She shakes her head like I’m crazy. I never ask her what music she likes, but I plan on finding out. Just like I plan on letting her know I like a lot more than cheesy love songs. I happen to like all things romantic. Romance is sweet; it’s just not real.
I pull up in front of her house, and my mouth drops. No way do her parents live here. I should have recognized the address. Some of the wealthiest families in Santa Barbara live here. It’s not the most expensive house in this area, but it costs enough for me to be sure her family hangs in some of the highest circles of society. I’m surprised I didn’t realize her family before.
Larkyn dresses like she doesn’t come from money. Yet, she was relieved when I said I would pay her hospital bills, though she would never tell me that. Something doesn’t add up.
She glances over at me and slowly pulls her hand out of mine. I let her pull away in my disbelief. Dammit.
“My parents are rich,” she says shrugging. She’s out of the car before I realize it.
I race after her to put my hand around her waist again.
“Stop running off on me. I’m your date, remember? Start pretending as if you like me.”
She sighs. “Sorry, just distracted.” Her body stands straight ahead in front of the large brick house with an arch over the front door and gorgeous deep pink flowers lining either side.
We go to the front door, and she rings the doorbell.
I study her. I thought this was her parents’ house. This party is for her. Why doesn’t she just walk in?
The door opens, and a gentleman dressed in a tuxedo answers it.
I thought I was going to be overdressed, but I’m underdressed. And Larkyn is way underdressed in her sundress.
Shit. I should have offered to buy Larkyn a dress for tonight if she didn’t own one.
“Welcome, Miss Veil,” the doorman says, holding the door out for us. “You’re twenty minutes late, I believe.”
She glares at him. “I know. And it’s Larkyn Day. Call me Larkyn or if you insist, Miss Day. I’m not a Veil.”
So many questions whiz around in my head, but at least one is answered. The reason I didn’t recognize Larkyn came from money is that her last name doesn’t match her parents’. The Veils have as much money as my father did. I didn’t realize they had two daughters. Just—
“Anastasia,” Larkyn says to her sister, who looks nothing like Larkyn.
Anastasia is wearing a sparkly red dress showing off voluptuous curves I happen to know she bought. I know because I’ve slept with her. Shit. Shit. Shit.
I try to hide my face by turning away from Anastasia and hoping she doesn’t notice or remember who I am. She was pretty drunk that night. That night is one of the reasons I instated my don’t date anyone from this town rule.
“Hello, Larkyn. It’s nice to see you finally made it to the party our father is throwing in your honor. You would think you would be one of the first to arrive,” Anastasia says.
I hate her. We are twenty minutes past when the invitation said to arrive. Most people come after the invitation time to a party.
I grip Larkyn closer to my body, knowing she needs the support if she’s going to survive her horrible sister.
Larkyn leans into me, and she takes a deep breath against my chest, ignoring her sister.
“Where is our father?” Larkyn asks.
“Smoking a cigar. He needed something to calm his nerves after thinking you might not show up.” Anastasia steps toward her sister glaring at her, still ignoring me. “But don’t worry, I will be announcing a surprise to liven this party up.”
Larkyn scowls. “Good, then the party can be all about you instead of me.”
Anastasia smirks and notices the arm wrapped around Larkyn’s body. She looks up at me, and she laughs.
“You always did go after my sloppy seconds,” Anastasia says before brushing past us, still laughing.
Silence.
“What did Anastasia mean about sloppy seconds?” Larkyn asks, her body rigid as she forces her lips upward as guests walk by.