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CHAPTER2
ADALEE
Staring down at the two pieces of mail, I’m not sure what’s more horrifying—the invitation from my best friend Vivian to her father's welcome home party.
Or the letter from that aforementioned father.
To whom I wrote an anonymous letter.
I still can’t believe I was brave enough to write that, let alone send it. I might have had a glass or two of wine in me when I did.
The party is themed: dress to impress. Men in black, women in white.
Callum is asking that I come and wear something red.
I have no idea what to do.
Dear Anonymous,
I admit I’m intrigued. I have no idea who you are, despite a deep dive into my memory for someone who might have had feelings for me. I’m still coming up empty.
However, I’d like to find out who you are. And so, I invite you to a welcome home party my daughter is throwing for me over fall break. She’s throwing a themed party so I can request you wear a red dress, or if standing out like that makes you nervous, just add something red to your outfit of choice. That way, I’ll know who you are.
If you're uncomfortable with that as well, I would still like for you to come. The theme is men in black, women in white. And if you choose to wear white instead of red, I hope you’ll be brave enough to speak to me, nevertheless.
Looking forward to seeing you in a few weeks.
Curiously,
Callum
Staring in my closet, it contains no dresses in either of those colors, but I have a little bit of money saved, and I could buy one on sale.Am I seriously contemplating this?Disclosing my secret to not only him but everyone they know. I have no idea if I’m ready for that type of exposure yet.
I know from Vivian that Callum will be home tomorrow, which means she’s going to drag me over there to go shopping and help set up for the party. I have no idea how to tell her about this. How to sayhey, Viv, you’re like a sister, but I’ve been in love with your father for more years than I can count.I don’t see it going over well.
My common sense tries to reassure me that it’s Vivi, she’ll be thrilled. But the mere thought of losing my best friend terrifies me.
A life without Callum in any way sends me into a near panic.
Rock meet hard place.And I’m stuck in the middle.
Staring down at the table as my phone vibrates across it, Vivian’s name flashes with her picture. “If you don’t answer that, I will,” one of my roommates, Jensen, mutters as he walks past me. He’s not the worst person to live with, but he’s a player and flirts a lot. He calms down when Vivi is here, though, so I think he likes her.
“Pass.” I snap up the phone on the fourth ring, just before it hits voicemail. “Hey, Viv.”
“Oh, finally! I thought you were never going to answer.” She can be dramatically fun, too.
“Nope. Just trying not to let Jensen answer it.” I glare at his back as he turns to give me one of his famous grins. Dimples pop out and everything, but he does nothing for me.
“Oh, Jensen’s there?”Jesus,she’s been charmed by him too many times. “You know what? You should bring him to the party on Saturday. You are coming, right?”
“Do I have a choice?”
“My dad loves you. He’d be sad if you didn’t come.” Guilt with a dose of reality. He doesn’t love me the way I wish he would.
“I’ll be there, Viv. You know I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Ask him.” She whispers like he can hear her.
