Page 16 of Weddings, Revenge & Fake Dating

“And . . .” I roll my eyes. “I promised Sophia we would attend a dinner thing tonight.”

“Think of it as an act of peace,” Mom says, smiling because she wants to stay.

I’m waiting for Dex to explode, but then he says, “Totally weird, but whatever.”

“That’s it?” My lips pinch at his very chill reaction.

Dex shrugs. “I’m done trying to figure out the adults in my life.”

“That’s because you’re more adult than both your parents,” Mom says.

“That includes you, Grandma,” Dex tells her.

“Burn.” Freddie makes a sizzling noise.

Mom and I spend the afternoon shopping in the Design District. We pamper ourselves with new haircuts. Plus, there’s the unfinished issue of buying real underwear. I’ll need them to get through the week.

What I learn on our outing is that everything and everyone in Miami is beautiful. The weather, the beaches, the people, their pets, and their cars. Nathan fits right in.

I, on the other hand, don’t. He’s all tropical and sultry, while I’m all Midwest mom-bot. By the time we return to the hotel, my insecurities are eating me alive.

I know why I’m going out with Nathan—to use him. It’s not nice but it’s true. But I’m unsure why he’s bothering with me. What’s in it for him?

Shifting uncomfortably in front of a mirror, I grab at the fabric of my new dress wrapping around my thighs, stretching it out. I perform a few unladylike ballet moves to loosen the fit, but the midsection still hugs my curves too tightly. This new bra lifts the girls so high, they rival the peaks of the Grand Tetons. And my hair? If I’m lucky, the beach waves will last for fifteen minutes before I look like a sea troll.

Mom reaches out to straighten my dangling earring. “It’s too late to back out.”

“Is it?” I glower at the strappy stilettos I’m supposed to wear.

“Stop it. You’re treating yourself to a nice night out with a handsome younger man.”

I study her. “I never told you Nathan was younger.”

“Moms know things.” She bobs her head, not giving any info away.

Whatever she’s found, I suspect it was online. And I don’t want to know about it. Unless . . .

“Is he an ax murderer? Does he collect toenail clippings? Does he dress like a man-baby and need to be burped and changed? What is it?”

“You’re safe. Mostly.” She grins.

“Am I doing the right thing?” I fiddle with my tangled necklace, becoming agitated.

She fusses with my hair. “Crashing wedding festivities with a fake date in hopes of stealing the groom? Absolutely not. Your plan is diabolical, and I’ve never been so proud.”

What she’s not saying is that Roman isn’t worth the trouble. She knows I won’t listen.

“This isn’t my thing,” I say, frowning. “I’m the nice one.”

“I know, sweet pea, but a villain isn’t born, they’re made with one hell of a traumatic backstory. The pieces are finally coming together for you. Mama is proud.”

She shakes my shoulders, and I laugh.

“Now go.” She spins me toward the door and pats my behind.

Sweaty palms balance the air at my sides as I toddle down the hall. The last time I wore heels, Dex was in elementary school.

I press the elevator button and the door immediately opens. Inside, the mirrored wall reflects my yellow dress, but all I can focus on is my panicked expression.