I scoff, shaking my head. “No, I don’t think that. That’s ridiculous. Even if that’s true, we’re adults now. Why would he still be playing those games and telling me my boyfriend can’t live here?”
She glances over at the flowers. “I don’t know, Sum. Either way, you don’t have to marry the guy, do you? If you’re that attracted to him, then why not have a little harmless fun?”
I stare at her in the mirror, processing her words. Havinganother person acknowledge that even though he’s my stepbrother, who I’m trapped with in this weird situation regarding our parents’ will, a physical relationship wouldn’t be some twisted,Sweet Home Alabama-type shit makes my entire body relax.
Somehow, it feels like permission.
“Silvie, I am so ridiculously attracted to him. But I swear, he hates me, and he always has.”
She looks at me through the mirror and shakes her head. “Methinks the lady is in denial. Plus, I’ve heard hate sex is fun. Here, let me put the necklace on you.”
Oh, fuck me.
Silvie outdid herself with my updo. My long honey hair is piled on top of my head with wavy wisps around my face and neck. The dress I ordered online fits me like a glove. I have gold bangles on both wrists and a gold chain with a seashell on it around my neck. I smell like coconuts and summertime. I’m feeling confident. I wore low heels because I’m planning to kick them off and shake my booty a little bit.
I’m sipping on my first glass of champagne when I spot Josie. She’s chatting with a group of girls I recognize from high school, some I haven’t seen in years. She waves me over.
“Summer! Your dress is so cute.” She squeezes me into a hug before grabbing a glass of champagne from a table nearby and handing it to me. “Are you ready for this shit show?”
“I’ve been looking forward to seeing everyone—well, almost everyone.”
“I saw Dayton earlier,” she says, smirking.
I nod. “He’s looming about, I’m sure.”
“Are things between you two …”
“Cordial,” I blurt out.
“Ah, I see. Well, your dynamic with him was always a little … complicated?” She sips her champagne, studying me.
“I guess you could say that. He’s never been my biggest fan.”
She barks out a laugh. “If you say so.”
I raise a brow, not knowing what she means, but not wanting to ask.
Silvie walks up behind me, wrapping an arm around my waist. “I need to dance. Will there be dancing?”
“I’ll dance with you.” I grab her hand, and we start swaying back and forth.
“I’m sure we can find you ladies some gentlemen to dance with!” Josie calls out.
I shake my head. “No thanks.”
In the corner of my eye, I see Dayton talking to Cal. I guess maybe they never lost contact even after he moved away. The realization that I truly don’t know much about Dayton’s life at all settles over me like a weight on my shoulders. His eyes glide over my frame before landing on my face.
Silvie follows my gaze over to where they are. “Are you going to dance with him?”
“If he asks,” I say, turning away.
“You know, if you really want to get a man’s attention … and I’m not saying you do, but if you did … the best way to go about it would be to flirt with another man.”
I shake my head. “I don’t. And you’re terrible.”
She wiggles her eyebrows before suddenly dipping me back.
“Ah!” I throw my head back, and she nearly drops me.
