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20
Sage
I take a deep breath and check my hair in the mirror before applying lipstick. The waves add volume to my short bob and give it a flirty, fun look.
The hair is for confidence because my nerves are flying out of me like baseballs at a batting cage. Having to act like the perfect girlfriend in front of Tristan’s family, friends, and even strangers is going to be a challenge. This will be different from a dinner at his parents’ house. I’m a masochist when it comes to spending time with him, especially when my feelings for him are blue whale-huge.
I take another breath and run my hands down my dress. The dark green embroidered velvet piece is a favorite of mine. I’ve had it for some time now and hardly get to wear it. Despite the fabric, it’s light and sleeveless, perfect for a spring wedding.
Taking a seat on the edge of my bed, I grab my black heels and slip the first one on, buckling the strap around my ankle. I feel like I’m getting ready for a ball.
At least it’s not my official debut into this crowd because I’d likely stumble and fall due to my shaky legs. In heels, I’d have a baby Bambi situation that wouldn’t be flattering.
I catch myself in the mirror and smile at my reflection. The dress’s high-low midi hemline gives it a flirty feel. Grabbing the hemlines where they overlap a bit, I fling them back and forth as if I were some Spanish dancer, shaking my hips.
That’s it. Channel Wise Sage and your true self.
My nerves don’t melt away like they would in the movies, but at least I’ve released some of the tension in my shoulders and neck.
Tristan will be here any moment, so I have to relax, grab my things, and be ready for when he arrives. Who doesn’t love a good party?
I do one last shimmy, grab my overnight bag and purse, and head out of my room. My mom smiles when she sees me. Standing, she grabs my hands and steps back, admiring the dress.
“You look beautiful, sweetheart.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I smile.
All of this is for our own good. Once I get the money, our financial worries will ease. I need to keep my eye on the prize.
The doorbell rings and my dad steps out of the kitchen. A soft smile appears on his face when he sees me.
“My baby girl,” he says softly, kissing the top of my head. “I’ll answer. Make him sweat a little.”
I laugh, taking the time to make sure I have everything and grab my shawl since the evenings have been cool.
“Whoa,” a deep whisper catches my attention.
I turn to find Tristan standing in the opening to the living room, eyes wide and glued on me.
Heat flushes my neck and cheeks. My dad narrows his eyes like an overprotective father while my mom smiles like a fool.
“Sage.” Tristan steps toward me. “You’re always beautiful, but you look stunning.”
My heart is beating so hard, it’s echoing in my ears. When his lips chastely brush against my cheek, I’m afraid he’ll hear it.
“Thank you.” I swallow thickly.
“Mr. and Mrs. Crawford, it’s great seeing you again.” He finally looks at my parents as if he just remembered we aren’t alone in the room.
“It’s nice to see you as well. You look quite handsome,” my mom tells him with a smile.
“Thank you.”
He does look handsome—hot, sexy. All the adjectives to describe the most good-looking man.
In a fitted navy-blue suit that looks expensive, his wavy hair tamed, and his green eyes sparkling, he is the very definition of fan-yourself-hot. Daisy was right—he is stick-my-head-in-the-freezer-hot.
Today is going to be interesting, to say the least. One good thing about having to pretend to be his girlfriend is that I need to make it look convincing to others. I’m positive I won’t have a hard time with that today.
