Page 9

Amelia

Istepoutofthe bathroom and find Maddie in a black dress and heels. “What are you wearing?” I gape at her.

“The better question is, what are you wearing?” She gapes right back at me.

I look down at my hot pink, glittering dress, the one I found for a steal at the thrift store. It has a corseted top and a loose skirt that hits my thighs, but the best part is the sheer shawl of bright pink tulle. I look back at Maddie. “I’m literally Margot Robbie on the Barbie red carpet.”

“I thought the point was to blend in.”

“Where on earth did you get that stupid idea?”

“I don’t know. Maybe when you said we needed to ‘go undercover,’” she says, complete with judgmental air quotes. “Not try to be on the cover of a magazine.”

“First of all, thank you. Second, well, I don’t really have a second because we need to go.” I took too long to make my face up to perfection. But I achieved it. I look completely different with smoky eyes, darker brows, big bold lips, and a contoured face. I almost look like Margot Robbie.

Hmm. I see how that might be a problem. I debate going back to wipe it off, but we are in Vegas. There will be plenty of other look-alikes out there. No one will pay me any mind.

The club is bouncing. Literally, the whole building feels like it’s shaking. I pull up the latest photo Liam could find of Thane and study it again. It’s grainy but the similarities to Caleb are obvious. Caleb is going to be quite the dashing silver fox. Lucky me.

“I thought you weren’t supposed to text Liam anymore,” Maddie says from over my shoulder.

“This was a matter of life and death,” I mutter.

“Add a little more emotion. That was almost convincing.”

“Caleb will thank me later.”

She shakes her head. “Again, not convinced.”

“Let’s get a drink in you to liven you up,” I say, pushing my way through the crowds. It’s going to be nearly impossible to find anyone in here. It’s so dark and crowded I can barely keep track of Maddie.

“Just water for me,” Maddie says when we reach the counter.

I look over at her. “Is this because you’re still a health nut, or are you finally pregnant with my niece or nephew?” She and Connor only got married four months ago, but I’ve been begging them nonstop to put their honeymoon phase to good use and get me a new best friend. Well, I’ve said it nicer than that.

Maddie just rolls her eyes and takes the offered cup.

A hand lands on my shoulder and I jump.

“Where have you been?”

I turn toward the voice. “Excuse me?”

“You’re not supposed to get drunk before the show. You can do that on your own time.” The middle-aged man grabs my arm and tries to pull me from my seat, but I pull back.

“I think there’s been some kind of misunderstanding.”

“Yeah. You’re supposed to be in the back with the rest of the dancers.” He rubs his hand over his sweaty forehead. “I do not get paid enough for this job.”

“I’m not a dancer.”

He scowls. “You’re not? Then why are you wearing our costume?”

Maddie snorts.

“I found it. I looked great in it. That was the entire thought process.”

“Well…” he seems conflicted. “You do look fabulous.” He studies me intently. “You even did the makeup right. Can you dance? We’re short a member.”