion.”
She held up one that was only attached to the hanger by the thinnest of spaghetti straps. It was kind of a blend of gold and silver, and it shimmered when it moved. The neckline was draped so low it looked less like a dress and more like a skirt designed to go around the waist.
She put it back on the rack and held up another dress. “You can't go wrong with a little black dress. It’s classic for a reason.”
“But isn't that, like, a cocktail dress?” I only knew that because I'd seen one in a movie.
“Yeah, it’s probably best to have something floor-length with a high slit so you can drive Aaron crazy when your leg slips through it.”
“We're going as friends.”
“Friends don't dress up like that. He'll likely be in a tux.”
“Really? Damn. This is really starting to feel like it’s out of my league.”
“But the thing is, all you have to do is look beautiful. That's it, because it's his family, his scene, his idea, so he'll take the lead. You just have to follow along.”
I made a face. “Isn't that kind of sexist?”
“Or maybe classist. Or both.” She shrugged. “I'm not saying bow down and be obedient to him. I'm saying when you're on his turf, in his world, let him take the lead.”
She had a point there. The event on Saturday was for a wealthy family. And I had little experience with family, let alone filthy rich ones.
“The same goes for dancing,” Tori said, shocking me back to the present.
“For what?”
“Dancing. The reception hall has a huge ballroom.”
“What? We’re going to have to dance?” In front of his whole family?
Tori didn’t seem to think there were any problems. “That's why I picked these dresses. All of them allow you to move.”
“I can't dance.”
“Well, you're going to have to.”
I sat down on a bar stool nearby. “Maybe this is a bad idea.”
“No, it's not. You like this guy, right?”
“Yeah.”
“And it sounds like he really wants you to go.”
“Yeah, but… I think he just doesn't want to be the only one in his family going solo.”
“Mia, there’s a whole campus full of women just beyond your house. He asked you for a reason.”
“Because I'm his roommate,” I said.
Tori grabbed my wrist, holding on until I met her eyes.
“Do you think he likes you?”
“I don’t know. Maybe,” I admitted.
“Do you like him?”
I nodded.
“So don't stress the small stuff.”
“Not knowing how to dance isn't small stuff.”
“Let's decide on the dress first. That's part A. Part B comes later.”
Half an hour later, I was in love. Not with one of Tori's hot-as-hell men, but with a dress.
It was the most beautiful dress I’d ever seen, and I couldn’t believe I got to take it with me.
It was safely wrapped up in a garment bag, and on the ride back to Haverford, I kept sneaking peeks in the backseat to make sure it was okay.
Lucas drove. I didn’t know him as well as Jayden, but he seemed like a nice guy. I was a little relieved that Kyle, the tall, dark, and handsome baseball player, wasn’t around. Between his looks and his cocky attitude, he could be a little intimidating, though of course Tori didn’t find him so. Plus, I still felt a little awkward that he’d had to carry me up to my room after I got so drunk at that Halloween party.
“Do you mind if I make a call?” I asked when we had about fifteen minutes to go.
“Be my guest.”
Lucas was a cutie.
And a moment later, I was talking with another cutie. “Do you know how to dance?” I asked, the moment Aaron answered the phone.
“I can stand on a dance floor and sway back and forth.”
“Are we going to have to dance at this thing on Saturday?”