She glanced at the grandfather clock.
Based on the time, it had to be Sadie and Lucy.
Strange how life didn’t stop even after your whole world fell apart.
Chapter 30
SAGE
“Do you think this is a mistake?”Sage met CeCe’s gaze in the reflection of the full-length mirror in her bedroom. Her best friend sat cross-legged on the edge of the twin bed, hugging Sage’s favorite throw pillow—a tufted circle with tiny honeybees embroidered by Gran—as she offered running commentary on the various outfits.
CeCe tilted her head to one side, assessing the coral cocktail dress Sage held just beneath her chin. She scrunched her nose. “Orange isn’t your best color.”
“I don’t mean the dress.” Sage sighed and shoved the hanger back into her closet.
“You mean the gala?” CeCe asked.
“The gala. The sailing-charter bookstore. Flynn. All of it.” She placed both hands on the back of her head like a runner with a side cramp, trying to calm her racing heartbeat.
From the moment they found the diary earlier that morning, everything happened so quickly. Flynn contacted Herman with the good news, then ran off to tell his parents his decision to postpone the promotion. Which they would undoubtedly perceive as extremelybadnews.
Sage shivered in her satin slip. If Cordelia hadn’t loathed her before, this would clinch the deal, for sure.
She envisioned the pinched scowl on Cordelia’s face when she arrived at the gala as Flynn’s plus-one. Cordelia wouldn’t make a scene, but she would be seething beneath the surface. And would most likely make Sage pay in some way later on.
At least she had Flynn by her side this time.
“If you’re asking whether or not I think it’s a mistake to forgive the love of your life for a youthful transgression and let yourself be happy for once, then no, I don’t think it’s a mistake,” CeCe said with an air of confidence Sage wished she felt.
Was it really that simple?
Her thoughts swirling, Sage stared blankly at her closet. The collection of vintage and bohemian-inspired clothing blended together in an indiscernible kaleidoscope of colors and patterns. She’d never struggled to pick an outfit before. Why couldn’t she make a decision?
“Here.” CeCe hopped off the bed and shuffled through the hangers before retrieving a long, elegant gown of the palest green lace. The sweet flutter sleeves offset the more daring, figure-hugging silhouette. “This will look incredible on you. The sage color matches your eyes. And your name.” CeCe smirked.
“You don’t think it’s a bit too va-va-voom?” She fingered the tiny silver beads dotting the fabric. She’d borrowed the dress from her mother’s closet for some event she couldn’t remember but hadn’t wound up wearing it after all.
“Don’t worry, Cinderella. It’ll be perfect for a gala at the Cahill castle.” CeCe’s dark eyes held a playful glint.
“Does this make you my fairy godmother, then?”
“More like Q,” CeCe teased, referencing an omnipotentStar Trekcharacter with the power to grant your every whim. “Your wish is my command.”
“Speaking of wishes, IwishI didn’t know what you’re talking about,” Sage said with a laugh. “I just hope someday you find a guy as nerdy as you.” She bit her tongue, immediately regretting her comment. It would take more than a fellowStar Trekfanatic for CeCe to forget her lifelong crush on small-town hunk turned Hollywood heartthrob, Jayce Hunt.
“Before we spend too much energy discussing things that will never happen, let’s focus on how you’renotgoing to blow it with Flynn by second-guessing yourself.” CeCe’s features softened. “It really sounds like things will be different this time.”
“I hope so.” Sage slid the dress over her head, then waited for CeCe to zip up the back before turning to face the mirror.
Her heartbeat stuttered. Was thather?
The dress fit like a dream, molding to every curve as if she’d been dipped in liquid aventurine—her favorite sage-green gemstone.
“Wow,” CeCe breathed. “Maybe I missed my calling as a personal stylist. You look amazing.”
“It is flattering, isn’t it?” Sage swished from side to side, mesmerized by the sparkling sheen. She’d never looked so elegant. Even Cordelia would approve.
Would Flynn like it? Her cheeks heated at the thought.
