Abi chats with Lila about veils while I change back into my clothes. My hands shake as I zip my jeans and pull my shirt on. Every noise in the shop feels too loud in my ears now: therustle of tulle, the murmur of another bride, the quiet whirr of a steamer somewhere in the back.
When I come out, Abi’s at the front counter signing something. She looks over her shoulder and beams.
“Text your father that it went well,” she says. “Tell him you loved the dress.”
“I’ll text him,” I say, noncommittal.
She steps closer, voice dropping so the staff cannot hear. “And Penelope? Do not bring up Minxy to him again. He worries.”
I meet her eyes and hold her gaze. “I’m not in the habit of lying to my dad.”
She smiles. “Sometimes a lie is just kindness wearing different clothes.”
“Sometimes,” I say, “kindness looks like telling the truth no matter who it hurts.”
For a second, I think she might slap me. Her fingers flex on her clutch. Then she smiles again and steps away.
“Drive safe, darling,” she says. “We’ll see you later.”
I walk out before I say something that gets me buried next to Todd or Dominic.
The air outside feels heavy and damp. I make it to Gideon’s car on autopilot, unlock it, and slide into the driver’s seat.
The second the door shuts, the facade cracks. My hands start to shake. I press my forehead to the steering wheel and breathe, counting inhales until my lungs stop clawing.
Abi is hiding a murder.
Minxy saw it or knows about it.
Abi locked her away.
My dad is planning a wedding with a woman who talks about cleaning up after men like it’s a hobby.
I suck in a breath.
Silas and Gideon are going to lose their minds when they hear this. Talon’s going to come apart. And I’m going to be the one who lights the fuse, because I need them to know.
I reach for my phone with numb fingers and open our group chat.
And freeze because I didn’t check it once in there. My notifications are a graveyard of panic.
34 unread messages.
GIDEON: Penelope where are you?
TALON: ??? you said tutoring
SILAS: Answer your phone
GIDEON: I swear to God, Little Menace
TALON: Call us ASAP
SILAS: Penelope. Now.
GIDEON: I know where you are. I checked the GPS on my car.
GIDEON: If you’re not home in 10 minutes, I’m coming to drag you out myself. To hell with anyone or anything else.
