“Yeah. It was interesting getting to plan something to this scale. I don’t think I want to ever do it again, mind you.” He chuckled, pressing the down arrow. “But, it was a good learning experience. My favorite part was picking out the artists to feature. It was a nice feeling being that person to make their day, you know?” Jude turned to me, a slight smile on his face.
Nodding, I squeezed his arm. “Yeah, it is. I’m glad you got to do that. I didn’t ask how you felt about staying at the Masters’ place again. Are you okay with that? We didn’t really talk about how it was last weekend for you.”
He blushed, dropping his head a little, his hair falling across his forehead. “It was fun. Immy and I stayed up watching movies. Nothing, um, happened, though. If that’s what you’re after. There was a guard stationed in the theater room.” He peered up, eyes wide. “Not that anything would’ve if he wasn’t, I just meant, so you know I was telling the truth.”
Knocking his shoulder, I smiled as I kept my face forward. “I trust you, Juju. You’ve never given me a reason not to, for one, but I know you’re a good kid. And we had the talk, so if things were to happen, that’s okay with me. Just maybe don’t let Atticus know. He doesn’t seem as understanding with that kind of stuff. Just remember what we talked about. Wrap it up.”
The elevator dinged, and he bolted, wanting away from the conversation. Chuckling, I followed him, having way too much fun with the whole thing. When he handed his stuff to the suited guy waiting outside, I found myself wanting to poke him a little more. “I’m too young to be a grandma!” I shouted, a giggle escaping at the end.
Jude had one foot into the car, the door open, the inhabitants blocked by his body. He turned slowly, his eyes wide as he gaped at me.
“What? It’s true!” Giggling, I handed my bag to Topher, who laughed with me. Though when I climbed in, I wondered if he was laughing at me or with me.
“Spitfire.”
The name rolled off his tongue, and I instantly heated. “Oh, hey, Sax. How’s it going?” I asked, playing it nonchalantly. Jude leaned against the other window, looking like he wanted to be anywhere but in this vehicle, his cheeks tomato red.
“Nice try,” Sax said, grinning like the Cheshire cat.
Ignoring him, I buckled myself in, fidgeting with my hands in my lap. “I have no idea what you mean.”
He hummed but thankfully let it go, grabbing my hand and wrapping his big one around mine. I looked over at Jude, nudging him. He finally turned to me, giving me a classic teenager look of non-amusement.
“Sorry,” I mouthed, cringing. Thankfully, he relaxed and smiled back, his shoulders dropping. The rest of the car was quiet, all of us too afraid to say anything to disrupt it. When we arrived at the mansion, we climbed out of the vehicle and I found Atticus waiting for me inside.
“Loren, it’s good to see you. A hair and make-up team is waiting for you and Immy.”
“Now?” I asked, looking at my watch. The benefit wasn’t for five hours. I’d hoped to have some hang time with Sax or Nicco.
“I was told this was even pushing it.” Atticus raised an eyebrow, and some panic set in. Shit, maybe this had been more work than I’d given him credit for. Nodding, I followed along as he directed me to a room. Looking over my shoulder, I saw Sax and Jude hurrying off in the other direction. Chickens! Narrowing my eyes, I turned back to ask Atticus a question, but found he was also scurrying away like his ass was on fire. It didn’t exactly fill me with confidence. Just what had I’d gotten myself into?
Pushing open the door, I entered what could only be described as Hell. Taffeta, silk, and a gazillion ruffles filled the room. It seemed I would die from overexposure to hairspray, sequins, and bronzer. Oh, joy.
When Immy saw me frozen in the doorway, she squealed, running over to me. “Isn’t this amazing? Attie wanted me to have the full experience, especially since I probably won’t have the opportunity to attend a real prom or dance.” She practically jumped with joy, and I melted. I could do this for Immy. Who knew? Maybe it wouldn’t be as terrible with her around.
“It’s great, Immy.” She took my arm, whispering conspiratorially.
“Though, I’m trying to work on him to let me attend school with Jude. He seems to be thinking it over. Any advice to push him into the yes category?”
That was news to me, but I didn’t say I disagreed with her idea. I guess it would depend on how everything played out tonight, but Immy could use some normal teenage experiences. It was right then, I decided I’d help her get it.
Walking with her over to the make-up artist who kept checking her watch already as she eyed me, I pulled her close. “Actually, I just might.”
The next few hours were something I hoped to never experience again, and the mantra “for Immy” was starting to lose some of its effect. Still, when the torture artists deemed us ready, I’d never sighed in relief so hard. Grabbing Immy’s hand, we walked out together, willing to take on the world in high heels, silk, and enough hairspray to last a lifetime.
If anything had solidified my opinion of who the Masters were, it was evident that while there might be some skeletons in their closet, they had deep and wide hearts with the capacity to do great things when they tried. I made a vow to trust in that knowledge and myself.
Because there was no turning back. I was all in whether I wanted to believe it or not. And the way three men’s eyes raked over me when I descended the stairs only confirmed it.
It was time to embrace my darkness and learn to balance in the light. That was a promise I could make to myself; no, a vow, because promises could be broken.
“Loren, you look…” Atticus paused, clearing his throat. “You look ravishing. Thank you for agreeing to be my date. Shall we?”
Atticus extended his arm, his sharp tux cut to perfection, and I had to remind myself I couldn’t lose my cool yet. But three men in tuxes looking at me with hungry eyes were apparently my weakness, and I was faltering fast into a puddle of goo.
Wrapping my arm through his, I let him lead me out of the house. Sax gave me a wink, and Nicco smiled wide as I walked by, hunger in both of their eyes. My heart raced with excitement, and as I scooted into the limo waiting at the curb, I smiled with glee that finally, everything would make sense, and I wanted to enjoy this fairy tale moment.
Jude and Immy were already seated inside, and I smiled at the two teens, both looking more adult than I wanted them to. There was no denying they made a cute pair, though, even if they weren’t willing to admit it. Immy wore a simple black dress that hit a few inches above her knee and had some flutter sleeves. The wow factor, though, was the back of the dress, which was open. Jude was wearing a nice navy suit that Monroe had helped him get, and he looked handsome with his hair brushed back, though he still needed a haircut.
When I felt a body scoot in on my left, I turned in surprise, until I realized who it was. Sax. Smiling, I linked my hand with his and sat back as we headed toward the center. This would be a night to remember.