Page 100

“Maybe. None as big as Shaylin or anything… Spencer, are you okay?”
Spencer’s sitting next to me, resting her forehead on the cool glass. Her long ball gown is stunning. It’s pale pink with handsewn flowers decorating the bodice, round Swarovski crystals for the pistils. The dress hugs her curves and matches her pink diamond studs perfectly. I wasn’t sure the designer could come up with something in time, but as soon as I sent over Spencer’s size, the Italian legend happily informed me he had something spectacular in stock.
Spencer is breathtakingly stunning, even more so than usual. When she met me in the foyer after getting herself and Charlie ready, we almost didn’t go. I wanted to break my rule right then, send Charlie to her room with noise-canceling headphones, andlet the dam break. Such a pretty dress to tear to shreds, but who cares about hundred-thousand-dollar casualties when she looks likethat?
The only problem is Spencer doesn’t seem thrilled. She’s been mostly still and quiet all night. Outside of adjusting my matching pink bow tie, she hasn’t touched me. This isn’t an official date, especially with Charlie in tow, but I thought she’d enjoy a night of luxury on my arm. I don’t know what can happen between us but tonight was my way of showing everyone thatifsomething new is going to happen in my love life, I choose Spencer.
“I’m fine,” she mumbles, taking shallow breaths.
“You sure?”
She doesn’t get a chance to answer because Charlie suddenly jumps in. “Haveyouever met Shaylin?” she asks me.
I quirk my brow, stealing a sideways glance at Spencer, but she’s turned her attention back to the window. “Your sister didn’t tell you? We both did.”
“What?” Charlie shrieks. “Are you kidding me? You met Shaylin and you didn’t tell me?” Her shrill accusatory tone is at a decibel only dogs can hear.
“Damn, Charlie. You’re going to crack a window,” I complain.
A sly smirk spreads on her face. She holds out her hand. “Pay up.”
Fuck.I forgot. I pull out my wallet and look through my bills, trying to find anything that isn’t a hundred. I have one five-dollar bill. Charlie pouts as I hand it over.
“It’s ten per cuss.”
“Damn isn’t that serious of a cuss word. I’m giving myself a discount.”
“You can’t do that. We had a verbal agreement.”
“And what did I teach you about verbal agreements?”
She rolls her eyes, grunting. “They’re seldom upheld in court. Follow up with a written contract and wet signature.”
“Attagirl. And did you do that?”
She snatches the Lincoln out of my hand. “Oh, I plan to, Nathan.I plan to.” She looks at Spencer. “Now as foryou. You met Shaylin and kept it from me? What kind of sister are you?”
“Can you yell at me later?” Spencer murmurs, pleadingly.
“Are you not feeling well?” I ask Spencer. Now I’m concerned. She’s been off all night. “Do you not want to go? I can take you back home.”
“No, no, of course I do. I want to support you and Julia.” She glances at Charlie who is staring at her with daggers for eyes. “And I would also like to keep my head.”
“What’s wrong? You seem so upset.” She pivots in her seat the way the Tin Man would move. I feel bad. She’s probably scared of ruining the dress. “This dress is yours, by the way. You don’t have to be so careful in it.”
“Great,” she mutters bitterly.
What the hell?All right, plan B. I’m just going to get her drunk so she lightens up. I grab the champagne bottle and fill our glasses again. Sneaky Charlie holds out her empty glass and I almost pour into her cup on autopilot.
“Excuse me, miss, your juice is over there.” I point across the limo to the sparkling cider. “Would you like a swirly straw as well?”
Charlie pokes her tongue out at me. “I’m almost twelve. I think I should be able to have my first sip of champagne.”
Spencer cuts her a look. “Over my dead body. You can have your first sip at twenty-one.”
I wait until Spencer’s head is turned, then mouth to Charlie,eighteen.I put my finger to my lips. Spencer’s such a rule follower because she’s terrified of Child Services, but I’ll fly them to Europe. Perfectly legal there.
The limo slows to a halt, the back doors lining up with the red carpet leading into the venue. “Showtime, Charlie. We can’t stall anymore.”