Page 83 of Unmasking My Dark Knight

“Wait, did something happen between you two tonight? You need to tell me!” I said. Tal was normally so cool and collected. I couldn't remember the last time she was this angry. Although, I still hadn't told her High Jynx ripped her dress. It was in literal tatters.

“I’m sure you know that Gustav has been cut off, and it’s fine… whatever, he makes decent money, and I do, too. We’re both happy. We don’t need your parents’ help, but… god forbid I breathe around your mom, because she likes to remind me any chance she can—when we’re alone, by the way—how I’m not suitable for your brother. She hates me now!”

“She doesn’t hate you… that much,” I said with an awkward smile.

“Of course she does. I took her precious baby boy from her. She hates that I can't speak Spanish; I’m pretty sure. And Gustav is none the wiser. Yeah, he and his mom don’t get along, but I think he’d still protect her feelings over mine. That’s why I haven’t had the guts to tell him.”

I sat there, watching as Tallulah began to slow down her pacing back and forth. Why was my family so cruel to someone as wonderful as Tallulah? We didn’t deserve someone as kind as her. Mami should be thrilled that Gustav even found someone to deal with his crazy ass.

“I love my mami, don’t get me wrong, but fuck her bullshit right now. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to my brother. He loves and adores you—obviously. Don’t listen to anything she tells you. Don’t let her run you off⁠—”

“Trust me, she couldn’t run me off if she tried! I love Gustav too much to allow that.” Tallulah sat down next to me. Both of us blew a breath. And as serious as our conversation felt, she turned to me. “Be real with me. Why can’t you live without your parents’ support?”

I laid back on the couch and laughed, closing my eyes. “Tal, I can’t even make my own money. How could I even survive? And I… love my life too much to give it up.”

“You could move in with Gustav and me! Think about it. You could discover what you want to do, and take it easy. Explore your life outside of that castle you’re in.”

I looked at her seriously. “No way, but thank you.”

“So you’d rather marry a handsome doctor who wants to impregnate you, have his heir of babies that he’ll care more about, meanwhile, he’ll be fucking around on the side, coming home late? What kind of life is that to live? Is it even yours at that point?”

I swallowed. That was way too specific. “Ummm…”

“I watch a lot of reality TV and drama. It’s a common thing. And you wouldn’t believe how many goth baddies get hit on at my store by rich assholes. I’ve literally witnessed a man take his wedding ring off before approaching one of the ladies… at my store!”

“That’s awful,” I told her.

“I know. More importantly… just picture what your life will look like in five years. Stay there, and see how you like it. Picture it with Antonio, then picture it with the clown guy or Ro. I know you’ll figure out the right decision for yourself.” Tallulah patted me on the back and got up to leave.

I sat silently on the couch, pulling one of the throw pillows up to my chest. Tal was always so blunt and honest in the best way possible. She didn’t hide behind a reputation or agenda, and having her around reminded me what it was like to be with someone who actually cared about my feelings.

A real person.

Like High Jynx and Romeo.

They were all authentic in their own way, or at least in their willingness to embrace my vulnerabilities. So why did I run from that? Like I did with Tallulah when she started dating my brother. At the time, I thought she had changed into some goth girl for the sake of being with my brother, but really, she was just growing into the person she already was—her authentic self.

Having her around was comfortable. It was sweet and familiar and, in a lot of ways, was as impactful as High Jynx’s love confession.

Maybe because it was real…

“Hey!” I shouted, walking over to her. I hugged her. “I missed you. Can we please just continue to be us?”

“Of course,” she said.

“Okay, good. Now get your beauty sleep. You’re getting married tomorrow night!”

CHAPTER 33

Ivy Jade

We were all in the bridal suite, had been since six this morning. Coffee brewed, makeup dusted the air, and hairspray polluted the rays of light that fell through the window. Most of the bridal party had been asleep at their makeup chairs. Every so often, the makeup artists would jolt them awake with a question about their product preferences. We were up early, yes, but I’d be mortified if I fell asleep in the chair with a flute in hand like Desiree had—one of Tallulah’s employees from her shop. With such a large bridal party, though, there were fifteen of us total, including Tallulah, which meant starting early.

Tallulah looked radiant in her corner, as if she’d slept a whole day and a half just to walk down the aisle later. Hollie, Jasmine, and I sat near her, and we were all smiles for her as we helped her get ready for her big day. All the bridesmaids wore cute matching black bridal robes, with each of our names stitched on it.

I’d been to so many weddings in my life, but none were as beautiful as Tallulah’s. And being this close in the bridal party offered a fresh perspective.

“Did you ever think you and Gustav would ever marry?” Jasmine asked.