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“Ali!”

Wren barreled into her side, small frame colliding with a force that nearly knocked them both off balance. Arms wrapping around Ali in a crushing hug. “I’m so proud! Just look at ’em! My bestie is talented!”

“Shhhh,” Ali hissed, glancing around. “Don’t draw the attention of the critics. I’m not ready to talk to important people yet,” Ali fussed, going still as light dawned in her eyes. “Wait, did you say bestie?”

“Yes, Ali. You’re my best friend. Was that not obvious?”

Wren scratched her head, looking perplexed. The overhead lights glinted off the single silver button of her fitted black suit—no shirt, undershirt, or bra—just one single button maintaining her modesty.

“I—It’s been a while since I’ve had one of those,” Ali admitted. “But I feel the same. I just thought…”

“You thought no one could like you as much as you like them?” Wren finished for her, shaking her head and wrapping Ali in another hug.

“Yeah. Silly me.” Ali pulled back and clapped Wren on the shoulder. “Well, this made my night. Thanks for coming, bestie.”

Charlotte couldn’t help the quiet chuckle that escaped. Vulnerable and a little awkward Ali was one of her favorite versions. It was beyond endearing.

“Please, you’ve come to a countless number of my sets. I wasn’t ‘bout to miss celebrating you this fine night,” Wren stated, cornflower blue eyes falling on Charlotte, her eyebrows immediately waggling. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t the CEO of Sex on Legs in a stunning designer brand blue suit, definitely tailored just for her.” Her grin was lopsided as she stuck out a hand.

Ali slapped a palm to her forehead, groaning.

A sharp laugh leapt free and Charlotte shook her head, taking Wren’s hand. “It’s good to see you, Wren.”

“Hello!” Natasha greeted, popping up beside them. One of Andre’s three children, Zuri, stood beside her like a taller quiet shadow.

Wren turned and Natasha’s eyes flitted over her form, lingering a fraction too long on the stretch of bare skin peeking out from underneath her jacket.

“Hey, Tasha. You look hot,” Wren greeted, smirking up at Natasha who rolled her eyes. Zuri stifled a snort. “Shall we leave these two lovebirds and raid the open bar?”

“Yes, we’re parched,” Natasha agreed, turning to Ali. “I’ll find you in a bit.”

As they disappeared into the crowd, Wren’s voice floated back to them, entirely unapologetic. “Are all Pryce women fucking stunning?”

Before Charlotte could snort, another voice drew their attention.

“Ali, dearest, darling, you little snickerdoodle you, is that a nude portrait of my twin?” Lizzie asked, appearing with a Cheshire grin plastered across her face, sliding her arm around Ali, fingers drumming against her bare shoulder.

“It is,” Ali confirmed, arm winding loosely around Lizzie’s waist. “My last model canceled and Charlotte came to my rescue.”

“Did she now?” Lizzie guided her through the throng until they stood in front of Ali’s line of portraits.

Ali’s chin bobbed in eager dips.

“Your twin’s a real life knight in shining armor.”

Lizzie’s eyes narrowed. “But nude?”

Despite the smirk tugging at the corner of Ali’s mouth, a flush crept across her cheeks. “Butt ass naked on my living room couch.”

“Twinnie!” Lizzie screeched. “Posing nude in front of that big window?”

“We closed the blinds and the drapes.” Charlotte sighed, folding her arms over her chest. “As if you haven’t done something similar.”

“I was clothed,” Lizzie said, nose in the air.

“Barely,” Charlotte grumbled, thinking of the very scandalous boudoir shot of Lizzie still hanging above Sasha’s bed.

Ali froze, head swiveling back and forth. “Wait, how do you know it has a big window?”