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Yeah. That must be what it is.
Except… If that’s the case… “Then why didn’t she getyouanything, Ror?”
“Everybody knows you’re the leader of the band,” Rory says.
But from the looks on their faces, not one of them is buying that explanation either.
Only one thing to do. I’ll have to go see Brianna. I can’t do it today. It’s Christmas Day. Family day.
But then I see Donny still glaring at me, and I know I have to go see Brianna and question her about this. Because if I don’t? Donny will do it for me, and that won’t be pretty.
“Nothing will be solved in the next half hour,” Mom says. “So everybody get in the kitchen. I’ve got our breakfast all fixed.”
Mom makes us eggs Benedict every Christmas. Something her mom used to do, and it’s a tradition that I’m sure Callie and Rory will continue with their families.
Fine. But this afternoon—once I’m positive all the Steels are up, dressed, and showered—I’m paying Brianna a visit.
I’m not sure what this is about, but one kiss doesn’t mean anything.
Even if her lipswerethe sweetest I’ve ever tasted.
Chapter Seventeen
Brianna
“What do you think?” I ask Diana as I twirl around my bedroom in the dark-red pleated halter dress she got me.
My sister’s eyes beam. “I think it looks amazing on you, just like I knew it would.”
“You’re one of the only people who knows how to pick out clothes for others,” I say. “I was always surprised when you went into architecture. I figured you’d be some kind of fashion designer or something.”
Diana shrugs. “I considered it, but fashion is so fleeting, you know? If I want to be remembered, I need to design something that will be around for a long time.”
“Buildings will be around for a long time, for sure.”
“Yes, if they’re designed and built right. Which mine will be.”
I have no doubt of that. My sister’s a genius. She always got the best marks of all four of us kids. Straight As all the way for Diana Steel.
Everyone’s always had a soft spot for Diana. She was the first girl born into this generation of Steels. My parents adopted Dale and Donny first, and when Aunt Marj married Uncle Bryce, she adopted Henry. Then Uncle Joe and Aunt Melanie had Bradley. So four boys, and then Diana.
She was doted on for sure.
Then came Brock, Ava, and Dave, all in a row. My parents and aunts and uncles used to call them Huey, Dewey, and Louie because they were the same age and always together.
Then the awesome foursome, again, nearly all in a row. Gina, the twins, and me.
That’s the end of this generation of Steels.
It’s amazing that we’re going to have a new generation soon, with Dale married and Donny, Brock, and Ava well on their way.
“I’m going to take this dress to Europe.”
“Are you sure?” Diana touches the fabric of the skirt. “It’s more of a summer dress. The UK in January can be vicious, I’ve heard.”
“So I’ll wear a coat.” I twirl around and watch the skirt flow gracefully, accentuating my hips and legs. The silky fabric gently billows and catches the light as I move. The halter neckline frames my straight shoulders and emphasizes my neck, while the bodice fits snugly, highlighting my curves before flaring out into a full, pleated skirt. “This dress looks dazzling on me. You have a good eye, Dee.”
“Why is it so important that you look dazzling in the UK?”
