It started with making wedding dresses for my dolls.
I used to plan everything—even the outfit they’d wear on their honeymoon, even though I had no clue what that meant.
That’s what I’m going to specialize in. I want to create the most beautiful wedding dresses in the world and make that “I do” moment even more magical for someone lucky enough to be marrying the love of her life.
As I walk through the college hallway, I greet a few people, even though I don’t know them, trying my best to be friendly.
My plan to become super popular in this new Boston phase hasn’t really worked, since I can’t talk to strangers unless they speak to me first. The people here aren’t that different from the students in Paris, so I keep doing what I’ve always done: attend classes and head home right after.
It’s been almost fifteen days since Amos left, and in another two weeks, I think my brother will return from Africa. And then . . .what happens?
Is what we have strong enough for him to face Ethan? Because I have no doubt a storm is going to break over our heads when he finds out I’m in a relationship with his best friend.
Amos has been calling every night, but he never says where he is. I noticed his voice sounded tense last week, but I didn’t ask again whether what he’s doing is dangerous—because it would upset me if he shut me down again.
I don’t really understand the kind of work he and my brother do. They have tons of employees, and it makes no sense that the two partners would have to travel at the same time for separate missions. In fact, it doesn’t make sense for either of them to be personally involved. And now I’m sure there are a lot of secrets tied to this security company.
Theo came back from L.A., and we’ve seen several apartments, but I’m incredibly indecisive—I just can’t choose one.
I sigh, thinking about the phone call I got from Nora earlier today. It was the first time she called me since I returned to the U.S. I’d tried reaching out to her twice before, but both times she didn’t answer—just replied with a short text.
Today, she finally decided to talk to me—but of course, she had an ulterior motive. The charity gala is happening in the middle of next week, and she wanted to remind me about it.
I don’t know what to do. I mentioned the event to Amos, but I’m not even sure if he remembers. I want him to go with me—of course I do—but he hasn’t given me any clue about when he’s coming back. So, I’ve decided to invite Theo to go with me instead. I don’t want to be that clingy girl waiting around for her maybe-boyfriend.
I’ve lived twenty years without him. I’m not about to start putting my life on hold now just because he’s away.
Boyfriend.
Jesus, I don’t even know if that’s what we really are. But if it’s not dating, then what is it? Friends with benefits?
Ugh, no. If I get to choose, the title is boyfriend. I like things clearly labeled, just like a proper pattern. My insecurities can’t handle undefined territories.
Facing Nora and Ramon alone isn’t an option either, so if Amos doesn’t come back in time, I’ll go with Theo. If he does show up, then maybe we’ll all go together.
I shake my head and think about the dress Theo asked me to wear.
God, it’s so bold. Will I really go through with it?
It’s made of red silk with thin straps. The back is practically bare—cut low, almost down to the curve of my butt. It’s way more daring than anything I’ve worn to Nora’s parties before—and she’ll probably lose her mind over it.
The thought amuses me.
Even so, I don’t like showing too much of my body—especially since Ramon will be there.
Ever since I told Amos what happened, I’ve been trying hard to remember if I ever felt someone touching me during those terrifying nights I spent in their house.
I’m almost sure I didn’t. But then again, putting all the memories together—and remembering the look on Amos’s face when I told him—I can only conclude he suspects that the person entering my room wasn’t some ghost but Ramon.
What other reason would Amos have to insist I don’t go back to Nora’s house alone?
Still, I have no proof it was my stepfather, no concrete evidence—just the fact that I can’t stand being near him for long.
Regardless of the creepy vibe he gives me, Ramon is a deeply unpleasant man in general. His jokes always have some sexist tone, and I can’t say I feel any affection for him, even after five years of marriage to my mom.
It’s rare for me to dislike someone right off the bat. My default is to assume the best about people. Only in a few rare cases have I disliked someone at first meeting.
Ramon was one of those.
