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“Oh, sweetheart. You haven’t seen anything yet, and have no idea what world your mom brought you into. You should have stayed in bumfuck nowhere, West Virginia.”
My hackles instantly rise. I jerk my chin away from his grasp. “Try me, Creed. You don’t know me or anything about my life. Just leave me the fuck alone.”
“I know more than you think. Go home, Adelya. You don’t belong here.”
He’s never been more accurate. Luckily, I drove myself to the party, and I only had one alcoholic drink, so I’m able to drive myself home. I text Lacey and tell him I’m leaving and to enjoy the rest of his night.
I make a vow to myself to stay as far away from any parties in the future. I also vow to find out what the hell happened with the guys. None of it should bother me anymore, but it does. It all weighs heavily on my mind and my heart.
I make it home after one in the morning, exhausted and emotionally drained. I slink up to my room. All I want is to climb into my bed.
Things never go the way I want them to. Laying on my bed is a black garment bag. I unzip it to find a pillow of fabric and a note.
We’re having a do-over of the dinner party you missed. It’s already cleared with your boss. You’re expected to be dressed and downstairs at seven. Love you, Mom.
I can’t even right now. I decide that instead of going straight to bed-knowing sleep won’t find me- that I should finally take advantage of that bubble bath. While the tub is filling with water and bubbles, I remove my makeup and strip out of my clothes. My clothes fall to the floor and I decide I don't have the energy to pick them up.
I step into the tub and sink into the water. I lay my head back on the built-in cushion. I close my eyes and let the heat of the water seep into my muscles.
I relax back and let my thoughts drift. Whenever my thoughts turn to any of the guys, I force them away. They don't deserve a place in my mind.
I let my thoughts take me to my brother’s smile. To the things he would say. I think about what kind of future I want and how I’m going to make those dreams a reality.
I think about the work I have for school this coming week and even how happy I am working at the diner. As much as I try to keep my thoughts squarely on other things, Creed’s words sneak through. “I’m the only one that can make you cry. Every tear belongs to me.”
A shiver runs down my spine. What. The. Hell? What did he mean? Nothing of mine belongs to him. Nothing. Especially my tears.
I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. I never will. So why does that sound like a lie, even to my ears?
Once my bath is done, I have the courage to look at the dress. I open the garment bag and pull out the blue fabric. I’m not sure what kind of fabric it is, but I have to admit that it’s beautiful.
There are little flowers stitched into the fabric and crystals that look like rainbows if you move the fabric just right. I look closer and notice that the flowers are roses. Did mom get this dress because of my name, Adelya Rose? Or was this her way to sweeten me up, so I’d be a good girl at the party?
Sleep evades me, which isn’t quite surprising. I make my way down the stairs, feeling as if I’ll fall over at any minute. Leitha is already working in the kitchen. A full staff is rushing around, placing tacky decorations throughout the house. I’m sure Max finds them tasteful.
The smells coming from the kitchen have my mouth watering. I follow the scent of cooked sugar and find myself in heaven. Like, I have literally died and gone to heaven. Every surface of the kitchen is covered with what looks to be delectable treats.
There’s bacon-wrapped shrimp, little spinach quiches, tiny cupcakes, and what looks to be mini crème brûlée tarts. I beeline for the bacon, only to have my hand smacked by a severe-looking woman when I reach for one.
“These are for tonight.” She sneers.
I pull my hand back and hold it against my chest. “Did you really just smack me?” I ask in shock.
“Da.” She responds. “Our instructions were explicit. These are for tonight and most definitely not for you to enjoy before your walk of shame.”
“Excuse me!” I yell. “What did you just say to me?”
“Even Gretchen knows you don’t belong.” Creed whispers behind me.
“Master Creed. Can I get you anything?” Gretchen simpers.
“Actually, those bacon things look yummy. You don’t mind if I take a tray of them, do you?”
“Of course not, Master Creed. I’ll have the staff make more.” Gretchen replies with a huge smile on her face.
This prick. Before Gretchen can grab someone to make more of the little morsels, Leitha pulls her aside and speaks in a low voice. I can’t hear what she’s saying, but all the blood drains from Gretchen’s face. She peeks at Creed and then at me.
“I apologize, Miss. I didn’t realize who you were. Please help yourself to whatever you’d like. We can make more.” Gretchen apologizes with a small curtsy.
