Soon, as in, like … tonight?
Princess: I wish.
Dean: Us too, baby.
She falls radio silent, not messaging us the entire rest of the night. She must know she has us wrapped around her finger, hanging on to every word. And we’ll wait as long as it takes for her to come around.
“Where do you want these?” Malik asks, carrying two full boxes of cups.
Maria directs him, taking charge. “This way.”
Thankfully, she’s being cool about this whole party, and at least so far, she hasn’t snitched to my father.
Let’s hope it stays that way, or this is going to get a lot more awkward between Dean and her on a day-to-day basis.
Our father and Adrianna left about an hour ago and should be taking off soon, jetting off to Turks and Caicos for the next few days.
I think it’s kind of insane, given they’ll be going on a post-wedding vacation in less than two weeks. I would call it a honeymoon, but they’re not reallyhoneys.
Our father is kind to her and compliments her, but I don’t think it’s a secret to either of them that their relationship lacks genuine affection.
Griffin, Blair, Malik, Alora, Elias, and Finn all showed up to help tonight. We really don’t need that many bodies, but it’s sort of a little party before the party. They’re going to help us decorate and get the house ready for tomorrow.
Some of the house staff have even offered to help, and we’ll take all hands on deck. We’re going all out for this. No skimping on decorations, alcohol, guest list, none of it. We’re all in.
Alora and Blair walk over to where Dean and I are attempting to untangle a few strands of lights that were used for the engagement party.
“How many hockey players does it take?” Blair giggles, opening her hands, asking to take over, and I happily let her.
Alora laughs with her, reaching for the part Dean’s holding. “More than it should.”
“Rude,” I scoff. “But thank you.”
“Of course—Cirella!” Alora shouts excitedly, looking behind me. “I didn’t know you’d be here.”
Sunny brushes against my leg, and I give her a couple pets before turning around and finding Cirella looking over here nervously.
“Hey, I’m here to help!” She smiles, her gaze bouncing between me and Alora, if you can count the millisecond it stays on me each time.
Why is she so nervous around me? Maybe it’s because she works for my family and is just trying to be professional.
“Are you working for the house?” Alora asks, no judgment in her tone.
Cirella nods. “Yeah. So, if there’s anything you guys need, please let me know.”
“I found them!” Dean strolls into the foyer, a tote bin in his arm—which is full of wristbands, if I have to guess.
His gaze instantly falls to Cirella, and déjà vu hits me like a truck. But as fast as it comes, it’s gone.
Everything is reminding me of Princess right now, and I’m going to officially lose my mind.
Dean studies the back of her, brows furrowed as he looks at her like an alien, trying to decipher what she is.
Dude, you’re going to freak her out.
As if he can hear my thoughts, his gaze flicks up to mine. He looks at me with a crazed gleam in his eye, and I can’t tell what it is.
“I’m so excited to show you guys your customs. I should have them ready this weekend,” Cirella tells the girls, who squeal with excitement.
