AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I know you’re strong. We both are.”
She met my gaze, and we shared a moment of understanding. “Go on. Get ready. We’ll leave in ten,” Rebecca said, and I nodded before going to join Grace in my bedroom. She stood by the mirror wearing one of the dresses Aunt Delilah had gifted me. This one was black and equally as tiny as the one she wanted me to wear. Her long dark hair hung in a silky river down her back. She was obviously trying to make an impression because Grace never wore dresses.
“I see you put the pink dress away,” she said like I’d let her down.
“I wouldn’t be comfortable wearing it. And besides, it’s way too over the top for a pub.”
“Hmm,” she mumbled, absentmindedly checking out her reflection. “What did Rebecca say to you?”
“Nothing. Just that you have a talent for always getting your way.”
Grace gave a delighted chuckle. “That’s true.” She went silent, her voice lowering to a whisper. “What about when I kissed her cheek? Did she say anything about that?” I shook my head, and Grace looked disappointed. “She’s so hard to read.”
“Hey, at least she agreed to take us out. Now you get to spend the night flirting with her.”
“Not that it’ll make an impact. I was basically strewn across her lap, begging to be noticed, and she barely batted an eyelid.”
“Maybe she just doesn’t see you in that way,” I said without thinking.
Grace clutched her chest. “Ouch, Darya. Break my fucking heart, why don’t you.”
“I wasn’t trying to be mean. Rebecca’s known you since you were a baby. More than likely, she looks at you like a younger sister.”
“That’s so depressing that I don’t even know where to start.” She let out a heavy sigh. “But you’re probably right.”
I stepped forward and squeezed her shoulder. “Let’s just try and enjoy ourselves tonight, okay?”
“Good idea,” Grace said, and I went to put on the outfit I’d left on the bed. I normally wore my hair up, mainly because it was more practical, but that night, I decided to wear it down. I painted on some make-up and made my best attempt at smoky eyes. A few minutes later, Rebecca tapped on my door.
“Are you two ready to go?”
“Yes, just a second,” I replied, grabbing my things.
Grace stood, picking up her jacket as she walked towards Rebecca. The dress she wore was so tight it encased her slim curves like a glove, but again, Rebecca didn’t seem to notice. I saw a flash of disappointment in Grace’s eyes before she straightened her shoulders. She’d worn that dress for Rebecca, and my sister was yet again hopelessly oblivious.
We walked to Flynn’s pub, and there were a good number of patrons there, a mix of supernaturals and humans. The place was vampire-owned, but all were welcome to venture inside. We found three free stools by the bar and sat down to order our drinks. Well, Rebecca and I ordered drinks while Grace regained her good spirits and was regaling us with the story of how my Uncle Gabriel surprised Uncle Alvie with tickets to the Caribbean for his birthday.
“That’s such an amazing gift. When are they going?” Rebecca asked.
“The end of the month. I’ll have the entire house to myself. I’m thinking of throwing a party.”
Rebecca frowned. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
Grace sat up straighter. “Why not?”
“Well, how many people are you planning to invite? Things could get out of hand, and who knows what kind of damage could be done. Your parents don’t deserve to come back to a wrecked house.”
Grace grinned, her voice teasing, “I forgot what a little goodie two shoes you are.”
“I’m a grown-up who understands consequences,” Rebecca countered, “and you are clearly still a child if you think throwing a party without telling your parents is a good idea.”
Grace’s eyes flared like she was excited by the insult as she leaned forward. “Okay, mother.”
Rebecca primly tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. “If I were your mother, I wouldn’t let you out of the house in that glorified dishcloth of a dress.”
“Rebecca!” I exclaimed. It wasn’t like my sister to be so cutting. “That was mean.”
Her eyes narrowed as she glanced from me to Grace. “It’s far too revealing for an eighteen-year-old to be wearing.”
“I’m nineteen, actually,” Grace corrected before continuing under her breath. “And I thought you’d like how revealing it is.”
Rebecca stiffened, her brow furrowing. “Pardon?”
“Nothing, never mind. Also, you do realise that your Aunt Delilah gave this dress to Darya? I only borrowed it.”
Rebecca gave a sigh. “Yes, well, our aunt’s taste in fashion has always been rather questionable.”
“At least she doesn’t dress like someone’s grandmother,” Grace shot back, and Rebecca glanced self-consciously down at her cardigan and plain trousers.
“I do not—"
“Okay, that’s enough,” I interjected. “I don’t know what’s gotten into you two tonight, but you need to quit sniping at one another.”
