6. Unsuitable
CHAPTER 6
UNSUITABLE
BAY
A n incoming text message wakes me up from a fitful sleep.
Unknown: Hey sexy girl, it’s Toph. Yeah, I know you don’t wanna speak to me, blocking me delivered that message loud and clear. But I was just hoping I could convince you to talk later, after the Rush Week Fair is over? Look, I know I fucked up big time. I swear this isn’t about me trying to talk myself out of what I’ve done.
But we were together for over two years, can I at least get to apologize without Cole threatening to beat me up and your Zeta sisters trying to claw my eyes out? All I ask for is ten minutes of your time. You don’t have to answer me now. Please, just consider it. If after we talk you still hate me, I promise I’ll keep our communication strictly related to Greek government. I still love you and I miss you. I hope we can at least be friends.
Ha.
If this whole thing didn’t make me want to bawl my eyes out, I would laugh.
I don’t even dignify Topher with an answer, but if I did? The answer would be no.
My friends don’t lie and cheat, they don’t bully and blackmail my sister and most of all, they don’t make me feel like I’m not good enough.
They don’t make me feel ashamed of my “middle class family.”
Last December, Hartford, CT.
These bedsheets are like clouds. I always buy the highest thread sheet count I can find, but I’ve never slept in anything this soft.
I stretch, spreading out starfish style in the big king-sized bed and I’m not surprised when I find that I’m alone.
Rupert and Christine, Topher’s parents, put us in different rooms. Topher explained to me that they’re very conservative and care about appearances. That means that we’ll never get to share a room until we’re married.
Married.
Topher has been talking about marriage more and more since we started our junior year. Graduation means starting our adult life and bringing me here to meet his parents is the first step toward the future we’ve imagined many times.
Of course being given separate rooms didn’t stop Topher from sneaking into my bed last night, once his parents had retired for the night.
We had sex and while I didn’t come—as usual—I really enjoyed how affectionate Topher was last night. He kissed me a lot and held me tight. Guilt is consuming me about faking my orgasm, but how can I tell him that I don’t think my inability to climax has anything to do with him?
I’ve only had sex with another guy before Topher—my high school sweetheart—and things weren’t any different with him.
I’ve been exploring things on my own too but nothing seems to work. Maybe I’m too much in my own head. I read in multiple places that relaxing is fundamental to achieve the Big O.
But how can I relax when I always have so much going on?
My course load, my influencer job, my new sponsorship with the hair tool company, the Zeta presidency, Lakyn.
A lot of people depend on me and I can’t let my guard down. I have a five, and a ten year plan, and failure is not an option.
Maybe I should go to therapy. I read that meditation can help release tension and in turn that can lead to… another kind of release.
With my mind made up, I flip onto my stomach, going through the outfits I brought with me in my head. We’re having brunch with Topher’s parents and I need to look my best. Mr. and Mrs. Mumford are nothing like my very laid back parents. They’re very formal and they care about outfits and how one presents themselves, even if we’re having brunch at home.
I swear to God, this bed is too comfortable. As I lay on my stomach, thinking that a simple, dark blue sheath dress is probably a safe bet, I almost doze off again.
The last thing I want is to be late to brunch. I slip out of bed and head straight into the bathroom.
After one hour of hair and makeup, I look ready for a photo shoot at the White House. I think even Topher’s mother shouldn’t be able to find any fault with my appearance.
As I walk to Topher’s room, I see that he isn’t there. One of the house staff is making his bed and I see a vacuum cleaner and more cleaning supplies. I’ve seen people who can afford this many staff in shows like Downton Abbey. Everything in here screams old money, from the fancy mansion and furniture, to the very stiff butler who runs this household with an iron fist and a permanent disdainful expression on his face.
I make my way downstairs, and I’d be lying if I said that I don’t feel relieved when I don’t bump into anyone.
Topher told me to make myself at home when we got here a couple of days ago, but it’s hard.
It’s as if even the walls were assessing me and judging my suitability for the heir to all of this wealth.
When I started dating Topher, I had no idea about his background. It wouldn’t have made any difference if his family was blue collar. What attracted me to Topher was his kindness—even though he likes to hide that under a veneer of cockiness—and his drive and ambition.
To me it doesn’t matter where you come from, but I couldn’t be with someone who doesn’t have goals and passions in life.
This house is so big that I wish they gave first time guests a map to navigate it. I must admit that I’m lost. I could have sworn that I had to turn right twice from the foyer to reach the “summer room,” where Christine likes to have informal brunches.
Hopefully I’ll bump into someone soon. The last thing I want is to show up late for a meal. Topher couldn’t stress this enough, his parents are sticklers for routine.
Voices are coming from a slightly ajar door.
Yes! Whoever this is, I’ll ask for directions to the summer room.
My fist stops in mid-air as I’m about to knock, when I hear my name.
“I love Bay, Dad,” Topher says. “I’ve been head over heels for her since the first time I saw her at a party on campus two years ago. I told myself that night that I would marry her. I was planning on proposing after graduation, but I don’t think I want to wait. I’m going to ask Mom for Grand-mamà’s engagement ring and I’ll ask her at New Year.”
Aww, Topher.
