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When they see I’m completely lost, Ella says, “If Iwere,” to Peach.
“Damn, I didn’t even hear it,” I chuckle as I brush it to the side. “Can we open my presents?”
“Lunch first, maybe?” my mom suggests.
“Fine.” I let out an exaggerated sigh that makes them laugh.
It’s only my mom, my two best friends, and me at home. And Vincent, of course, who’s always near my mother. He lurks in the kitchen doorway, watching her with heart-shaped eyes.
The most unprofessional bodyguard I’ve ever met.
We enjoy our lunch together, eat cake and open presents. Ella got me a Tiffany’s bracelet that should definitely be gifted to a partner rather than a friend, but I accept it with joy. Peach got me a gigantic vibrating dildo sinceI don’t get out of the house nearly enough to find dick.
My cheeks flush as my mom explodes in laughter. “She’s not exactly wrong,” she snorts.
“You should come to some Xi Ep parties,” Peach insists. “It’s so much better now that the older sisters respect us.”
I shake my head. “No, thank you.” I left Xi Ep the first week of January, when we got back to college. I’ve come to know myself better, and I’m not a party girl. I’m not a sorority babe who enjoys alcohol and men. I respect my best friends for staying and forging solid friendships with the sisters, but I’ve discovered I am indeed a stay-at-home-with-a-good-book kind of girl. Especially now that I get to enjoy whatever book I want rather than the ones my dad forced me to read.
My mom and I have been enjoying buddy-reading sexy romances, and I’ve discovered a new passion. My favorite thing to do in the evening is to put Taylor Swift on and read a book by the fireplace.
“Thank you for my gifts, girls. I love them.”
“Especially mine, right?” Peach winks.
“Speaking of massive dongs, how’s Wren?” I ask.
She ignores my question. “Should we go ice skate?”
“Well, maybe Alex can open my present first?”
My eyes round. I don’t remember the last birthday my mom gave me a present herself. She usually sends someone to buy it and give it to me, or gets it mailed to me when she’s away partying with artists in Europe.
It’s a simple square envelope with my name on it. I open it with trembling hands, my heart already sensing what it could be.
You are cordially invited to the Fleur Delacroix Art Gallery for the opening night of our new collection:
A love that lasts forever
Please, join us for an evening of cocktails and canapés while discovering our rising artist of the year; XI (Eleven)
In the hopes of seeing you there,
Fleur Delacroix
I didn’t need to read theeleven.I know that’s the name Xi uses as an artist, but I’m glad he made sure it was specified on the invitation.
“Mom,” I breathe out, practically choking on emotions.
“You don’t have to go,” she says soothingly. “I just wanted to give you the invite. It’s the first exhibition we have at the gallery this year. That man has worked hard, and his talent should be seen and appreciated by everyone. Including you. I already know it’s the one and only time he’ll be at such a small gallery. He will sell and be off to bigger and greater things in the art world.”
A feeling of pride wraps around me. It’s warm and electrifying. Xi’s art is going to be on display in a gallery for the first time. How could I not go?
“I can’t wait to see Harper,” I say bitterly, making everyone around me laugh.
In the last few months, Harper has been interning with my mom as she finishes her studies. I know she’s been working at the gallery and undoubtedly has been spending time with Xi.
“Sweetie, you look stunning,” my mother says as I walk into her gallery. I’m wearing a short, satin cocktail dress. It’s sleeveless, the bodice stiff and tight to my body, while the skirt flares from my hips down. It’s all white, with specks of fuchsia. It looks like someone threw drops of pink paint at me, so I thought it was fitting. My fuchsia stilettos fit the style perfectly. And, of course, my signature lipstick.
