Total pages in book: 132
Estimated words: 124923 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124923 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
“What are you wearing?” she asks, sounding horrified. Being Claudia’s daughter is a constant balancing act of being smart enough to make her look good, but never smarter than her. Having enough accomplishments to make her seem like mother of the year, but never surpassing her own achievements. Looking pretty enough so as not to embarrass her, but never more beautiful.
“The shoes go perfectly with the dress, don’t you think?” I point my toes, admiring the transparent pumps. They really are perfect with this dress.
“The shoes aren’t the problem.”
“What?” I ask drily, smoothing my hand down the delicate material. “You don’t like? You told me to dress nice.”
“Please,” she scoffs. “You don’t look nice, Valentina. You look like a slutty baked potato. Wait until your father sees you.”
I lift one shoulder in a shrug, letting her insult roll off my back. “I’m sure that won’t stop you from trying to borrow it in a week or so.” I used to walk on eggshells with her, filtering every word that came out of my mouth because no matter how innocuous they were, my mother knew how to twist anything into a reason to be insulted or offended. Which then led to days or even months of the silent treatment. Back then, it seemed like the worst possible punishment. Now, it seems like a vacation. With any luck, my latest infraction will earn me at least two months of peace.
She opens her mouth, preparing to spit some venom my way, but I’m saved from her vitriol when her fiancé Lawrence joins her side.
“Happy New Year, Valen,” he says, leaning in—probably to kiss my cheek—before thinking better of it and giving my shoulder a squeeze instead when it’s clear that it wouldn’t be a welcomed gesture. I’ve never been the touchy-feely type, and he knows it. It was a slipup, a polite introduction that he’s probably replicated thirty times tonight alone, I’m sure. This one doesn’t try to force it. I appreciate him for it. I also appreciate the way his gaze stays at eye level, never venturing below my shoulders.
The bar really is in hell.
I smile at him, thankful for the interruption if nothing else.
“Your mother tells me you had quite the adventure. She worried herself into a frenzy.”
“I bet she did,” I mutter, taking a swig too big to be considered ladylike. I’m too busy polishing off the rest of my drink, champagne flute tilted to the ceiling, to notice the pair of men approaching. My mother and Lawrence greet them, and then she introduces me with a firm shove in the back in a not-so-subtle warning to get my shit together. I almost choke on the effervescent liquid, slapping a hand to my chest as I try not to sputter in front of whomever she so clearly wants me to impress.
When I look up, I see an older man with brown hair that’s slightly graying around the temples. Next to him is the younger version of him but with sandy blond hair and familiar blue eyes that aren’t yet hardened by life. Liam. His father looks at me with amusement, seemingly unbothered by my lack of decorum.
“Valen,” Liam says in greeting before he leans down to kiss my cheek. I flinch away a second too late, still caught off guard by his presence. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that he’s here. Massachusetts’ elite run in the same circles, after all. “You remember my father.”
“Of course,” I say, forcing a smile. “It’s good to see you, Conrad.”
“Lawrence tells me you’re at Hadley now,” his father says. “You’re only, what, an hour and a half away from Northeastern? I’m surprised you and Liam haven’t reconnected yet.”
“I’m sure Liam has his hands full.” Literally. They all chuckle, thinking I’m joking, but Liam clears his throat, tugging at his collar.
“What are you majoring in?” Conrad asks. Why so many questions? I think this is the most consecutive words we’ve ever exchanged. “I hear their computer science program is pretty impressive.”
“I’m still undecided, but I can promise you it will have nothing to do with computer science.” The comment is meant to be self-deprecating, but it comes off bitchy instead. There’s a moment where no one speaks, but I don’t bother to clarify to save face. My mom lets out an awkward laugh that breaks the silence.
“Well then, it’s a good thing you’re pretty,” Conrad quips.
My eyebrows shoot up, my mouth opening to respond, but my mom cuts in, knowing whatever I’m about to say won’t be polite.
“Liam’s interning for Lawrence at Bay State Investments,” my mom says, as if that’s supposed to impress me. “Small world, huh?” I narrow my eyes at her in warning. I can smell her intentions a mile away.
“Which is why I haven’t had much time for socializing. But seeing as how I have tonight off, I could use one of those.” Liam gives my empty glass a pointed look before plucking it from my grasp. “Can I get you another drink while I’m at it?”