34. Vani
34
VANI
I ’m back in my room, trying to figure out where I should go shopping. I wasn’t joking when I told them I’m terrible at it. When I find an item of clothing I like, I just keep buying the same thing, or, if I’m feeling really wild, I might try it in a different color.
I grind my teeth and try to convince myself I can manage. If I can take on crazy girls and men with guns, I can sure as hell manage a shopping trip. Still, it’s not my natural territory, and I always feel as if the stuck-up store girls in the designer places are judging me.
I appreciate Saint giving me his Amex, but it’s not like I don’t have my own money—I do. I’ve just never been a big spender, unless it’s on leathers and bike parts…oh, and ink. I’ve definitely spent a small fortune on that.
The thought sparks an idea, and I press a smile between my lips, wondering if I should do it. Would they think it’s a step too far?
I’m distracted by a knock at my door. I smile to myself again, thinking it’s probably one of the guys. It’s like they can’t be without me for a minute—not that I mind.
But I open the door to find Mackenzie standing there—beautiful, tall, skinny, blonde Mackenzie who is in every way opposite to me, except for one.
She has three men, too.
“Hey.” She flashes a white smile. “I heard there’s going to be a party.”
I’m surprised the Vipers have invited the Devils, but then I remember how they said they wanted everyone to know about us. I guess that includes the Devils, too.
“Yeah, I’m supposed to go shopping for a dress,” I admit, “but I have no idea what I’m doing. It’s totally not my scene.”
I didn’t think it was possible, but her expression brightens even further. “It’s totally my scene. I can help.”
My heart lifts. “Really? Are you sure?”
“Of course. It’ll be fun. Gets me away from diapers and bottles for the day. The boys can handle it.”
“Girls’ day?” I hope my voice doesn’t sound as pathetically hopeful as it does in my head.
“I’d love that. We definitely deserve a girls’ day after being around so many men all the time.”
She throws me a wink.
“It’s a date, then,” I say.
“Meet me by my car, nine a.m. tomorrow.”
She gives me a little wave then strolls off. I feel a bit like I’ve just met a celebrity, starstruck and in awe. Mackenzie actually wants to spend time with me, like we’re friends or something.
I could certainly use a friend right now.
The following morning, the day of the party, I’m waiting at the car before Mackenzie even gets there. I expect she’s caught up with the baby, but I’m still anxious that she’s not going to show. I’m struggling to convince myself that someone like her would want to be friends with someone like me.
But then she appears, trotting down the stairs and across the gravel, her long hair caught up in a high ponytail and swinging as she moves.
“Hey!” She leans in and gives me a hug. “Sorry I’m late. Kirill borrowed my car and then couldn’t find where he’d put the keys.” She rolls her eyes good-naturedly.
“That’s okay. You’re right on time. I was just early.”
“You ready to shop ’til we drop?” She hits the button on the fob, and the car beeps as it unlocks, the headlights flashing.
“Not really, but I’m putting myself in your safe hands.”
“I’ve made a hair and nail appointment for us both as well,” she confesses as we slide inside the vehicle. “I hope I didn’t overstep.”
“I’ve never had my nails done.”
Her jaw drops. “What? Well, then, today will be a treat.”
It will be a treat, but not for the reasons she’s saying. Just getting to spend some girl-time with someone I know I can actually trust is all the treat I need. But Mackenzie seems super-hyped about the day, and that gets me excited about it as well. I discover I’m not dreading it like I was only an hour ago.
“The biggest mall is a good hour and a half away,” she tells me as we leave the grounds of Verona Falls. “I hope that’s okay.”
“Sure.”
She puts on some music as she drives, and though it’s not my style—more pop than rock—I find myself singing along, until both of us are singing at the tops of our voices. I realize I’m having fun, and we haven’t even reached the mall yet.
The drive flies by, and soon enough we’re parking in the lot and heading inside. Mackenzie whisks me from store to store, shoving armfuls of clothes and shoes and bags at me, and making me try stuff on. I have to admit, almost everything she picks is perfect. She has an eye for style, and I find myself loving almost everything.
I try on an emerald green dress. The neckline is a deep V and makes my boobs look amazing. It’s ruched at the waist, and disguises my belly, even though it’s close fitting enough to hug my curves. There’s a dangerously high slit on the side, and Mackenzie shoves a pair of silver pumps through the curtain for my feet. I slip the shoes on and gasp. Turning myself from side to side, I can barely believe this is me. I look incredible. Like a total sex-kitten. The pumps elongate my legs, and the color of the dress looks perfect against my dark hair.
I pull back the curtain to show Mackenzie. Her eyes widen as she takes me in, and she claps a hand over her mouth.
“Oh, my, God. You look fucking amazing. The Vipers are going to lose their minds.”
“Do you think?” I ask, still posing, because I’m really just fishing for compliments. I can tell how good this dress looks.
“Definitely. That’s the one. You need to get the shoes, too, and I found you a purse.”
She hands me the tiniest purse I’ve ever seen. It’s silver to match the shoes, with a delicate chain and a discrete logo I don’t recognize on the clasp. I can fit my phone, a credit card, and maybe a lip gloss at the most, but then I realize I don’t need much else.
I check the price on everything and almost pass out. The purse alone costs as much as some people’s vehicles. Oh my God, I can’t spend that kind of money on an outfit. But then I think of Saint and how happy he’ll be to see me in designer gear and know he was the one who bought it for me. I won’t change my style in general; I love my jeans and leathers. But for one night? I can show him that I’ve dressed for him.
Ten minutes later, we’re walking out of the store, the designer bag containing my new clothes swinging at my side.
Mackenzie loops her arm through mine. “Let’s grab some lunch, and then we can get to our hair appointment.”
We end up at a sushi bar, eating our way through the menu and chatting like old friends. She tucks a stray lock of shiny blonde hair behind her ear.
“So,” she says, bringing up the elephant in the room, “you and the Vipers are definitely a thing now?”
I release a breath. “Yeah, we are. They’re going to do some kind of announcement to everyone at the party.”
She giggles. “Like a coming out party.”
I can’t help laughing. “Yeah, but for all four of us.” I fall silent and poke my chopsticks into a Californian roll. “It hasn’t all been easy, though, you know. I’m sure we’ve still got challenges ahead. Our families…”
I haven’t been back to see my dad yet. I keep putting it off because I don’t really want to face him. It’s impossible to know how the guys’ families are going to react to all of this as well—especially Saint and Lex’s dad. It won’t go down well to learn the twins are sharing a woman. Their dad would probably have preferred it if Saint had married Angelica.
She covers my hand with hers. “It won’t be easy, but, Vani, even when things with these men are at their worst, they’re always worth it.”
We hold each other’s gaze and smile.
“Thanks, Mackenzie.”
“Ready to get your nails done?” she asks.
I jump off my stool. “Absolutely. And after that, if we’ve got time, there’s one other place I’d like to stop by.”