"They'll be at the Frosty Mug after dinner." He gives me a knowing smile.
"Can I ask for a favor?"
"Depends."
"I keep your secret, and you keep mine."
"And what's your secret?"
"Tinsley thinks I'm a lawyer here to do Biff’s bidding." An "oh shit" expression falls over his face.
"Why don't you tell her the truth?"
"What would be the fun in that?"
Hollis lets out a chuckle. "You're going to fit in here better than you know."
I suppose that's the plan, after all.
Chapter Nine
TINSLEY
Istare at myself in the mirror and pull from my past theater experience to try and give the performance of my life.
“Oh!” I gasp, making my eyes wide with surprise.
No, not that. I should be more dramatic. I try it again, but this time I jump back a step. Now I wonder if I’m overplaying it. Katherine has had this surprise party in the works for a few months now. I keep telling her I don't want to do anything.
If I did, she'd freak out and think I would make plans that would mess with hers. So I've been going along. I'm excited for it. I haven't been back long and haven't gotten the chance to catch up with everyone. I'll be able to do that tonight.
I'm going to put all thoughts of this stupid resort and piece of crap Biff out of my mind. I'll handle it tomorrow. The only way I knew I could keep this promise to myself was to not reach out to Betty and find out Pierce's full name. Once I have it, I'll fall headfirst into his life and find everything I need to on him. I know how I can get obsessive over situations like this.
"Those freckles are adorable," my mom says, coming up behind me.
"They're fun." As much as I love doing nails, I also love makeup. You can have fun with it. I consider style to be an art of its own. My face is like a blank canvas every time.
“Big plans tonight?” Mom smirks in the mirror over my shoulder, knowing I know.
“What are you talking about?” I gasp, spinning around to face her.
“Pretty good.” She laughs.
“What about you? Going down to Winter’s Kiss to neck with Dad?” Mom throws back her head and laughs.
“Is it bothering you?”
“No, Mom, I’m only teasing,” I tell her. “I think I might be jealous.” Mom grabs my hand, locking our fingers.
“Your time will come.” She gives me a squeeze. “It’s going to take someone special to sweep you off your feet. You wouldn’t want it any other way. My little girl is one of a kind.” Mom smirks. “Who can also be a lot to handle.”
“Hey.”
“It’s a good thing, honey. If he can’t handle you, he’s not the one for you.”
"I know." I knock my chin up. "It's worth the wait if I can have the kind of love you and Dad have."
"There you go." She kisses my cheek. "Have fun, and I love you."
