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Grandmama huffs as she sits next to me. “Odin should have sent a bigger vehicle.”
“I was just thinking the same,” Mother says, shoving her arm into my side. “He obviously doesn’t know how big Anna is.”
“She shouldn’t even be here.”
“I agree, but I told you what he said.”
I close my eyes, taking in a deep breath. God knows I wish I was at home as much as they do.
“Anna, stop slouching!”
I sit up straight and murmur, “Sorry, Grandmama.”
The rest of the ride is spent in blessed silence. Our car arrives at the restaurant and a valet opens the door, letting us out. Grandmama and Mother walk ahead, smiling as photographers take their picture. That’s how it’s been for as long as I can remember. People yelling out their names and snapping photos that are published in magazines and on gossip websites. But tonight I’m shocked when my name is called.
“Anna! You look stunning! Who are you wearing?”
“Anna, look this way and smile for the camera.”
“Anna, should we be expecting to hear an announcement soon?”
“Anna—”
Their words are cut off as I walk into the restaurant. Mother stares at me like I’ve grown two heads.
“What?”
She shakes her head, walking away. Grandmama follows, saying something in a low tone. I can’t put my finger on it, but something about their interaction bothers me. They’re almost acting as if I’ve done something wrong. I exhale loudly, moving further into the room. The party is being held at a restaurant known for its Scandinavian options. Fitting, I suppose.
There are a lot of big players in the room, but I thankfully don’t see Odin anywhere. Several of my aunts sit together at one table, their spouses at another, and my cousins at a third. Freja sits by herself and gives me a small wave when we make eye contact. I nod my head toward the bar, and she stands.
We’ve done this dance a million times and have learned not to draw too much attention to ourselves as we make our way to the same destination. I reach the bar first, grabbing a flute of champagne. The room goes silent behind me, and I know Odin has arrived. Turning, I see him walk in with several of his brothers and their wives. No Hans, though. Odin spots my mother and makes his way toward her. Something dark pulls deep inside of me and it feels a lot like jealousy. I swallow the last of my drink and turn to get another.
Freja slides up next to me. “Sorry I got you in trouble the other day. I heard you are on lockdown until the wedding.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
She bumps her shoulder against mine. “I’ve got some more goodies, if you want.”
“What is it?”
“More X, Adderall, and some downers.” She wiggles her eyebrows. “I suggest taking a ride on the A-train.”
I glance around to make sure no one is listening. “What does the Adderall do?”
“It’s a mood booster.”
“Yeah, I’ll try that.” I sigh. “I need to get out of that house.”
I don’t mention that my stash is gone. It’s just too depressing to think that I’ll have to endure that household sober.
“I’m sorry. I know it must suck. Meet me in the bathroom and I’ll hook you up.”
She leaves first. I glance around, making sure Odin and my mother are still talking, and then slip from the main part of the restaurant to a hallway where the bathrooms are located. Freja is waiting inside, two pills in her palm. I grab them, tossing them into my mouth, and use my champagne to chase them.
“We could try to sneak out tonight.”
“My soon-to-be-Daddy-dearest has men everywhere. It’s very doubtful that I’m going anywhere other than back to the penthouse.”
