“This was such a mistake.” I dig my palms against my eyes.
I’m smearing the makeup that Piper carefully helped me put on, but what does it matter?
I’m pathetic and delusional, and Graham proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that I’m unlovable—and he’s right, because who loves a girl who is desperate for her kidnapper’s affections?
It’s unfair that he’s hot.
The Girl Squad, plus other women in the office who got the memo about how chic girl-boss investment bankers should look, float around him.
Graham is the main attraction at the party. Even the Svenssons, who usually don’t go to these types of department-level events, have made an appearance just so they can talk to him.
Everyone is chatting to each other, and they keep looking back at me then to Graham.
I tug at the dress Mom insisted I wear. It was actually one of the more flattering options. Sure, it isn’t the sleek white blouse, black pencil skirt, and sky-high heels that the other women at the office wear. But I thought it looked a little trendy: black with a wide belt, flouncy bow at the neckline, cinched at the waist.
Graham didn’t even notice enough to give me a snide remark.
Applause breaks out when my brother enters just in the nick of time, dragged by Piper.
Colette rushes over to my brother, making a big dramatic display of introducing her handsome fiancé to her work friends.
“Who wears a white romper like that to a work-hosted engagement party?” Piper grabs my arm.
“Colette, of course. Wish I could look that good. I can’t even hate it,” I say into my wine.
“You look amazing. Your mom actually bought something flattering on you for once.” Piper hypes me up. “You are better than all of them.”
“No, I’m not. I’m unhappy. They are literally better than me. They’re prettier, they bring in more clients, they get invited to cool parties, they can fit in the dresses one would wear to said cool parties.”
“They only get all those things because they put out—which you could too,” Piper says pointedly.
“I can’t just go up to a guy and say, ‘Hey, you wanna get dinner and take my virginity?’”
“I mean, you could…”
“I’m a scaredy-cat. The only way I’m losing it is if some guy climbs in my bedroom—”
“You mean up twenty stories and crawls into the dining room window? Or maybe he can tailgate after old Mrs. Carroway and pop in for a spot of sugar and a fresh cherry.”
“Are you two over here being weirdos?” Colette laughs behind us. “Kidding, kidding.”
But we know she’s not.
Colette links arms with me, muscling Piper out of the way. My frenemy rests her head on mine like we’re besties.
“Your boyfriend is so hot.” She stares over at Graham then pulls back. “You know, I just don’t buy it.” She turns back to me. “You two just don’t seem like you belong together.”
“What? They’re perfect together.”
“I’m not trying to be mean, Piper.” Colette tosses her hair. “I’m trying to be a good friend. Real friends tell you hard truths.”
“You’re not telling her hard truths. You’re trying to steal her boyfriend,” Piper snaps. “You’re jealous.”
“Don’t be so high school. After all, I was Dani’s friend first,” she tells Piper. “I’m her family.”
“Whatever.” She turns her back to Piper. “Where did you even meet? Graham’s so dark and mysterious—I can’t get a straight answer out of him.” She smirks. “Unless it’s something embarrassing.”
“She’s just trying to get in your head because she’s regretting settling for Jeremy.” Piper’s dark eyes flash at Colette.
