I peer around at the subtle mix of gold, black, and white decorations. The photo booth is adorned with18in gold balloons.
Iris walks past before Mom and Audrey arrive. Audrey steps in front of us and points to the man holding a camera. “The photographer will be taking photos all night, but we should do a formal family one before Helen gets into the wine.”
Dad laughs.
Mom scoffs. “That’s pretty rich coming from you.”
Audrey’s head falls back as she laughs. “I’ve got us some lovely bottles of champagne.”
“Can we get this over and done with? You alcoholics can get back to chatting about your wine afterward.”
I nod with Misty.
Audrey walks further into the center of the house. She points to a backdrop under the chandelier, where all the photography lights are set up. We follow her lead.
“Zara first, by herself, then Misty, Zara, and the family.”
I step into the middle of the equipment and follow the instructions, smiling and trying my best not to blink every time the bright light flashes.
After the family photos are finished, I pose for one photo with Audrey.
“Iris,” I call out. She’s talking to a server and looks up when she hears me call. “Please come and take a photo with me.”
Iris’s eyes widen. She says something to the server and makes her way to me. “I’d love to have my photo taken with you.” She’s beaming.
I wrap my arm around her and smile into the camera.
When we finish, I see Misty standing with Kane and Knox. I start walking toward them, but I hear Mom calling my name.
“Come and see your birthday present.” She tilts her head toward the front of the house.
My stomach flutters. “Where is it?”
“Your present is outside.”
My heart thumps in my chest, and all I can think is,Please be a car, please be a car...
Dashing toward the front door, I pass Audrey’s security guard, and Mom giggles behind me. I pull the door open wide, my eyes scanning the driveway. Dad is next to a small white Mercedes Benz. I squeal and rush to it. It beeps and flashes when I reach it, and I turn to Dad, who is holding out the key.
I jump into his arms. “Thank you.” I step to Mom and hug her.
“I hope you like it.” Mom beams.
It’s a hatchback, and it has a big Mercedes Benz logo in chrome on the grill.
“I love it!”
They smile at my eagerness, though Mom takes the car key from Dad. “You can have the key tomorrow. Now it’s time to celebrate.”
Two
She’s My World
Knox
Age: Eighteen
“Oh,baby, I can’t wait to rip this dress off of you.”
