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She’s not wrong.
Sweet Temptations, the bakery my mother has owned my entire life, is just a few doors down the street from Everly Wilder Designs offices and flagship showroom. Callen’s niece is one of the hottest wedding gown designers in the last five years. Needless to say, I jumped when I was offered the chance to work with her after graduation.
She can have the brides. I focus on bridal party couture and formal wear.
I also dabble a little in styling on the side. When you have friends as high-profile as I do, it’s fun to dress them for everything from a low-key photo op to the ESPYs. Most of the clueless athletes in my life send me off with their credit cards and let me update their wardrobe whenever I think they need it. Like real life Ken dolls. In some ways, I enjoy styling more than designing.
Clothes can tell you almost everything about a person.
Like today, my clothes are like a shield from a shitty day.
My heels are high. My skirt is short black leather, and my white blouse is perfectly starched. It also makes my boobs look significantly bigger than they are.
Thank God for push-up bras.
I carefully cross my legs as I sit in the icy-blue velvet chair opposite Everly’s desk, careful not to spill my black coffee. I like my sweets in the form of food. Not drink.
Caffeine should be strong and dark and freshly ground with a splash of cream.
Notgive you a cavitylike Everly’s will.
“You look terrible, Cait. Did you get any sleep?” She leans back in her chair and hums as the caffeine hits her bloodstream. “Ohh...” A calculated smile stretches across her face. “Or did you not get any sleep because you werebusy?”
“Excuse me? Glass house meet stone... I do not look terrible. I look tired, thank you very much. I didn’t sleep well last night.” It’s not like I can tell her I didn’t exactly sleep alone for the majority of the night. Not with how close she is with Callen and Maddox.
I swear this whole damn town is interconnected.
And gossip spreads like wildfire.
Next thing I know, theKroydon Kronicleswill be talking about it.
Whateveritis.
I think back to my fight with Callen and the complete lack of sleep I got after and wonder,for the millionth time, what I could have done differently.
The answer is everything.
How the hell did this weekend go so wrong?
“Listen... I have three kids keeping me awake at night.” She picks up her sketchbook and tosses it my way.
A dark, deep purple ball gown is sketched, but nothing about it looks at all like one of Everly’s typical wedding gowns. “What’s this?”
She raises a perfectly arched blonde eyebrow.
“I swear to God, Everly. If you say a design, I’ll make sure my mother never serves you another cup of coffee again.” That’s basically the seventh level of hell for my overly caffeinated boss.
The bitch laughs.
“I hate you,” I quip back, joking. Well, for the most part. I don’t hate her. I grew up in constant awe of her and her twin sister, Grace. They were pretty and popular with a million friends, and Maddox and Callen adored them. The twins were allowed to do everything with the guys, unlike me.
But that’s what happens when your moms are best friends.
My mom actually saved her mom’s life when she was pregnant with Everly and Grace.
What can I say... my mom’s a great shot.
I mean, I’m better. But with Amelia Beneventi as a mother, it’s expected.
