Page 94 of Sticks and Stones (Shadow Valley U)
“You left before I got out of the shower.” Wren leans on the doorway into the kitchen, her arms crossed.
She and Evan had some sibling bonding lunch or something. They were going to talk to his parents and make sure everything seemed okay with them. And she’s right—I had shit to do, so I left while she was taking an extra-long shower.
I close my laptop and hop up from the table. “I’ve got something to show you.”
“Okaaaay.” She narrows her eyes and follows me upstairs. “Is it a surprise that requires being naked?”
I chuckle. “I mean…kind of.”
“I like those surprises.”
Pretty sure she’s not going to love this one.
I stop outside our room, with my hand on the knob, and face her. “We’ve got to go to a party.”
“Right.”
“My father’s birthday party.”
Wren sucks her lower lip between her teeth, contemplating. Like she has a choice in the matter. She doesn’t—I already know I have to be there, and I don’t think I can go through with asking my dad the questions I have to without her by my side.
“And that’s tonight?”
“Yeah.”
“You just found out about it?”
“Something like that,” I hedge. I don’t want to admit that I’ve been dodging calls left and right.
She nods carefully. “And you want me to meet your parents?”
“My dad and stepmom,” I correct. I take her hand and squeeze. “Plus, a million other people will be there, so it won’t be weird. I mean, maybe Martha will make it weird—”
“She’s who you were talking to this morning.”
My face is getting hot. “Yeah. Just RSVPing.”
“Uh-huh.”
I open the door and lead her in. I point to the black garment bag hanging on the back of the closet. “This is for you.”
“Oh. Stone.” She turns from it to me. “I don’t think I can—”
“Please don’t make up some excuse out of fear.” I force a laugh. “It’s just a party. Okay? Can you just try it on…”
“Fine,” she whispers.
“Great. I’m ninety-eight percent sure it’ll fit. And you’ve got three hours to get ready.” I steal a kiss from her lips and backpedal before she can hit me. “See you later.”
“Stone!”
I slam the door and hurry away. The dress I got her is formal, one the step-monster would approve of, black and glittery with a halter top and plunging neckline. Oh, and it’s backless.
Ally shows up less than twenty minutes later, glaring at me as she sweeps by and up the stairs. I chuckle to myself. I showered earlier, and my tux is in Evan’s room.
I hit play on the latest game tape—this one of a recent game between Bexley Wolves and Crown Point Hawks, who we’re playing next weekend—and settle in on the couch to pass the time.
Three hours later, I’m dressed and ready, and I wait for Wren at the bottom of the stairs.