Total pages in book: 26
Estimated words: 24127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 121(@200wpm)___ 97(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 121(@200wpm)___ 97(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
I can’t go to the party. My stepbrothers would freak out, but I can pretend for the moment. Fiona’s head is clear, and I’ll go along with anything to keep it that way.
“Are you trying to marry me off?” I tease, picking up Jaq from my lap. I carry him over to the cat tree and set him on top with his brother Gus.
I found the two of them a year ago. They must have gotten through the gate and onto the property. They were so tiny that I had to bottle-feed them at first. I give Gus a scratch on his head, and although he’s a bit fluffier than his brother, he loves his snacks, and I can’t fault him for that.
“I don’t think I’ll have to try. They’ll be all over you.”
“Right,” I laugh.
“What's so funny? Boobs and ass for days.” I burst into laughter. Fiona is tall and thin. “Isn’t that what men are into these days?”
“I think everyone has their own tastes,” I respond, because I haven’t a clue what men are into besides money and power.
“What’s yours?” She grabs my hand to hurry me along to get ready.
“Loving.” It’s the first thing that comes to mind as I follow Fiona down the long hallway into her suite. There are people waiting when we walk in, and I’m taken aback. They look like they could be pieces of art.
“Oh, you were right,” the man says before coming over to me. He grabs my chin and tilts my face back and forth. “A little shine to give her some sparkle. But yes, we should keep her natural for the most part. Your skin is perfect. What do you use?”
“Soap?” I say, and he laughs.
“I’m Mic.” Now he’s the one pulling me over to a chair.
“And I’m Nova.” The lady introduces herself. Of course she has a cool name. Her hair is waves of purple and pink. “Is this virgin hair?” she asks as she threads her fingers through my locks.
“What?” I try not to stutter.
“You’ve never dyed or done anything to it?”
“Oh no. I haven’t.”
“It’s so healthy.” Nova sounds excited about this.
“So—” Fiona picks up where we left off. “What else do you want in a man besides loving? Anyone would love you, sweetheart. What kind of man are you attracted to?” Both the stylists are working on me, but I know they’re listening.
“I have a thing for short men,” Mic says, breaking the ice.
“Because he wants to be in control.” Nova rolls her eyes but is smirking.
“I think I’d like someone in control,” I admit, but my words are almost a whisper. I can’t believe I said it out loud to begin with.
“Girl, me too.” Nova brushes my hair, making me relax.
The next hour is the most fun I’ve had in a long time, and I don’t want it to end.
“Holy crap,” I say when I see myself in the mirror. It’s me, but Mic has highlighted some of my features. He made me shine as he said he would, and Nova gave my hair gorgeous waves.
“I know, right? Fiona nailed it.” Mic stares smugly at me in the mirror while he admires his work.
“Nailed what?”
“She said natural for you,” Nova answers. “The best look is one that appears effortless. I could never pull that off, but you got it.”
“You’re all going to inflate my ego.”
“Good.” Mic winks at me before they both pack up, and we say our goodbyes. Fiona is already dressed, so she’s ready to go.
“Are you ready to put your dress on?” Fiona asks. I honestly didn’t think we’d make it this far. How do I tell her I don’t have one and that I’m not invited?
“I’m not sure I should go. It’s Matthew and Jace’s night.” Fiona's expression turns confused, and I wonder if I might be losing her.
“What are you talking about? You’re a Cinder.”
“My dress didn’t get done in time either,” I blurt out, not wanting to do this. My makeup is perfect, and the last hour has been so lovely. I don’t want to end it in tears.
“I thought you might try that on me.” She grabs my hand. “You know that you could be your mother’s clone,” she says, surprising me. That was not what I thought she was going to say.
“Yes, I’ve heard many people say that.” I’ve gotten a few double-takes before.
“So I picked something out from her collection.” Fiona disappears into her closet before coming back a moment later with a pale blue dress. There are tiny crystals all over it, making it shimmer in the light.
“This was my mom’s?” I run my finger down the soft material in awe.
“Yes, your father kept all of her things for you. I thought tonight might be the perfect night to wear one in her honor.”
Once again, I fight back tears. Fiona has always been so kind when it comes to my mom. There was never jealousy or her trying to wash her from our home. The same can’t be said for her sons, and I often thought she and my father were friends more than anything.