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There’s no way in hell that I’m going to eat a meal. Not when Dru will have something to say about it. Dru smirks at me, as if she knows exactly what I’m thinking.
Jasmine says, “I’ll be so glad when this gala is over. It’ll be nice to have my time back.”
I blink at her. Is she serious? She hasn’t been to the Met in over two weeks. The gala has taken literally zero of her time because I’ve been doing all the work.
Dru nods. “I know. You’ve barely been around. I’m jealous that my stepsister gets to spend so much time with you.”
That part I believe. But it’s odd that Dru doesn’t know Jasmine hasn’t been doing any of the work. Guess that means they aren’t hanging out, which, as much as I hate to admit it, makes me glad. The bigger question is, what has Jasmine been doing? I’m not naïve enough to think she’s sitting around her house waiting for Jafar to come home, even if that’s what she said.
Jasmine says, “Well, we’ll all be together this weekend.”
I ask, “What’s this weekend?”
“We’re all spending the weekend at the house in Water Mills. Did I not mention it?”
I shake my head. “No, and I’m not sure if I can go. There’s so much to do and—”
“Come on, Ellie. They don’t really need your help. They’re just being nice. Besides, we’re only going to be gone for three days. And you haven’t seen the house out there yet. It’s gorgeous.” She smirks. “Perfect baby making quarters.”
Ick.
“I don’t want to be a third wheel.”
Dru snorts. “Since when?”
Jasmine says, “You won’t be alone. Al is going to be there.”
“Al?”
“The man Jafar introduced you to on your first night. He’s really smitten with you and keeps asking when he’ll see you again.”
I’m not sure why he’s asking about me. We barely even spoke that night. I glance at Jasmine, who’s waiting for me expectantly. She’s not going to let this go.
“How many rooms are there?”
They both laugh, as if I’m a child. My cheeks flush, but I’m not going to back down on this.
“There are plenty of rooms, Ellie. Just say yes.”
I sigh. “Fine.”
* * *
I manage to avoid Jasmine for the rest of the week, staying busy with working at the Met. By Friday, I hope Jasmine has forgotten that she invited me to Water Mills. All hope fades away when I see a text.
Jasmine
Be ready by eleven. Jafar and I will pick you up in front of the hotel.
My stomach sinks. That means I’m going to be stuck in a vehicle with the two of them for four hours. No, no, no!
I call Jasmine.
“Hello?”
“Hey, I appreciate the invitation, but I can’t come this weekend. There’s so much to do and—”
“I already talked to the team, Ellie. They said to enjoy your time off. They raved about how much you’ve been helping.”
