Page 52 of Kiss Slay Replay

“I…Your cabin door was open.”

“Oh yeah. It’s not really latching. My mom threw a little fit, but I said it’s fine, right? We’re all friends here,” she says, attempting to remove her birdcage veil. It gets stuck, which gives me an idea.

“I thought you might want help changing. I assumed you were in here. Because the door. Because it was open.” Good for me.

“That’s so thoughtful of you! Oh, I’m sorry we came in all—”

“No, no, no. It’s my fault,” I say. “Completely invaded your privacy.”

“Don’t be silly,” she says. “I really could use your help getting into my jumpsuit. And touching up my makeup, please with sugar?”

“Of course. Do you want me to give you two a minute first or…”

“Nah. I’m supposed to be looking for…Ah. There it is.” Jason grabs a small satin clutch off the nightstand.

I click my tongue. “You looked good before, Jace, but I have to say the bag really makes the outfit.”

He laughs. “My mom’s. I told her she must have left it in here. All right. I should get this to her; it’s got her meds. See you in a few. Love you!”

“Love you! Bye!” Steph says, blowing him kisses as he jogs out the door. She turns to me. “What did you think of the ceremony? Too long?”

Her eyes are wide and pretty, sweetly searching mine for approval. Her eyes, her eyes, her eyes, her eyes, her eyes.

“Not at all. It was perfect. Perfect.”

5

I help Stephanie change into her reception jumpsuit, assist with zippers and buttons. I reapply her lipstick, sweep some highlighter across her cheekbones, then sit on the lip of the tub while she studies her reflection, smooths some stubborn flyaways. I don’t let on how nervous I am that the second we leave this cabin we’ll be assaulted by a mysterious figure in all black.

But we walk out no problem. I escort her back to the reception hall, where people start to file inside for dinner.

Jace stands on the steps, talking with Luke and Evan and Wyatt. Cass is stuck in conversation with Vicky, looking fucking miserable. Cass holds the record for worst poker face. Luckily, Vicky is dense, too self-absorbed for social cues.

Ravi and Tanya have been cornered by Olivia and are probably getting an earful about Tuscan wine.

Danny is…I don’t see Danny.

“It makes me so emotional,” Steph says, wiping a tear with her pinkie finger. “Seeing everyone I love here in one place.”

“I agree it’s very nice, but you’re not allowed to cry. It’ll ruin your makeup.”

“It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to.” She wraps her arms around my waist and squeezes. “Oh, I love you! I love you, I love you.”

“You’re just love drunk.” Everyone watches us as we pass, complimenting Steph’s outfit change. She’s the bride, the center of attention, the center of the universe. I’m just a hanger-on. Which is fine. I don’t want the attention. I don’t even like being attention-adjacent.

I decide to take mercy on Cassie, despite the lingering bitterness. I set Steph free and head off on my rescue mission. “Hi! Sorry to interrupt. Vicky! It’s so good to see you!”

Cass mouths thank you before vanishing in a puff of minty vapor.

“Oh my God! Willa, you gorgeous thing! Hi! Gimme a hug.” I’m distracted by her veneers—they’re astonishingly white.

I should be relieved that the night is going a different way, but the violence of the dream replays in my head, a nightmare I’ll forever be alone with. I’m sure it’ll fade with time, but time isn’t passing fast enough. I’m right in front of Vicky and she’s fine, but all I can see is her dying. Her extensions being ripped out. Her neck getting sliced open on the lawn.

Yes, she made some questionable choices in college. Yes, she’s an easy target because she’s over-the-top superficial with a penchant for filler and a vocal fry. But she’s just out here doing her best. Everyone’s so tough on her.

“You look amazing,” I tell her.

“Stop! You do!” she says. “I was sorry to hear about you and Ravi. I saw him with that girl and was like, what?”