"Sweetie." Liv's voice is flat. "You're going to have your picture taken. This is a BIG DEAL. You need to own that camera."
"And," Priya says, tapping the table again for emphasis, "it's not just about looking professional. This dress needs to make Tom lose his mind."
"PRIYA."
She's grinning so wide her eyes are watering. "What? I'm just being efficient. We get you the right dress, Tom proposes faster, and then we can find boyfriends for these two."
She jerks her thumb toward Nadia and Liv.
Nadia chokes on her coffee. Liv covers her mouth with one hand. Priya's still grinning.
I cover my face with both hands. "You are insane."
"You skipped several steps," Nadia says, wiping her mouth with a napkin.
Liv lowers her hand, expression perfectly neutral. "Also consent."
The table loses it. Nadia's head drops to her hands. Priya slaps the table hard enough to rattle the cups. Liv's laughing so hard she's tearing up. I'm gasping for air, ribs aching.
"You're all insane," I manage.
Priya wipes her eyes. "We're your people."
I shake my head, still smiling.
"Okay," Priya says, voice shifting back to business mode. "We're taking you shopping."
"And to my hair stylist," Nadia adds.
"And you need a makeup consultation," Liv says.
"I don't need—"
Liv raises one eyebrow. "We're maximizing the assets."
Everyone stops.
Priya stares at Liv. "Did YOU just say that?"
Nadia sets her coffee down slowly. "That's something Priya would say."
Liv shrugs, lifts her tea. "What? It's accurate."
I laugh, shaking my head. "Fine. But I'm not wearing anything with sequins."
"Deal," Priya says immediately. She pulls out her phone, fingers already moving. "I'm texting you three boutiques. We're hitting all of them Saturday morning. Nine AM. No excuses."
I nod. My phone buzzes against the table.
Tom
How's the war council?
I smile before I can stop myself.
They're planning a shopping intervention.
Three dots appear immediately.
