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Smith takes it dutifully, and it’s not lost on me that Skye can make the most difficult cats fall in line. He doesn’t even glance at the paper when he says, “Thanks. I’ll let you four hash out the details.” Smith is off like aBridgertonball gown.
Iris takes her itinerary from Skye. “Let’s see.”
Skye lifts her chin. “The first thing on the schedule is coffee together, Wednesdays and Fridays.”
Maddox groans. “That’s gonna cut into my gym time.” When Skye gives him a look, he adds, “But I can go earlier.”
“I love the Peachtree Farmers Market appearance on Saturday mornings.” Iris clasps her umber hands. “All right. I’ve gotta put out a press release about Rilox.”
In a flash, she’s out the door.
Maddox scrubs his chin, not looking up from the paper. “So, Skye, you want us to come out as a couple this weekend at your charity event.”
“Riley can be your plus one. You’ll cover her expenses and have your driver pick her up in the Escalade.” Skye waggles a finger. “And she likes her men sharp, so get a haircut.”
“Sure.” Maddox snaps right in line, too.
Okay, as nice as this all sounds,I was so happy I didn’t have to attend this two-thousand-dollar-a-plate black-tie affair at Billy’s mansion. There’s a catch: female guests must come in gowns made of toilet paper. It sounds wacky, but the dresses are actually exquisite, and if you didn’t know better, you’d think they were real white or pink gowns. The winner of the best dress—selected by aVogueeditor—will be awarded a ten-thousand dollar donation to the charity of their choice.
“I don’t have a toilet paper gown,” I say.
“Second paragraph,” Maddox cuts in. “Sophie made one.”
Sophie is my best friend, Skye’s and Billy’s daughter, and Maddox’s half-sister.
Skye plunges along. “She made a gorgeous gown she was going to wear in hopes of winning a hefty donation for her favorite animal shelter. But her morning sickness is too bad.”
“Aww, poor Soph.” She’s so thrilled to be pregnant, as she and her husband, Lucas, have been trying for a while. “It’s awful she’s so sick.”
Skye says, “I know. But now, you can step in and wear her dress. You two are almost the same size.”
That’s a lot of pressure. “I dunno—“
“What do you mean?” Skye looks crestfallen. “I thought I’d have to hold you back from doing this. It’ll be a wild adventure, just like you love.”
Right. Except lately. For some reason, the last thing I want right now is adventure. When I don’t respond, Skye moves on. “I’ll schedule your fitting. Dolly and Llama have matching gowns. And if you win, the donation goes to Life Light, the animal rescue organization that’s doing amazing things in the metro Atlanta area. Plus, it’ll bring Sophie’s company a lot of PR.”
Sophie has her own designer clothing line for dogs. “Sure. Of course.” Suddenly, I feel anxious, as this is a big deal for the rescue animals, not to mention Sophie and her business. I have to do it right.
Skye makes some clicks on her phone. “You both should know the rules.” She reads the list aloud. “The designer must use only toilet paper, tape, glue, and a needle and thread to make the dresses, which must be wearable by persons who are able to walkin them.” After scrolling, she says, “It says here that mixing the glue and the paper together can create a paper mâché effect for the bodice layer, which strengthens it.” She looks up. “Sophie’s done that, but this is good to know in case either of you gets questions about the dress.”
“Got it,” I say.
Maddox nods before looking back at the itinerary. “And I see here that you’ve created a questionnaire asking for all our personal information. We fill it out, then exchange it?”
“Yup. Got it from the pros—deportation dodgers.” She waggles a finger at both of us. “Have that done by the event. People will ask questions, and you need prepared answers.”
Now it’s my turn to study Skye’s list. “I’m going to the Winter family’s moon manifestation ceremony next week?”
“It’s an essential annual event.” Skye folds her arms. “And, honestly, Riley, you could use the powerful manifesting.”
“We have to go on a helicopter ride?” My face crumples.
“Of course. It’s on all the marriage proposal reality shows.” Skye collects her purse and keys. “Bridesmaid to Bridealways has one. It’s so romantic. Do it.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Maddox says.
Wow, she’s got him on a leash—having her as my publicist might not be so bad.
