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“Don’t do it,” Haleywarns.
“I have to doit.”
“Serena—”
“She’s marrying Jax Jamieson,” I saysmoothly.
The attendant’s eyes go wide. “I’m sorry. Let me get you a privateroom.”
After Haley slips into the dressing room to change, Beck drops onto the seat next to me and pulls out hisphone.
I think he’s going to sit in silence, but he says, “Sorry Dad found out about the permission form. I didn’t know he’d be at school that day.” His gaze lingers on my cheek as if he’s remembering the confrontation. “You didn’t need to cover forme.”
I straighten, crossing to the closest rack of gowns a few feet away. “I know it’s not easy living with them. And you’re family. I only have onebrother.”
He drags a heel along the cream carpet as I flip through the other dresses. “I want to be an actor,” hesays.
My hand stills on an off-the-shoulder gown. “Like do commercials orsomething?”
“No. Movies, maybe. But stage, definitely.” I turn on my heel, taking in his wary expression. “NYU has a summer program. Auditions are next month—I already have theschedule.”
I stare at him, surprised. “I know Mom and Dad can be pretty extra, but if you play along through college, everything will beeasier.”
“Maybe I don’t want it to be easier.” He looks at me. “I want to explore and not have to meet anyone’s expectations. There’s so many fuckingrules.”
Beck shifts off to wander the store, and I turn his words over in mymind.
A text has my phonebuzzing.
It’s not the person I was hoping to hear from, but it’s notbad.
Jax:How’sshopping?
Rena:Excellent. If I let her outside the way she looks right now, yours will be one of many marriageproposals.
My phone rings,and I pick it up. “It was ajoke.”
His voice, half smooth and half rough, comes down the line. “Some things you don’t jokeabout.”
I’m about to respond when a flash of white catches my attention, and I look up. “Oh myGod.”
“What?” Jaxdemands.
“Nothing. You’re going to name your firstborn after me. Which, if he or she’s not conceived the night of your wedding? Means you’re officially crazy. Later, Jax.” I hang up before he can protest. “You lookgorgeous!”
“I love it.” Haley grins. And it’s just her style. Simple straps, a straight neckline, lace on thebottom.
“What do you think?” the saleswomanasks.
“I think I might wear it every day,” Haley admits, turning in front of themirror.
“Let me get the champagne.” The woman bustles toward the otherroom.
“Where’s Beck?” Haleyasks.
I glance back and double-take.
Beck’s standing on a pouf in a wedding dress. He smooths his hair back off hisface.
