He only nodded and pushed past us. He was leaning against the wall next to the door when we followed him in. We both took positions across from him on the couch. I wanted to make things better for him, but I didn’t know how. I thought of Marisa and how well she took it. When she talked about Sadie she seemed so grown up. I was surprised by how mature she had been. An idea entered my mind and I excused myself to make a call.
About five minutes later, there was a knock at the door. Since Nathan was standing in front of it he opened it. Marisa stood on the porch, the moonlight shone on her face showing tiny freckles on her nose. Her black hair almost faded into the night. She was smiling shyly at the boy she hardly knew. “Can we take a walk?” she asked Nathan.
He looked surprised by her question, but instead of answering he only nodded sadly. He turned to Nate, the sorrow still in his eyes before he stepped out onto the porch.
I closed the door behind them softly and leaned against it. “He’ll be fine Nate.”
He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply. “I hope so. Did you call her?”
“Yes.”
“Thank you,” he breathed out in a tired sigh.
Sadie came back shortly after Marisa left and she watched the rest of the movie with us. I had to admit she was fun to have around. When she and Nate got talking about the good old days, I couldn’t help but wish I’d known them back then. It would have been wonderful to start Riley House together. To be part of developing such an important institution must have been amazing. I knew how much I loved helping the residents, it was a feeling I never knew until just before I got together with Nate. I was thankful that we had something so great in common.
Nathan didn’t come back, but Marisa texted me around midnight saying that Nathan was doing better and he planned to talk to Nate in the morning.
We called it a night shortly after. Sadie disappeared into the guestroom, while Nate and I retired to our own.
Chapter Seventeen
Dress-Up
The next morning our group of girls loaded up in my car and we headed to my parent’s house. The mansion was a buzz of activity with workers decorating for the evening. The rooms were decked out with a myriad of lilacs and white roses, my favorite flowers. The smell in the house was breathtaking.
My parents were nowhere to be seen as I ushered my friends into my room. I was tempted to go see Mona, but I was afraid of how she would react. She always got horribly nervous when my parents threw big events. I had learned to stay out of the kitchen when I was around twelve and my normally relaxed and funny Nanny-turned-cook bit my head off just because I had taken a puff pastry off of a tray. Once all the food was prepared she’d turn back to the loving, sarcastic woman I loved.
“Wow,” I heard Marisa exclaim as she entered the room before me. “It’s huge in here.” I grinned at Lauren as we stepped over the threshold. “You have your own bathroom and walk-in closet!” She spun around to face me as we entered; her eyes were bright with excitement. “Why did you move out?”
I was about to answer her when I stopped short. In the center of my room, stood a roller rack filled with dresses and a note taped to the top. Tears sprang to my eyes at the words that were written on it:
Mona told me you were coming today to lend dresses to your friends.
I had Meryl bring in a few new ones to loan for the night.
You girls can pick whatever you like. Have fun!
I’m sorry I ruined your wedding. I want to make it up to you.
By the way, I hope you choose the ivory one.
I have dreamed of seeing you in a wedding dress since you were a baby.
This is close enough.
Love Mom.
“Wow, what’s gotten into your mom?” Lauren asked, reading the letter over my shoulder. I could feel her breath puffing against my neck since I was wearing it up in a tail.
“I don’t know,” I choked out. “I finally told her how I felt when I got home from Vegas. Maybe she feels guilty.”
“You what?” Lauren practically yelled at me.
I looked up from the note in my hand, turning to face my best friend in confusion. “Why are you yelling?” I asked instead of answering her, not sure what she meant.
“You told your mother how you feel after all these years of taking her shit and you never told me?” Her words were laced with a mixture of hurt and anger.
Sadie and Marisa exchanged glances and moved to the rack to sift through it.
I furrowed my brows, unsure why she was so upset. “I’m sorry, I forgot. I was busy with the shelter and then Adrian called. I hadn’t spoken to you in a while.”
Her face softened slightly as she gripped my shoulders, her fingers digging into my skin. Her scent wafted into my nostrils.
