“Oh my God!Him?”
I nod. I can see the appreciation dancing through her eyes, but I don’t blame her. I can’t blame her. I had the whole thing last night—the real Calloway Slater deal—and he deserves every ounce of fantasy he gets.
The reality is thatmuchbetter.
“Yes!” I agree excitedly. “He’s always been dreamy. Quiet. Kind. Steady. Even when we were kids.”
“Do you think he’s going to bid on you tonight?” she asks then, piecing together a puzzle. It’s not exactly the right puzzle, but it’s close, and with the amount of information she has, it’s impressive. “Is that why you’re so calm?”
“Is there someone you have your eye on?” I ask instead of answering, letting her go through the ballroom door first and then following.
The large space is filled with mirrors and vanities, and women cheer and fight for spots with the best lighting ahead of us. It’s all civil, but nerves are firing all over the place in the background of their excitement, I can tell.
“I…well, no.” Hillary shrugs. “I don’t even want to say a name. Because I did think a couple of the men were nice and very cute, but I don’t want to set myself up for disappointment if it’s not one of them in the end.”
I nod. “That’s smart.”
It won’t be necessary when Cal somehow puts a stop to everything, but it’s smart, nonetheless.
“Come on. Let’s go over on the far side. I see a couple of vanities together,” I suggest. “I can help you with your makeup.”
“Okay,” she agrees. “That would be great.”
I wave for her to follow me and hustle to the far side of the room for the remaining two seats together. They’re in a little bit of a shadow from the chandelier, but I’m not concerned with the lighting.
As Hillary gets settled in her spot and I unpack my cosmetic bag, I do a little mental reach-out toward Cal. I know he’s going to be super busy today—and that, ideally, I should distract him as little as possible, but given that I haven’t talked to him since he left the meeting with his uncle, I’m feeling a little antsy for contact and connection.
You free for a minute?
His voice is in my mind in an instant.Always free for you, Romy. Always. Some times may be more ideal than others on occasion, but never unavailable.
I smother a smile and a laugh, knowing if I start cackling for no reason, Hillary will become concerned.Right. Good to know. Wejust got down to the ballroom to get ready, and I guess I’m just missing you.
And maybe a little nervous?
No. I mean, yes. But not really. I’m feeling really confident in your ability to, like, knight in shining armor this whole thing, I guess.
Good. Because I have a plan, sweetheart. It may take longer than you’d like, and you may very well have to go onstage for the bid. But I promise, you won’t be going home with anyone but me. And none of these women will be going home with any of these men either.
I appreciate his confidence, but…I can’t deny one thing has my nerves taking a nosedive.I’m going to have to go onstage?
Trust me, Romy, I fucking hate it too, but it’s the way it has to be. Now, I need you to listen really carefully, okay? Because I need you to follow these instructions like your life depends on it.
Okay,I respond and shut my eyes for a brief moment so I can fully focus on his next words.
If anything gets scary, you gather the women and get them outside.Cal’s voice is direct and matter-of-fact as it fills my head.Go south, to the far tree line. There’s a road two miles through the woods, and a bright light that shines from the streetlamp. Follow that light, no matter what. It’s easy to get turned around in the woods if you don’t have a guide point.
Okay, Cal. I got it,I say, though neither of us can deny my mood is much more hesitant.
Two other women will find you—Kylie and Blair,he adds.They’re my brothers’ mates. They will help bring you to me in a safe place.
Cal?
Yeah, baby?
I can’t deny I’m getting a little scared now.
Don’t be, my love. You are so incredibly brave. You’ve been stronger than I ever thought possible. And soon, all of this will be over.
