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Tess and Athena gather my outfit, make-up, and purse, and drag me to the door, passing up a rowdy group of half-dressed men. Just before I am able to step into the hallway, Theo catches my wrist and turns me around, sliding his hands up my waist to my face and kisses me.
“What was that for?” I whisper when he pulls back.
“I don’t think I could’ve waited until later to do that.” His thumb brushes up and down my jawline and I find myself internally muttering every single curse word I know.
Hellfire and broomsticks. This man is perfect.
“Come on lovebirds,” Tess nudges me with her hip. “You’ll see each other soon enough. Save some of that for tonight.” She winks and Theo grimaces.
“What?” Tess throws her hands up in the air. “That’s hilarious.”
Theo shakes his head, scratching the back of his neck. “Actually, it’s just weird. It’s like you’re rooting for us to -”
“Have sex?” She says slowly. “I hate to break it to you two,” she wraps her arms over our shoulders, “but I think everybody already knows.”
My eyes meet Theo’s and I almost burst out laughing. This is so awkward. But his eyes seem to tell me this is less awkward for him and more of a hope for the future.
“Are you two coming or do I need to tell Sarah you had better things to do than help her prepare for her special day?” Athena walks back over to us, huffing with each step she takes.
“We’re coming,” I say, although my eyes are still glued to Theo’s. He tilts his head, silently telling me I should go before his Mama loses it, so I follow Tess and Athena a few doors down the hall where Sarah is already inside getting ready with her two sisters and her mother.
“Ahhh!” Athena brings her hands to her chest, tears welling up in her eyes. “Sarah, you look so beautiful!”
Sarah smiles and Athena is right. She is beaming and looks like a bride that should be on the front cover of a wedding magazine. She looks so happy.
“Thank you, Mama Athena,” Sarah embraces her future mother-in-law. “And I’m not even in my wedding dress yet,” she laughs and the rest of us join her.
I notice Leah sitting in a chair as far from everyone as she can possible get. Her hair and make-up are done, and I hate to admit it, but she looks beautiful. And for a reason I can’t explain, looking at her doesn’t fill me with inexplicable rage. I almost pity her.
Her eyes glance over and meet mine and they narrow. I might not hate her anymore, because I guess she really doesn’t pose me any threat, but I know she still despises me. I nod my head and embrace Sarah as she walks over to me with extended arms.
“I am so glad you’re here, Cate.” She whispers in my ear, “Hopefully you and Theo will be next.”
My stomach hits the floor. I am reminded that they are getting attached to me. And I am getting very attached to them. I want to cry thinking about the possibility that once Theo and I have fulfilled our agreement, that it will be the end for me and the Bennetts. And I don’t want it to be.
Hell. Hellfire and broomsticks.
I wipe a tear that rebels and streaks down my face. Sarah grabs my hand, her free hand resting atop her chest.
“Oh, Cate,” Sarah’s lip quivers. “You’re going to make me cry. I didn’t expect you to be the first one to shed happy tears.”
I smile at her before Tess guides me to sit down for her to do my hair and make-up. It takes about forty minutes before she tells me to look at myself in the mirror.
My mouth hits the floor. I look like a celebrity on the red carpet. Tess is a magician.
Tess comes up behind me with a wide grin. “You like?”
I bob my head. “You are an artist, Tess.”
She shrugs, “I was working with a good canvas.”
“My turn, Contessa,” Athena squeals in delight and takes my place in the seat.
Tess takes a gulp of her glass of wine and rolls her eyes. “Coming Mama.” She pokes me with her elbow and winks. “I know you look great, but don’t forget you still need to get dressed.”
“You mean I can’t go dressed in my pajamas?” I feign confusion and Tess cracks up.
“If only,” Tess shakes her head.
