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He took the glass back and added another splash of tequila before handing it back to Thad. “Let me know if that’s better.”

Thad took a sip and nodded slowly, “Much better.”

“Thank you, sir!” I cheerfully added.

“My pleasure. Come back if you need anything else.”

I smiled and waved as we made our way over to a crowd of people. The only two that were even remotely familiar were Thad’s parents.

Thad said his hellos, presumably, he knew these people. “Everyone, this is my lovely girlfriend, Rose.” He turned to face me, “Rose, you met my parents earlier. These are the Bennetts, our family friends since before I was born. And this is my sister, Priscilla.”

I shook everyone’s hands. “It’s very nice to meet you all. Thank you for having me. This is a beautiful event.”

We stood there, and Thad chatted with everyone for a bit. Since I didn’t have anything to add to the conversation, I took in all the décor. Not only was this place decked out in feathers, but there were also creepy fake birds everywhere. Each table had a bird cage with a fake bird inside.

Standing here so out of place, I wished it was a Gala for actual Great Tits—boobs, not the bird. At least then I would feel like I belonged. I’ve been told on a few occasions that mine are pretty spectacular.

“Good evening. If you could all make your way to your seats, we can get this wonderful event started.” A faceless voice came over the speakers.

Thank goodness. It felt like it had been four hours when, in reality, it had barely been forty minutes.

“I’m going to run to the restroom and I will be right back.” I handed Thad my drink.

Did I need to go to the bathroom? No. Was I going to have two minutes to myself? Yes.

He beamed at me, “I’ll wait right here for you.”

I headed to the bathroom and stood at the sink, taking in my reflection. The woman looking back at me wasn’t an accurate representation of who I am. This was a mask. I always wore my metaphorical mask at these types of events.

The door started to open, and I darted into the open stall.

“She’s just so…plain. I thought Thaddy would’ve picked someone a little more glamorous.” I heard Priscilla say.

“I know. Did you see how ugly her dress is? She couldn’t have found something fancier to fit the occasion?” Mrs. Carter shot back.

I shouldn’t be overhearing this. It’s a good thing I’m in the bathroom because I’m going to be sick.

“Absolutely hideous.” There was a pause. “I can’t believe Thad is moving across the country for her. He should just stay here.”

My head was spinning, out of all the things that I thought could go wrong tonight, being shit on by my boyfriend’s mom and sister wasn’t on that list.

Thankfully, they were just touching up their lipstick—or at least that’s what it looked like through the crack in the door. Once the door closed, I counted to thirty and followed suit, trying to play off that I hadn’t overheard them talking.

I made my way back to the ballroom, and Thad was patiently waiting for me right where he said he would be.

“Ready to head to our seats?”

I nodded, “Yeah.”

He paused before walking further. “Are you okay?”

Fake smile mode activated.

“I am! My feet just hurt. I should’ve picked a more comfortable option.”

The black stilettos I shoved my feet into were probably drawing blood at this point.

“If it’s any consolation, they look amazing.” He wagged his eyebrows and grabbed my hand, leading me over to the table closest to the small stage. “You’ll sit there.”