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Chapter 3

Ainsley

I stare like I have lasers shooting out of my eyes, trying to burn a hole in the bottom right hand of the computer screen clock.

4:58pm. Two more minutes.

I hear Sophie walking back this way. She has been checking in with the Director of Events. I peek around the corner and lock eyes with her as her eyes widen. Oh shit. She has news.

I wave my hand over in a big circular motion. “What’s the tea? Spill now.”

She sits down next to me and comes closer to whisper.

“Girl, guess who just got tickets to the Sunday night new players’ gala?”

“Shut up. Are you serious? Why do they want us there?”

Normally, they will give the extra tickets to the press or as extra plus ones for the players, so we don’t typically both get to go to the same event. This event is the most talked about event of the year, and we both get invited. We have somehow hit the jackpot!

“Hell, if I know, but the food sounds amazing. Burna Boy is performing, and maybe this will help revive me from the tornado that was last night.”

“Shut up!! You had me at Burna Boy.”

I pull out my phone. I don’t really keep up with the new players each team gets every year, other than the Blades, because Liam always wants to know. I typically pass on these events because I hate the constant small talk about Dad and Liam. So, if I can convince Liam to come with me to meet some of them, it will take the pressure off me. Not to mention, that dude is a social freaking butterfly, and it would be nice to catch up with him if he’s in town.

Lee

You just got a letter!

Liam

Ha HA, hilarious. I wonder who it’s from?

Lee

Me - your adoring sister who got invited to the new players’ gala on Sunday! Please tell me you're coming?

Liam

Cut the Blues Clues shit.

But fuck yes to the gala! We just got another defender, and I want to scare him so much that he pees himself a little. I’ll call my agent and get a ticket.

Lee

Dude, you’re weird, but yes! Soph and I both got the invite. The stars were all freaking aligned!

Liam

Shut up. So, we are just missing Mils to make this an actual party?

Lee

Does Mils ever come? Lol. But she said she would go out with us tomorrow. Maybe we can reschedule and go shopping for dresses.

Liam

I’ll text her. She’ll come.

Lee

You know she doesn’t like these kinds of things. Shoot, I don’t like these things. Don’t push her if she doesn’t want to come.

Liam

She’ll be better with coming if we’re both there, plus she loves me more than you, so watch and see, Sis.

Lee

LIES. All lies. But I have been trying to get Mils out of the house more.

Liam

I know. Let’s just plan on me picking the three of you up from your place on Sunday at 7pm and we will all ride together.

Lee

Ohhhh, fancy. We get your pleasant personality and a free ride.

Liam

Shit. PR is saying I need a date.

Lee

NO FAKE DATES, LIAM CHRISTOPHER HARRIS. I’m done with the Barbies that laugh every two seconds because you coughed.

Liam

What can I say? My cough is HILARIOUS!

Lee

Bye Postman.

Liam

Bye AinUS!

Lee

I immediately look up and see it’s 10 minutes past five. Hell-the-fuck-yeah, the weekend is here.

Soph jumps up. “Let’s get out of here”.

“Yes, please! Liam said he’ll come to the gala, and he’s going to get Millie to go with us. So maybe instead of going out tomorrow we can go shopping?”

I pack my stuff in my bag and follow behind Soph to the elevators.

“Shit, good luck with Mils. I need major prep now for this party of the year. Do you want to go to the nail salon that smells like the Four Seasons with the bomb ass frozen daiquiris now to start the process?”

“Sure!” We head to the elevator. I’m happily using my once-a-year manicure for this event, since next Monday, clay will cover my nails again.

As we enter the lobby, Soph calls the nail salon to get our Mani/Pedi’s booked. She silently mouths, “Sushi?”

I nod and click Millie’s name on my phone, and it rings twice before she picks up.

“The Harris crew is on a mission today, eh?”

Shit.

“Did Liam call?”

That man is fast.

“Just got off the phone with him.”

“And?”

“I don’t know, Lee, he said I only have to go for an hour and if I hate it, his car can take me home. I don’t like these sort of events. Remember the school dance in grade 10?”

“I know. I know, Mils. But it won’t be like that. Liam or I will be by your side at all times, and he is right. You say the word, and we can all leave.”

“He said he would send over some Black-eyed Susan seeds for me to plant next week if I come.”

That persuasive motherfucker.

“So, what do you think? Can you do it for an hour? Two at the most? Soph and I were thinking of going dress shopping tomorrow instead of going out. I will bring the fruit bowl.”

“Uh, fine. I’ll let Liam know that I’m coming.”

“My queen! I can’t wait to see you, babes. Let’s hit up Windsor at Dufferin and get some of the soft pretzels you love!” Soph looks over as she tucks her phone away, a smile taking over her face.

“Fuck yes! I want pretzels, plus they have that new hair salon, and we can get our hair blown out or something.” Soph joins in as I put Millie on speaker.

“I’m not sure I'll have money for a dress and hair, but I’d be happy to join. I can read my Kindle while I wait.”

Millie has been helping her dad for the past several years, and I wish she would let Liam help them more. He offers every single time we are with her. As we step into the nail salon, I sigh, the smell of lemon, verbena, and cedar taking over the surrounding room.

“Millie, I don't think you’ve had your hair done in 10 years. I can help.”

“Girl, me too! This is Millie’s moment, and I’m here for it.”

Soph joins in as she rolls up her jeans to stick her feet in the hot tub for her toes.

“Thanks, guys. I have been wanting to cut it since it keeps getting in my face while gardening.”

“It’s a plan! Meet me at my place tomorrow at 2 pm, and we will make a trip out of it. The new players won’t even know what hit them.”

“Love ya. See you tomorrow.” Millie calmly says back, but I know she must be a ball of nerves.

“Love you!” I hang up the phone and open the book of colors to choose from. Our technicians placing giant daiquiris on the tables next to us.

Soph picks hers up at the same time as I do. We lock eyes and smile.

“Cheers, bitch.”