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“And I already told you that I am.” Declan scowls at me but I ignore him. Settling my gaze on Jessica, I keep talking. “I wouldn’t miss your wedding for the world.” I smile even though my stomach is clenching and roiling at the thought. “And you don’t have to worry, Jess. I’m looking for a dress for a date—not your wedding.”
Okay, maybe not a real date.
It’s for Cari’s art show tomorrow night.
And I’m going with Ryan, Henley’s older brother.
I asked Logan, but Declan scheduled him to work at the bar tomorrow night, so when I say date, I have the satisfaction of watching his jaw snap tight and his eyes narrow. Because he has no idea who it is.
“Let’s get you out of this dress so I can fix it for you.” Anton takes my hand and helps me down.
From the dressing room I hear the low murmur of voices, followed by the jingle of Anton’s bell. Listening hard, I can pull out snippets and words.
Skank
Total fucking lap dog
Bitch
Shit for brains
Dress back on its hanger, I open the door to find Anton waiting on the other side yammering on about how he’d get started on it right away and it would take no time at all to finish the alterations. “I appreciate your help, but I can’t afford the dress.” I took a peek at the price tag and about fainted.
There was a comma involved.
Jessica is right. I can’t afford it.
“Miss Tesla—” He starts to shake his head and I know what he’s going to say. What he’s going to offer.
“No.” I’d have trouble accepting a pair of socks as a gift. There’s no way I can make myself take a dress that cost more than I make in a month. Hell, two months.
Even if that dress made Declan look at me like he wanted to eat me for dinner.
Mind made up, I smile and exit the dressing room. “Alright ladies,” I say, clapping my hands together when they all stop talking and look at me. “I believe that I was promised pizza and wings in exchange for torture by dress and it’s time you bitches paid up.”