“Ow,” I said dryly and she loosened her grip.
“So, tell me what happened.”
I sighed, not seeing a way out of this explanation. I pulled out of her grip and fell onto the edge of the bed. “She came to the cottage the day we got back from our honeymoon and threw a hissy fit.” I proceeded to tell her what happened that day and she was as surprised as I had been by my mother’s reaction.
“Do you think she’s changed?” Lauren asked over the noise of clinking hangers and squeals from Marisa.
“Maybe a little. She’s been planning the reception how I wanted with Mona.” When Lauren’s eyebrows rose, I added, “But she called when I was on the road with Adrian and she flipped out again. She said that if I didn’t make it back in time for the reception she’d never speak to me again.”
“It sounds like she wants to change, but doesn’t know how,” Sadie observed. I didn’t think she was paying attention. Marisa had been pulling dress after dress off the rack.
“At least she’s trying,” Lauren commented, her voice warm and comforting.
I looked back down at the paper that I was still grasping in my hand and felt my heart clench. Could she be really reaching out to me just when I will eventually have to leave? I was a werewolf now. I couldn’t stay here forever. I brushed away the traitorous tears from my face, stuffed the note into the pocket of my jean shorts and focused on Marisa. She stood frozen with a hot pink dress held up against her. She was staring at me with concern in her eyes. “I’m fine. Did you find one you like?” I asked, hoping to lighten the heavy mood that had fallen over us.
“How could I pick just one, they’re all so beautiful. I’ve only seen dresses like these on TV.”
Sadie winced at her words as she sat down next to me. I put a hand on her shoulder and squeezed, leaning in to whisper in her ear. “Love and support is better than money and presents. I should know.”
Sadie smiled sadly and mouthed the words ‘thank you’.
“Lauren, how is Nathan doing? He was upset when I sent him off with Marisa,” I asked, hoping I had done the right thing. He was so upset and tormented last night I was afraid for my new family’s dynamic.
Lauren gazed at Mari and smiled, taking a seat in the chair near the windows. “He’s much better after his talk with her. What did you say to him?”
“I just told him my story. And when I explained how much I loved Sadie and wouldn’t let the fact that she wasn’t exactly human effect the way I saw her, he seemed to relax a little. He thanked me and left shortly after.” She shrugged her shoulders dismissing her actions. Sadie’s eyes watered with unshed tears. It was clear how much Marisa’s words had affected her.
“Are we going to pick out dresses or talk about our feelings?” Marisa asked, seeming uncomfortable with the emotions that were flowing around the room.
Taking her cue, I stood up and held out a soft pink dress with a flowered strap and two big flowers adorning the side and skirt. There was also a chiffon train that could be removed. “This looks perfect for you.” I suggested.
Mari touched the soft material. “It is pretty, but I was hoping for something longer, so I could look more grown up.”
Sadie groaned as she joined us
. “Don’t rush it honey, just enjoy your life.” She took the dress from me and shoved it at the girl. “Try it on. I think it will look adorable on you.”
Marisa rolled her eyes. “That’s what I’m afraid of.” She took the dress anyway and slipped into my closet. I sat back on the bed and watched my friends shop. It wasn’t exactly my favorite thing to do. However, I did enjoy finding dresses or clothes for others who enjoyed it more, especially if they couldn’t afford them on their own. I loved how girl’s eyes lit up at the shelter when I would bring in clothes that I never wore or had outgrown. It brought me joy to make someone happy with something I no longer wanted.
“Aren’t you going to look for one to wear?” Lauren asked me, holding a light gray beaded maxi dress.
“I will, but I like watching you guys. I’ll just take what’s left.”
She shook her head at me. “She’s not really into clothes,” she explained to Sadie.
“You wouldn’t be either if you were given designer outfits instead of love.”
Lauren held the dress up to her body and looked in the mirror. “True,” she agreed simply.
