April 13th
“What do you think of this dress?”
Folding her arms, Rebel swept her gaze over the outfit Jana held up and curled her lip. “I hate it.”
“Not for you, silly. For me. Do you think Diesel will like me in it?”
“The buttery yellow color washes you out because of your golden skin and pale hair. You need richer shades.”
Jana frowned. “I do?”
“Trust me. Clothes have been my pastime since I was ten.” Rebel zeroed in on a sleeveless red dress with big front buttons down the middle. She grabbed Jana’shand and dragged her over. Instead of going to her favorite mall in Portland, they were in Hortensia. CJ’s science fair was tonight, so staying close to home saved time and allowed for more shopping. “This is an outfit for you,” she announced.
Jana looked at the price tag and shook her head. “I couldn’t.”
In the week since the volleyball game, Rebel had convinced herself she overreacted over Jana and Kaia. Jana wouldn’t betray her like that. Kaia had bought Rebel flowers, begged her to forgive him, and once again swore Rebel was the only girl for him for the rest of his life. She didn’t care. The sooner he left, the better.
Jana lifted the ugly yellow dress. “This is much cheaper.”
“Don’t you have Diesel’s credit card?”
“I do, but I couldn’t spend a lot on myself…I wouldn’t want him angry with me.”
“Which dress do you prefer?” Rebel had her own shopping to do and she didn’t intend to hold back. “You have to wear it. Fuck me and fuck Diesel. This is about Jana.”
Jana thought for a moment, then nodded to the dress Rebel chose and giggled, her eyes bright.
Rebel smiled. “How about this? You find the clothesyouwant. Ignore the price, then give me Diesel’s card and I’ll pay. He can’t get mad at you if I’m the one who’s paying.”
“But I would’ve chosen the clothes.”
Nothing had happened this past week exceptschool, and the weekly family dinner. She’d even found out Tio was back in Salt Lake City. She’d spoken to Rule, went to cheer practice with Harley and Mattie, and almost felt normal again.
Rebel wouldn’t allow Jana’s reservations to ruin a shopping day or her excitement to support CJ later tonight, so she’d reveal her backup plan and hopefully ease Jana. “Daddy gave me his card.” She smiled serenely. “I’ll pay for our clothes. Use Diesel’s card for other stuff.”
“Like what?”
She needed to teach Jana to shop. “Uh, hair, bath, and makeup stuff. Jewelry. Nightclothes.”
“That sounds like a lot.”
“Did Diesel give you a spending limit?”
“I don’t want to take advantage of his generosity.”
“You’re…you’re so good, Jana.”
Jana beamed at her. “I love him so much. I can’t wait to be his wife.”
“That’ll happen soon.”
“Diesel wants a Christmas wedding.”
“That’ll be beautiful.”
“That’s what he said. Would you be my maid of honor? It would mean so much to me.”
“I would be honored,” Rebel said softly. “But my dress has to be cute.”
