Five
ELODIE
I look at myself in the full-length mirror, squinting as I adjust the straps of my sandals. The dress is stunning. Red. Bold. It hugs my body like it was made just for me, with a slit that runs up the front of my leg to my hip bone. The sweetheart neckline plunges in a way that makes my heart race. But I’m still not sure I’m ready for this. The whole thing , the gala, the limo, the fancy world that Kyle inhabits. It’s all so much. So different.
“I feel like I’m in a dream,” I mutter to my reflection, smoothing down the fabric of the gown.
From behind me, I hear the familiar sound of my sister, Maisie, snorting with laughter. “If this is a dream, I want in,” she says, her voice full of playful mischief. She’s sprawled on my bed, scrolling through her phone, while Lizzy, my best friend, stands at the counter, browsing Pinterest for last-minute tips on how to make the dress pop even more.
“Seriously, Elodie,” Lizzy says with wide eyes, not looking up from her phone. “Do you even understand how many A-listers are going to be at this gala? I mean, we’re talking the kind of people who have personal assistants to schedule their bathroom breaks. Kyle is basically taking you to the prom of the century.”
“Prom, huh?” I raise an eyebrow, turning my head to look at her. “That’s how you’re going to sell this? The prom?”
“Yeah, but extra ,” Lizzy grins, pointing her phone in my direction like she’s presenting evidence. “Look. According to Google, every celebrity in the book is going to be there. You’ve got movie stars, producers, directors, people who could make your career in a snap.”
I roll my eyes and fold my arms. “You really think anyone at that gala is going to care about me?”
Maisie snorts again, sitting up on the bed with a grin. “Who could not care about you? Seriously, Elodie. You’ve got this whole ‘small-town girl who’s secretly a goddess’ vibe going on. I’m pretty sure you could steal Kyle’s spotlight if you wanted to.”
I chuckle, shaking my head. “Thanks, but I’m not here to steal anyone’s spotlight. I just want to survive the evening without tripping over my heels. I’m a temporary date for a… temporary book boyfriend.”
“There’s nothing temporary about you, or tonight.” Lizzy says teasingly, tossing me a glance. “You look absolutely breathtaking. You will turn heads, I promise you that.”
The thought of turning heads makes my stomach flutter. I’ve never been the kind of girl who enjoys the attention. I prefer quiet nights, reading my romance novels in peace or spending time with the animals at the shelter. But tonight, it’s different. Tonight, I’m stepping into a world I don’t quite understand, and I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep my balance.
“Okay,” Maisie says, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “Let’s get you all dolled up. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You can’t just wear your jeans and a T-shirt, as much as I love your ‘casual chic’ vibe.”
“I’m not sure I can pull this off,” I mumble, eyeing the red cape that cascades down from my shoulders, sparkling with tiny crystals. The gown feels like it belongs on a red carpet, not on a girl who spends most of her days in boots and hard hats at the quarry.
“Nonsense,” Maisie says with a dramatic wave of her hand, as though she’s about to wave away all my doubts. “You look like a goddess. Now, let’s get this hair under control before we leave.”
Lizzy steps forward with a flat iron in her hand, grinning. “Prepare yourself. We’re going to tame that wild hair of yours and make it as silky as a shampoo commercial.”
I give her a skeptical look. “You think this will work? Because, if I’m being honest, I’m not sure even magic will make this mess into something that doesn’t look like I just woke up from a tornado.”
“You have the most gorgeous curls,” Maisie chimes in, leaning against the wall. “Trust me. We’ll work some magic .”
An hour later, after much teasing, flat-ironing, and a fair amount of giggling, my hair is tamed into soft, silky curls that bounce and shine. I can hardly believe it. The transformation is unreal. I look... different. I look good.
“Alright,” Lizzy says, stepping back with a satisfied nod. “I think you’re ready for your prince charming.”
I laugh nervously, glancing at my reflection again. “I don’t know about ‘prince charming,’ but I do know I feel ridiculously nervous.”
Maisie gives me a reassuring smile. “You’ve got this. And just remember, you’re not doing this for anyone else. You’re doing this for you. You deserve this. You deserve to feel beautiful.”
I let her words sink in, and for the first time, I feel a little lighter. I can do this. It’s not about being perfect or trying to fit into a world that doesn’t quite feel like mine but stepping outside of my comfort zone and enjoying the night for what it is, a chance to be with someone who makes me feel special, someone who sees more in me than I ever thought possible. Even if it is just temporary.
I hear the unmistakable sound of a car pulling up outside. My heart leaps in my chest, and I stand up, smoothing down my dress for the final time. It’s time.
Maisie, who’s been dying to see this moment, rushes to the window. “Oh my god. He’s here.”
Lizzy joins her by the window, peeking through the blinds like a couple of schoolgirls spying on their crush. “Is that a limo ?”
“Yes,” Maisie says, nodding vigorously. “A limo! He’s definitely serious about this.”
I laugh, even as my nerves spike again. “A limo? Are you kidding me?”
“No kidding,” Lizzy adds, bouncing on her heels. “You’re gonna feel like a queen tonight, and trust me, you deserve it.”
I take one last look in the mirror, adjusting the cape and smoothing my gown. I’m not sure how I’m supposed to feel in all this finery, but one thing is certain: I’m not going to let my nerves get the best of me. I take a deep breath, step toward the door, and try to ignore the flutter in my stomach.
As I step outside onto the porch, I see him standing next to the limo, looking every bit as handsome as I remember. His hair is a little messy in the most charming way, and he’s dressed in a black suit that fits him perfectly. There’s a rose in his hand, and when he sees me, his eyes widen for a split second, before he flashes me that signature smile of his, the kind of smile that makes my heart race.
“Wow,” he says, his voice low and warm. “You look... wow.”
I can’t help but blush. “Is that your way of telling me I took too long?”
He grins, taking a step toward me. “Maybe,” he teases. “But you’re worth the wait, Elodie.”
My cheeks heat even more, and I shift awkwardly from foot to foot. “Thanks. I wasn’t sure I could pull this off.”
“You’re killing it,” he says with a wink. “You are so... stunning. ”
I bite my lip, looking up at him. “You’re not too bad yourself.”
He steps closer, handing me the roses, his fingers brushing mine as I take them. “Are you ready for this?”
I glance at the limo, feeling a bit like a fish out of water. “I guess so. I’m just trying not to trip in these shoes.”
“Don’t worry,” he says, his smile softening. “I’ll catch you if you do.”
He holds out his arm, and I take it, feeling surprisingly calm in his presence.