Sadie stopped her perusal of the dresses and smiled at me. “I’m not into fashion either. I admit that I’m stuck in the sixties. I don’t see the need to fuss over what goes on my body when there is so much more that needs my attention.”
“And when she says she’s stuck in the sixties, that means it’s the last time she went shopping,” Marisa added as she emerged from my closet. The short pink dress looked cute. The color was such a contrast to her midnight black hair, it definitely made a statement.
Sadie stuck her tongue out at Marisa and then grinned. “Oh Mari, you look beautiful.”
She really did, but when she stood in front of the mirror she frowned. “I look like I’m eight.”
“No you don’t, you look adorable,” Sadie assured her, not knowing that using that word would be the kiss of death for that dress. Fifteen-year-olds wanted to look older. They did not want to be called something that could be used for a two-year-old as well.
“Gah!” Mari cringed at the word, like I knew she would. She reached into the rack and pulled out the hot pink dress she had clung to earlier. She held it behind her so we couldn’t see exactly what it looked like. “I want to wear this one.”
“Hold it up so we can see,” Sadie instructed as she sat down next to me, obviously giving up on looking.
Marisa shook her head. “No, I’m going to try it on first.” She turned to Lauren. “Are you trying that one on?” she asked when she saw Lauren staring in the mirror holding a rust colored dress.
Lauren nodded. “I think so.”
“Let’s go.” Mari motioned with her head to my closet and they disappeared together to try the dresses in their arms.
I leaned back, my hands stretched out onto the soft, lilac colored duvet that now covered my bed. “Go ahead Sadie, try a few on. That’s why we’re here.”
She scrunched up her face. “I’m kind of out of my element. Before I was turned, I went to parties like this. My family were also lawyers and I was going to be one myself. But that was sixty years ago. There are not a lot of chances to dress up when you’re on the run and I never had jobs that paid enough to spend that much on clothes. I feel bad that I couldn’t afford to buy much of anything for Marisa.”
I sat up and tucked my hair behind my ear. “I’m sure she had all she needed,” I reassured her, reaching out to pat her knee. “You did a good job with her, I can tell. Stop second-guessing yourself.”
She pressed her lips together and ducked her head, her braid falling over her shoulder.
I hopped off the bed, feeling suddenly close to this girl who berated herself so often. The image of the wolf that had bothered me before disappeared. Adrian was right; she responded in the moment, it wasn’t who she truly was. I pulled a purple pleated chiffon gown that had a high neckline. With her skin tone the color would look great. “Here try this on. You’ll blow Adrian away.”
She stood up and took the dress from me, holding it out like it smelled rotten. “I don’t think that’s possible. He still hates me for keeping him from his sister and I don’t blame him.”
I was going to argue, but I knew she was right. “Just because he hasn’t forgiven you, doesn’t mean you can’t torture him. You’re his mate and when he sees you all dolled up, he’ll drool like the wolf he is.”
Sadie grinned, her eyes shining brightly. “Okay.” She took the dress from me just as the girls came out of the closet.
My mouth dropped open at the sight of Mari.
A low growl rumbled in Sadie’s chest, her eyes narrowed, but thankfully they weren’t yellow. “Not a chance in hell,” she said to Mari who was smiling from ear to ear.
“Whoa, calm down Mama Wolf,” I laughed at Sadie’s response. Sure I agreed with her that Mari would not be wearing that, but no need to growl.
“What?” Mari asked, standing in front of the mirror wearing the hot pink keyhole spaghetti strap dress with a beaded bodice. There was a high ruffled slit that exposed most of her right leg.
“You’re not wearing a dress that shows your stomach and your leg,” Sadie answered her without growling.
Marisa’s face lit up. “Why not? I think it’s sexy.”
“That is exactly why you’re not wearing it.”
I couldn’t help picture Adrian’s face if she walked into the party with that on. I laughed to myself at the image.
Everyone’s attention shifted to me. “What’s so funny?” Lauren asked.
“I was just imagining Adrian’s reaction if she wore that.”
All the girls except Mari laughed out loud.
