They probably have.
Sara finishes and spins around to face us. “I’m so winning this,” she says.
“There’s no way you got her a date to Underground Christmas,” Uncle Michael says. “Hell, I’ve been trying to get tickets to that since I got to town!”
“What is Underground Christmas?” Aunt Patrice asks.
I’m somewhat relieved that Aunt Patrice has never heard of it, but all I can think about right now is: FORMAL ATTIRE.
“Tell everyone what Underground Christmas is, Sara,” Nonna says. Today, she’s sporting an apron that has a picture of a spatula, whisk, spoon, and rolling pin with the wordsChoose your weaponwritten below them.
Sara rubs her hands together, clearly loving the attention. “Well, Underground Christmas is just the biggest, baddest party this town has ever seen. The Regional Arts Council puts it on, and it only happens every other year because there’s so much planning involved. My friend’s parents’ restaurant is just one of the local restaurants catering it, and, Soph, it’s going to blow your mind.”
“That’s a pretty wild party, Sara. How old is her date? Are you sure that’s the right event for your cousin?” Uncle Charles gives his daughter a serious look.
Her hands go to her hips. “Dad, she’s almost eighteen. Aunt Patrice set her up with a freshman and so did I. A freshman in college.”
My eyebrows shoot up. Wild party? And my date is a college guy?
Everyone starts talking at once. I drop down next to Charlie, Judd, and Olivia.
“Dude, Sara’s got you beat,” Judd says.
Charlie hits him in the shoulder again. “Dude, you were the date I set her up with, so you’re ripping on yourself!”
Judd winks, and I can’t help but smile.
Olivia picks up her plate and heads to the sink. “Sophie, what are you going to wear?” When we were younger, the two of us used to play in Aunt Camille’s closet, which was filled with hats and party dresses and gloves and heels and everything else you could imagine. We would dress up and Aunt Camille would serve us tea and cookies. I enjoyed it, but not as much as Olivia.
“No clue,” I reply.
“I’m just bummed I can’t go, too,” she says.
And then it dawns on me—no backup on this date.
“So no one in the family will be at the party tonight?” I ask.
No one speaks up, and I drop my head on the table. Sara passes by, her hand running through my long hair. “Don’t worry, Soph. Your date is super hot. You’re going to have a blast.”
“Super-hot date who just happened to be available for one of the hottest parties of the year.” Charlie snickers. “He sounds like a winner.”
Sara grins. “Just wait. You’ll see.”
I call Addie the second the house clears from breakfast. She sounds as excited to dress me up as Olivia did.
“I have the perfect dress. Gabby wore this gorgeous gown to Cotillion last year, and I just know it will fit you. And if not, Maryn will have something you can wear. She’s always going to parties for her sororities.” Addie is one of three sisters, so there’s never a shortage of clothes at her house.
“Okay, I may drive over if I can catch a break from work.”
We talk a few more minutes. I’m dying to ask about Griffin, but I don’t. I promise to call her later, then I jump in the shower. When I get out, Margot is blowing up my phone.
MARGOT:UNDERGROUND CHRISTMAS!
MARGOT:I’m not sure you’re prepared for this party
MARGOT:There will be naked people there. Lots of skin. And nakedness.
I barely get my hands dry enough to text her back.
