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"Go," Piper encourages. "I promise I'll show up."
"I'll make sure of it," I add when Lex shoots her an unconvincing look.
"If I walk in with you, it won't be the same. I want to surprise him. It's a long story, but the dress means something."
"Does this mean you're okay?" Kendall's voice is softer than I've ever heard it as she asks the question on all of our minds.
"Yeah, it does. I just need to finish getting ready. Evie can help me."
The girls leave, Lex resisting more than Kendall and Lo. Once they're out the door, I focus my attention on Piper's hair. She tells me more about her and her mystery man. Their story warms my heart and gives me hope that I might find what they have someday. A love worth fighting for. A love strong enough to weather any storm.
Even though she says she's not in love with him.
Which I don't believe for a second.
Her eyes get this dreamy look in them every time she talks about him.
It's almost enough to forget that I've been uninvited to the festivities. Which, of course, Piper asks about.
"I've been banned from the Kappa house." My voice is laced with contempt as I say the words.
"Max?"
"Stupid idiot."
"Why?"
"Apparently I'm not allowed to talk to anyone with a penis, and there are too many of those at the Kappa house." That’s not exactly what Max said, but that’s what I heard.
There's a devious smile on Piper’s face when she says, "Did you know the party's not at the Kappa house tonight?"
"What?"
"Which means..."
When all the pieces click together, I scream so loud I startle myself. "I'm not banned from it!"
"So run up to your room and get dressed. We're leaving in ten minutes."
Without hesitation, I sprint up the stairs and into the tiny box I share with Sierra. Scrambling around, I find all the pieces of my costume and slip them on. Quickly applying my makeup, I barely glance in the mirror before I'm rushing out the door again after shooting off a quick text.
ME: Thank you!
My brother has lost this round.
Piper explains why the party was moved on the drive over. I laugh so hard I can't catch my breath. Serves him right. How is it fair for Max to sleep around, but I'm not even allowed to go near guys? It's not. And his devious ways finally caught up to him.
My phone chimes with a text just as we're pulling up to the party.
BRADY: He was already in hot water; I may have just turned up the heat a little.
ME: I know nothing, but prepare to be hugged when I see you here in a minute.
BRADY: Not in front of your brother. In fact, you may want to avoid him if you can. He's still pretty pissed off. I hope your costume has a mask.
ME: No mask, and I don't plan to avoid him. He can suck it up. Not his house. He doesn't get to make the rules.
BRADY: You're fierce. I like it. Tell Piper to come out back.
