Page 63 of My Big Fat Vampire Wedding

“Oh, um …” Pandora’s mind went blank.

Lucy looked similarly blank.

It was Elias who managed to save the moment.

“Old family friend,” he said. “They’ve been going to that shop for lifetimes.”

If Victor thought that was a weird way to phrase it, he said nothing. Though Pandora could tell something was bothering him, given the way his jaw had gone tight, a little muscle ticking there occasionally as Elias started talking about the dresses as well. Then segued into the invitations, the possible menu.

“Let’s go powder our noses,” Lucy said, popping up out of her chair in the middle of Elias speaking, not caring how rude she was being.

She grabbed Pandora’s arm and dragged her along until they were in the bathroom. Lucy looked around, making sure they were alone, before letting out a loud growl.

“I can’t even think straight thanks to Lieutenant Lip Flap and his war on silence.”

Despite herself, Pandora couldn’t help but laugh, finding it loosened some of the tension she was holding on to.

“I think he’s doing it to goad Victor,” Pandora said. “To show how involved he is, while Victor … hasn’t been around.”

“You need to get some alone time with Victor again. Give him some reassurances,” Lucy said, digging in her handbag for her eyeliner. She leaned over the sink to get closer to the mirror as she lined her gorgeous golden eyes. Pandora decided not to ask her why she was putting in the effort.

“It’s a fake relationship,” Pandora said.

“Sure. Yeah. That kiss looked real fake.”

“He said afterward that he hoped you guys were watching.”

Lucy’s gaze slid across the mirror to Pandora’s reflection – since modern mirrors no longer had silver backings, vampires did reflect – watching her for a second, then letting out a sigh.

“What?” Pandora asked.

“I think you’re both dense,” she said, clipping the cap back on her eyeliner and tossing it into her bag with a flourish.

“What?” Pandora asked. “How so?”

“Because you are both very clearly into each other, but you keep insisting on the charade.”

“Well, the charade is worth a lot of money.”

“You two can still be into each other while pretending you’ve been into each other for a lot longer to sell the whole marriage thing,” Lucy said.

“I’m not going to lie. I really wish that was the case, Luce. But there’s been no sign of him genuinely having feelings for me. Guys who are into you don’t go no-­contact for days. Hell, guys who want to acquire tons of pounds to get out of debt don’t avoid you for days.”

“Well, did you ask him what he was up to?” Lucy asked.

She had.

But he’d called before she could read his message.

Pandora reached for her mobile, swiping it open, then reading the text.

I was visiting my parents to tell them about the engagement.

“Oh,” she said, scrunching up her face as she turned the mobile for Lucy to read.

“See? Perfectly good reason.”

“But it would have been better to know that before, so I could tell my family. I’m sure everyone is wondering where he’s been.”