Or the fact that I’m a little envious. They don’t look like they’re pre-planning responses, timing nods and smiles that actually reach their eyes for appropriate breaks in conversation. They’re completely at ease.
That’s what I’m envious of.
I wish I could do that.
“What do you think, Nyx?”
Shit.
“Sorry?” I respond to Tori, who’s looking at me eagerly.
“Ready to go shopping?”
“Sure,” I say with my best attempt at a half-hearted smile, but it comes out more like a grimace. The town of Hemlock Hill, I was surprised to find out, was less than ten minutes from by car. Tori drove some sleek, silver SUV that I’m sure cost more than the combined incomes of everyone in Lynden. I felt too poor to even look at the thing, let alone contaminate the supple leather that was probably harvested from baby seals or some shit with my poverty.
The small college town is exactly what I imagined every time I read a small town romance: tree-lined streets blanketed with the red, orange, and yellow hues of Autumn. Peoplewaving to one another from across the street. Mom and pop shops with stunning window displays of baked goods, halloween decorations, and the latest fashion. Unlike Lynden, there’s not a tumbleweed in sight. I’m shocked it hasn’t already been scouted as a Hallmark movie location.
It’s the last shop with the window display full of sparkly outfits that our group enters.
“Oh look at this one!” Brynne exclaims as she bolts to one of the mannequins just past the entrance while Tori and Evie peel off like synchronized swimmers in the opposite direction, leaving me standing alone in the middle of the expansive shop. A very perky, very blonde woman sees my distress and approaches me with a wry twist of her lips.
“Is there anything you’re looking for in particular today?”
“Uh, well they’re?—”
“Lisette!” Tori interrupts, coming to my rescue. “Maeve was telling us about your latest collection,” she mock-whispers, rubbing her hands together in excitement and turning on the best kicked puppy pout I’ve ever seen. “Can we see?”
Lisette tuts in disapproval. “For Fate’s sake, the Masquerade was announcedyesterdayand she’s already telling students?”
“Okay to be fair,” Tori starts, putting her hands out placatingly, “I did bribe her.”
Lisette chuckles before crossing her arms and arching a perfectly-sculpted eyebrow.“And what is my sister getting in return for this early preview?”
“How does being the exclusive stylist to all four Hektreia daughters for Samhainn and the Governor’s Gala sound?”
The blonde freezes, then smiles wide. “Next time lead with that, Victoria darling. Right this way ladies.” Brynne and Evie grin at each other conspiratorially and follow as Lisette leads Tori into a private parlor towards the back of the store. I follow silently, speechless as I pass racks of glittering, gauzy gownsin protective dresses bags. When I finally join them, Lisette is handing out glasses of champagne.
“Ms. Pembroke, how’s your aunt?” she says as Brynne takes the offered flute.
“Currently lecturing in Paris,” Brynne answers, eyes sliding to mine before explaining, “she’s an Alchemist pursuing her Grandmastery.”
“Wow,” I say, internally cringing when I sound more like Owen Wilson than I’d ever wanted too.
“I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure, you are…?” Lisette asks as she hands me another full flute.
“Nyx. Byrke. I’m new,” I add on quickly when I see the look of confusion on her face.
“Well then, welcome, Ms. Byrke,” she says with a stiff smile that doesn’t meet the calculating look in her eyes.
It’s one of those “I don’t know whether you matter enough to ingratiate myself” smiles. I’m not from a family like Tori and Evie, nor do I have any famous relatives like Brynne does,apparently. I’m sure she’ll find the right box to put me in soon enough, just like Maeve did.
“Now.” She turns her back on me, facing Tori and Evie. “Are you ready?” Tori squeals in excitement as Lisette brings out gown after gown, and soon all three of them are fawning over the samples. Evie picks out a light, flowy gown with iridescent fabric that shimmers under the light in shades of lilac, lavender, blue. Tori keeps going back to a high-necked, figure-hugging silver brocade gown with a keyhole cut out that would make Eileen proud of how it accentuates her cleavage. Brynne eventually chooses a stunning dark brown tulle and lace gown with an embellished plunging neck line that goes all the way down to her belly button.
When the others are primping and fussing with their choices, Lisette turns to me with a discerning stare. “For you Ms. Byrke, I think?—”
“Oh no, it’s okay. Really. I’m just here for moral support.” I say, raising my glass in mock toast.
“Don’t be silly!” Tori calls out. “Maeve already has Nyx’s account info so just send the receipt to her.”
