“Um…”
“Of course she is,” Theo answers for me.
Tomorrow night’s party isn’t something we’ve discussed, but I’ve been banking on Damien demanding our presence.
Thank fuck I’m right.
“I’m not sure I’ve got anything suitable to wear for a Cirillo event.”
“Bullshit, Em. We can go shopping in the morning. Get something killer that will knock your boy here on his ass before getting our hair and makeup done.”
I stare at my friend, wondering what planet she’s on.
“Seriously?” I ask. Forgetting about the fact that Theo is never going to let me out of his sight to go shopping, walking around shops while she thrusts awful dress after awful dress at me, followed by hair and makeup is my idea of hell.
“I’ve already got everything sorted. And you don’t need to step foot out of the flat, babe,” Theo says with an annoyingly sweet smile that makes Stella do a double-take.
“You’ve bought Emmie a dress for your parents’ New Year’s party?” Seb asks, clearly needing clarification.
Yes, Seb. Your best friend has lost his ever-loving fucking mind.
“I’m not going to your stupid party,” I sulk, knowing it’s exactly what he expects me to say.
“Well, you’ve been invited, and my parents are expecting you there.”
“Why the hell would your parents want me there? Surely they’ll want to hook you up with some snooty debutante blonde or some shit.”
Seb snorts a laugh that tells me exactly what I already know about the parties they usually attend. I saw the evidence for myself at their Christmas Eve one last week. The only difference now, though, is that apparently his father has already married him off.
To fucking me.
“You made quite the impression on my mum the night of the fire, babe. She’s looking forward to spending more time with you.”
“Aw, your mom is so sweet, Theo,” Stella says.
Crossing my arms, I fall back on the sofa in a huff.
“I’m not getting out of this, am I?”
“Nope. You’ll put on a sexy dress, make me look good, and work the party like you belong there.” The arsehole fucking winks at that statement.
“Whatever. I’m going to pee.”
* * *
“Holy fucking shit,” I startle when I find a figure standing in the middle of what I’m currently calling my bedroom. “Jesus, Stel. You could have warned me.”
“Sorry,” she says, although she doesn’t look like it as she glances around the room, taking in all the shit I’ve left strewn around the place. “Why are you staying in Theo’s guest bedroom, Em?”
Shit. Shit. Double fucking shit.
“Uh… yeah. You’ve lived with him, he’s anally retentive about order and shit. I dumped everything in here so he couldn’t complain.” I wave my hand around the room just to prove my point.
I’m a slob. I’ll be the first to admit it.
“So you’re not sleeping in here then?” she asks, eyeing the crumpled sheets.
“What? No, of course not,” I lie, feeling like the shittiest person in the world.