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“Oh God,” I whisper, holding up the dress. “This is... this is completely ruined.”
Luna makes a wounded noise. “Brielle, I’m so, so sorry. I feel terrible. Is there anything I can do?”
Gabby steps closer, her perfectly applied makeup doing nothing to hide the satisfaction gleaming in her eyes. “Maybe you could borrow something from someone?”
She knows that we were allowed to bring only one item of clothing to the theater, and besides, everyone came with something tailored specifically for their performances. That’s out.
My mind races through the possibilities. I could try to rinse the wine out, but there’s no time, and even if I managed to remove the stain, the dress would be soaking wet. I could attempt some sort of strategic covering with accessories, but the stain’s too big. I could wear what I’m wearing now, which is the worn activewear that I’ve had on all day.
The clock on the wall shows five minutes until showtime. Five minutes to figure out how to fix this.
“There are the costumes here.” Luna gestures toward a mostly empty rack of theatrical rejects in the corner.
I turn to look, hoping for some sort of miracle—maybe a forgotten cocktail dress or elegant blouse that could work with the right accessories. What I find instead makes my heart sink straight through the floor.
The rack contains exactly two items: a Freddie Kruger outfit complete with the head, and...
Oh, sweet mother.
A blow-up penguin costume. Full-body, complete with flippers, an oversized beak, and the battery-operated fan that keeps it inflated.
The reality of my situation crashes over me. I either play the cello looking like Freddie Kruger or an Antarctic bird, although that bulky costume would prevent me from properly holding the instrument.
Gabby appears at my shoulder. “I’m sure you’ll figure something out. You’re so creative.” Her smile could cut glass. “Good luck.”
The way she says it makes something hot and fierce flare up in my chest. This is the sabotage I knew was coming.
And I said I’d deal with it, so that’s exactly what I’m going to do. A costume isn’t going to break me.
I’ll just embrace it—turn it into an opportunity to do something completely unexpected.
It’s perfect. It’s ridiculous, but it’s perfect.
I’m going to miss the start of the talent show changing, but it’s just the bit where Skye makes introductions and we women cheer as a group. No one will even notice I’m not there.
I grab the penguin costume and march toward the changing area with as much dignity as someone carrying a giant bird suit can muster. Behind me, I hear whispered conversations and barely suppressed giggles, but I don’t care.
Let them laugh.
9
Pageant Princess
HAYES
Time for the talent show. I force a camera-ready smile as Skye announces the rules to the contestants gathered onstage. Ten of the twenty beautiful women are about to compete for my attention. If August could see me now, he’d probably quote Spock: “Fascinating, but highly illogical.” He’d be right. Nothing about this situation makes sense, especially not after my conversation with Darren.
I shift in my throne-like chair positioned front row and center. They’ve even given me a ridiculous golden chalice filled with sparkling water to sip between performances. The whole setup screams “self-important bachelor,” and I’ve never felt more like an impostor.
“All right, Women Warriors!” Skye’s voice booms through the room, her blond hair adorned with what appears to be tiny flowers woven into braids. “Today’s challenge is simple—wow our handsome bachelor with your hidden talents, and one lucky girl will score a one-on-one date at the mansion tonight!”
The women erupt in excitement, their eyes darting between me and each other. I scan the group, not finding Brielle. Where is she?
“Remember,” Skye winks at the camera, “talent comes in many forms. Sometimes the package matters as much as what’s inside it—am I right, Hayes?”
I laugh on cue, playing my role. “I’m looking forward to seeing what everyone has prepared.”
What I don’t say: I’m dreading having to make some choices that aren’t mine to make. Darren’s instructions echo in my head: Keep Gabby and Kavita around. Create drama. Follow the script.