Page 94 of Bless My Body

terrible British accent that makes me laugh.

“This is going to be a long night.” I round the car and help Celine out of her seat. I straighten her

dress for her and grab my jacket from the backseat. My hand instinctually goes to Celine’s lower back

to escort her into the house.

Her eyes are moving a mile a minute, trying to take in everything from the giant staircases that

lead up to the second level to the white and black marble flooring.

“Let’s find my parents, and then we can get a drink,” I say, leading her towards the backyard,

where a tent is set up with temporary flooring and tables. Mom always has the main floor open for

parties, but she extends the house—her words, not mine—by utilizing the backyard.

“Day drinking? This might be my kind of party, after all.” I roll my eyes before scanning the faces

of the guests before finally landing on my parents.

I walk Celine over to them. I notice my mom’s eyes go wide for a split-second when she sees us.

I’m not sure if it’s because she’s excited to see me or because of the fiery red-head on my arm.

“Mom. Dad,” I say in greeting. They were talking with two older people who decide not to walk

away when my parents focus their attention on me.

“Ezra, honey. So glad you could make it.” Like she gave me a choice. Mom quickly kisses me on

the cheek. Dad extends his hand for me to shake.

“I’d like you to meet my date for this evening. This is my friend, Celine Rutherford.”

Dad reaches his hand out to Celine, and she takes it, saying, “Happy Birthday, Mr. Sanders.”

“Oh, thank you,” Dad responds, and I notice his eyes move up and down Celine’s body, making

me want to get her away from him as quickly as possible. I knew all eyes would be on her when I

asked her to come. But now that she’s here, in that fucking dress, I’m wondering if it would have been

a better idea for me to just have my mom set me up again.

Her body is mine. I don’t want these people to look at what’s mine. Especially my own father.

My mom shakes Celine’s hand, but the tight smile on her lips never falters. She’s mad. She thought

I would bring some Plain Jane as my date, and she’s not sure how to react right now. She’s definitely

judging Celine without knowing her, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from her.

“Ok, let’s go find some drinks.”

Chapter 20

Celine