“His head would explode and then he’d yell at me for letting her,” Sadie agreed, still holding the dress I had picked out for her.
Marisa pouted and then twirled around the room, the bright pink material billowing out around her.
“Sadie, you go try that on. I’ll find something else for Mari.” Once she disappeared into the closet, I turned to Lauren. “That looks amazing on you.”
She smiled, her face washing with happiness. “Yeah, I like it. I might try on some more though.”
I pulled a royal blue and yellow dress and handed it to Marisa. “Here, take this. I think it’s a good comprise from what both you and Sadie want.”
She gazed longingly in the mirror before taking the garment in my hand. “Fine,” she mumbled.
As she ducked into the closet, Sadie was just leaving wearing the dress. She looked beautiful. The color was perfect. “What do you think?” I asked her.
She smiled widely. “I feel like a little girl playing dress up.” She stood in front of the mirror and twirled around, the skirt of the dress ballooned out around her. “I’m much more comfortable in t-shirts and faded jeans.”
“You look hot,” Lauren observed. “Adrian’s going to have puppies.”
Sadie gazed at herself and grinned wickedly. “You think he’ll even notice?”
I scoffed at her. “He’d have to be dead not to. But, I’m not sure about the style on you.”
Lauren studied Sadie’s appearance. “You’re right, it does kind of swallow her up.”
I pulled out the only other purple dress and after looking at it, I knew it was the one. “This will look better.”
Marisa rushed out of the closet as Sadie was taking the dress out of my hands. “Oooh, I love it.” She stood in front of the mirror and twirled. The dress was perfect. The top was yellow halter style and the bottom was a beaded royal blue with a yellow ruffle running down the center. There was a slit in this one as well, but since it only went as high as the knee, it showed off the yellow material inside instead of the little bit of leg that was exposed.
“Oh Mari, its perfect,” Sadie said softly, her approval shining in her dark eyes.
Marisa smiled, her whole face lighting up. “Can I use this one?” she asked me.
I nodded. “Of course, it looks like it
was made for you.”
Lauren took the light gray one she had in her hand earlier and slipped into the closet with Sadie.
“How is Joe doing, Lauren? Is he upset at Nate?” I asked, knowing she would hear me through the door.
I could hear her loud sigh from the closet. “Yeah, he is. He said he hated that Nate was angry with him and he should have told him a while ago. But he was worried about Sebastian. He’s never met anyone like him and didn’t want to.” She was being cryptic because of Marisa. She knew about us werewolves, but we didn’t think she was ready to know about Vampires. I wasn’t ready to know about them, the idea still creeped me out.
“I don’t blame him,” Sadie said as she emerged from the closet, wearing the purple chiffon dress with a flowered neckline halter.
“Wow, that looks awesome Sadie,” Marisa beamed, still standing in front of the mirror. I wasn’t sure that we’d be able to pull her away from it or get her to take the dress off.
She was right though, the color was the same as the last dress, but the style suited her more. “That’s the one.” I couldn’t wait to see Adrian’s reaction.
Sadie grinned and her face lit up, a nice change from her earlier gloomy expression. “Yeah, I like this one too.”
I nodded. “Well that’s two down.” I moved to the closet and turned the knob. “How about you, Lauren?”
She stepped out wearing the maxi dress and she looked awesome. “What do you think?”
“It looks great, but I think my mother mentioned that she was wearing gray.”
Lauren moved passed me to stand in the mirror.
“I like the rust one better,” Marisa commented, holding her hair up and twisting around in front of the mirror, her long inky tresses hanging over her arms.
Lauren spun on me. “What do you think?”
I considered her appearance and even though she looked great, the rust was better for her sand colored hair. “I agree with Marisa.”
“Okay, the rust one it is.”
“What about you?” Lauren asked me, admiring herself behind Marisa.
I pulled out a black and pink one I had my eye on and slipped into our makeshift change room. When I emerged, Lauren whistled. “Wow, speaking of hot. Nate will fall over his tongue when he sees you in that one.”
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