AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What?” Both Vlado and Evan followed my stare.
“Your mom mentioned that Cecelia was here, and I thought yay, drama that doesn’t involve me. But look at her dress, then look at Maryse’s.”
“Holy shit.” Vlado chuckled. “Now this is what I call entertainment.”
“Right?”
Cecelia was standing with Bryant in a blue dress with a sheer bodice and a mermaid skirt nearly identical to the one Maryse had on. The dresses were slightly different shades of blue, and the cut of the bodice was different, but they were close enough it looked like the women had worn the same dress to the party.
“So, who wore it best?” I asked, craning my neck as I searched for Maryse.
“Cecelia,” Vlado said. “No contest.”
“Yup.”
Evan cocked his eyebrow at me.
“Not because Maryse is a hussy who needs to check herself,” I said, knowing what he was implying. “Even you have to agree that dress was made for Cecelia. She looks like an ethereal mermaid come to bring us landfolk good news from the ocean depths. Maryse looks like she’s on her way to a throwback prom for kids who didn’t get hot until after college. And her shoes are so last century. Someone should tell her that the clear heel and platform is a stripper thing.Especiallywith bejeweled gladiator straps. I know what brand those are, and it’s super sad she spentthatmuch money to look like a ‘what not to wear’ Buzzfeed list.”
“I don’t understand most of what you just said, but I’m guessing the tea was hot?” Vlado said.
“Piping.” I grinned.
“Tea?” Evan’s gaze danced between us. “Is this one of those ‘it’s better to just laugh and not ask’ moments?”
“Tis. Do you think Maryse has seen Cecelia? There’s no way in hell that was a coincidence. Who do you think Cecelia’s inside person is?” I glanced around. “Someone had to have told her what Maryse’s dress looked like. Any guesses?”
Vlado and Evan looked at each other. “Emily,” they deadpanned.
I cackled. “Amazing.”
“How did you know what a gloriosa is?”
“Huh?” I asked Evan.
“The flowers. How did you know what they are?”
“Aiden’s girlfriend loves red flowers, especially lilies. One of my friends is an amazing artist and Aiden had River draw a bouquet of all her favorite flowers for Valentine’s last year.”
“He gave her a picture of flowers instead of actual flowers?” Vlado looked dubious. “And she’s still his girlfriend?”
“He gave her a one-of-a-kind piece of hand-drawn art, with her favorite things in it.” I shot him some serious side-eye. “She loved it. And she would have kicked Aiden’s ass if he spent that kind of money on cut flowers in this economy. A picture lasts forever, a bouquet doesn’t.”
“Hmmmm.” Vlado nodded pensively. “Sounds like your boy is on to something.”
Evan sighed heavily.
“What?” I peered at him.
“I need to speak to Arnold.”
“The cockblocker?”
Vlado snorted.
Evan kissed my cheek and grinned. “I won’t be long. He’s been avoiding my calls, and I can’t figure out why.”
“So weird.” I giggled.
