Page 15 of Cry Madness

Ivory does a chef’s kiss. “Perfection!”

It’s ginormous and offensively purple.

We continue to browse the racks scattered around the cozy, upscale shop. Chandeliers hang overhead, and there’s an elevated alcove with a wall of multi-panel mirrors. This is where Ivory and I bought our prom dresses, and not a thing has changed since I was last here.

“How original,” Ivory drawls when I show her the third black gown in a row.

“What’s wrong with black?” I retort. “It’s timeless. Ever hear of the little black dress? It never goes out of style.”

“True,” she’s quick to agree. “But not for this party. Here.” She thrusts a red gown at me. “This is killer.”

“No thanks.” I shove it right back at her. “I guarantee Scarlett will wear red.”

Ivory furrows her brows and glances back at the gorgeous crimson gown. “So?”

“Sooo…” I say, stressing the word. “Last thing I want is to be matchy-matchy with that bitc—” I cut myself off, cringing. “Sorry.”

Sometimes I forget Ivory and Scarlett are twins, but only because they’re fraternal in every. Single. Way.

“For what? Scarlett is a brat. I know it. You know it. My parents know it and constantly fight over how atrocious she’s become. Heck, all of Wonderland knows it as well.”

Cringing, I say, “True, yes, but she’s your sister, and I love you, and that makes me feel bad for hating her.”

“She hated you first,” Ivory counters.

“Still. I feel bad shit-talking her.” With a sheepish grin, I add, “In front of you, anyway.”

Ivory replaces the gown and pulls out another. “Your loyalty is admirable and appreciated.” She shoves the stunning dress at me. “Please tell me you love this as much as I do?”

The organza is a cloud in my hands, a gradient of blue and white. The white-toned bodice forms a V at the waist, with the bust embroidered with delicate blue ribbon. It reminds me of an ‘adult’ version of my dress on my first day at Hilltop. The dress Maddox remembers me wearing on the day we met.

“It’s perfect,” I breathe.

Ivory claps her hands. “Oh, thank God, because it’s very…you.”

“Me? How?”

“Elegant without being too much. You know?”

“No, I don’t know, not at all,” I admit with a light laugh.

“Alice, you’re effortlessly gorgeous, and you’re going to look exquisite in this gown.”

“Thanks. Now, I just need to find a stupid mask.”

“We’re having ours made,” Ivory tells me, and I know she means her, Else, and Scarlett. “I’ll add yours to the order.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I want to.”

“Okay, sure. Thanks.” Saves me from wasting any more time and effort on this damn party. “Just tell me the cost so I can pay for it.”

Ivory rolls her eyes. “Absolutely, Alice, that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

I shove her by the shoulder. “I hate you.”

“You love me.”