Page 27 of Broken Prince
I might not want to become one of them, but I’d like to at least fit in.
Settling for a cute, simple black dress, I pair it with flats—because heels are the bane of my existence. I do my hair up in a slick ponytail, add a smokey eye, and some deep red lipstick before deciding I’m done.
“Not bad, Laney, not bad.” I grin at myself in the mirror. I look hot. Maybe wherever we’re going, there will be some hot guys to dance with. I’m sure my mom and the others wouldn’t mind.
Maybe that's just what I need. You know the saying, to get over someone, you need to get under someone else.
Then I think about how I got into this situation last time I thought a one-night stand would be a good idea.
Never mind, it’s girls night. Boys just seem to complicate things.
Maybe I should become a nun?
No, I like sex too much for that.
Satisfied with my looks, I grab my black purse, shove my wallet and phone into it, and head out.
As I’m walking down the hall, I pass Elijah’s room and notice the door is open.
My belly swoops with the thought of catching a glimpse of him. It’s been a week since he came with us to pick out dresses. We’ve talked a few times in passing, and every time we did, my stomach was a mess of butterflies.
Before I knew Elijah worked, I thought he was avoiding me. But now, I’m the one who is avoiding him... well, all of them.
All three of them admitted they liked me but can’t have me. It’s torture at its finest. I want to be their friend—I do—but it’s not going to be easy.
Only a few more weeks left, and school will start. Then my mind will be on that, and hopefully, the little crushes I have on them will disappear.
Because I just can’t help myself, I peek my head in. Only the person lounging on the bed isn’t Elijah. It’s the little blonde pixie girl, Winter.
“Hey,” I greet her. Her head pops up from where she was playing on her phone.
Her eyes widen when she sees me. “Delaney. Hey!”
“What's up? Hanging out with Elijah?” I ask, looking around but not finding him anywhere.
“Nah.” She laughs. “He’s out of town with some of his teammates, helping at a baseball camp.”
My brows jump, and my heart melts. Damn it, why does he have to be so good?
“Are you waiting for him or something?” I ask, hoping I don’t sound annoyed by her presence. Even if I was, this is more her home than mine right now. She’s been here longer.
“Kind of.” She sighs, giving me a forced smile. “Don’t really want to be home right now.”
I think back to that night I met her. The look on Elijah’s face when she mentioned her parents. If I had to guess, I don’t think she has the best home life, or maybe it has its moments, and this place is her safe space.
“Any chance you’d like to come hang out with me, my mom, and aunts? We’re having a bachelorette party of sorts.”
Winter sits up, excitement lighting up her face. “Are you sure? I don’t want to impose.”
“Nah, as long as you don’t mind crazy women who talk too much and don’t have a filter.” I chuckle.
She grins wide. “Trust me, I think I’ll fit right in.”
Ten minutes later, Winter is ready to go. Turns out, one of the spare rooms is hers. She even has clothes here for when she stays over.
She changes into a cute pink dress, tosses her hair into a stylish messy bun, and, unlike me, adds on three-inch heels. Yet, she walks in them as gracefully as a swan. Maybe she can give me lessons before the wedding. Those heels are going to kill me.
“Hey, Mom. You don’t mind if I bring a friend along, right?” I ask when we meet Mom and my aunties down by the front door.