I should probably walk away, so that when he does ask me to marry him some of it will be a surprise. But I’m glad I know that he’s planning to ask at the big New Year’s party his parents host every year. I already have the perfect gown, but if I’m going to be photographed wearing a big, fancy ring, I might have to drive into Hartford and get my manicure refreshed. Maybe something classic but with a little sparkle to celebrate the new year.
I’m about to turn on my heel, but I stop when I hear his father’s response.
“I would think long and hard before asking your mother for that ring, Toph,” his father says. “And I see no reason to rush a proposal.”
Oh.
Ok, I better go. But my feet refuse to move and it’s as if they’re glued to the hardwood floor of the hallway.
“Why not? Bay is gorgeous, intelligent and everyone I know envies me for being with her. She’s at the top of our class and she runs a successful business on top of keeping a perfect GPA and being president of Zeta Theta Beta. She ? —”
“A successful business, you say?” Rupert Mumford sounds slightly disgusted. “As an influencer ?”
He says “influencer” as if my name was Vivian and Topher had picked me up on Hollywood Boulevard in his Lotus or something.
“That’s only the beginning, Dad.” Topher says, in my defense. “Bay is studying pharmaceutical science and business. She wants to have her own cosmetics company one day. Do everything from the creation of the products to their marketing. She’s going to have a Fortune 500 company before she’s thirty, I’m sure of it.”
I smile at the pride in my boyfriend’s voice.
Topher doesn’t make a mystery of the fact that my drive and ambition are part of what made him fall for me. It’s completely mutual, I love how he sees himself running and expanding his family’s legal firm.
“What her net worth is going to be in a decade hardly matters, son. When you told your mother that you were going to bring this young lady home for Christmas, I had a background check done on her. ”
Topher doesn’t sound surprised. “Yeah, I thought you would. Don’t tell me Bay has a criminal record, because it’s ridiculous. I don’t think that girl has ever gotten so much as a speeding ticket.”
Just in case anyone was wondering, I don’t. My record is pristine. I work hard but I’m not a rule breaker. I would never cut corners to get ahead.
“That isn’t the issue, Topher.” His father doesn’t sound pleased. “But your mother and I can’t possibly give you our blessing, nor your Grand-mamà’s engagement ring, if you intend to tie yourself to this young woman.”
What? Why?
Topher asks exactly the same question. “What? Why? Dad, Bay is ? —”
“Bay Woods isn’t good enough for our family, son.” Rupert Mumford says.
Topher’s tone remains calm, but I can hear the distress in his voice. “I don’t understand.”
His father clears his throat. “I’m not going to argue that your girlfriend is beautiful or that she’s witty and very charming. I’m sure you’re right in your assessment that one day, she’s going to be wildly successful. But our ancestors came to this country on the Mayflower, Toph. We marry into families with our same standing in society. Your mother and I wouldn’t have been thrilled if Bay’s family had made their fortune in the last century or in a branch like entertainment or one of those ridiculous startups. But Bay’s parents are just two teachers.”
Topher’s voice goes up a notch. “Yeah, I’m aware of that. Mr. Woods teaches high school chemistry and Mrs. Woods teaches kindergarten. What’s wrong with that?”
His father lets out a sardonic laugh. “Nothing if Bay was just your ‘college girlfriend.’ But marrying her, son? Men like us have affairs with women like Bay Woods, we certainly don’t marry them.”
I’m relieved when I hear the same hurt I’m feeling in my boyfriend’s voice. His shoulders are tense and his fists clenched—at least judging by the sliver of the room I can see from my observation point.
“And what kind of women should we marry, Dad? Please, enlighten me.”
Another laugh from his father. “Women who have our same social standing and the right pedigree. Someone who could add prestige and influence to our family. And with influence, I mean political influence. Not a million likes on social media. Get this Bay out of your system and straighten your act before graduation.”
I blink in rapid succession to keep the tears that well in my eyes from falling.
I can’t believe I was naive enough to believe that Topher’s parents would accept me.
“And the way I feel doesn’t count?” Topher reacts. “I’m in love with Bay, Dad.”
Yes. Tell him, babe.
I’m proud of Topher for not letting his parents dictate his love life.
“Don’t be ridiculous, Toph.” His father snaps.
“I’m serious. I’m in love with Bay.”
Rupert Mumford takes a step forward, coming into my limited field of vision. “You know nothing about love, son. Romantic love fades with time, no matter what. Or do you think you’re going to feel the same way about Bay in twenty years? No matter how much women take care of themselves, no plastic surgeon can give you back the body you had at twenty. This is why you have affairs with women a few decades younger than you. Women like your Bay. Beauty fades, love is fickle. But a solid family name, the right connections, those are the things that matter and that will provide a solid foundation for a successful life.”
Wow.
I’m speechless and so is Topher.
There’s a beat of silence, before my boyfriend shrugs his dad’s hand off his shoulder. “So what you’re telling me is that you didn’t love Mom? ”
His father’s tone is brisk, practical. “Not at first. I learned to love and appreciate your mother with time. She’s a perfect host, a trustworthy confidant and has been a real asset to me. I trust her judgment and there’s nothing like being able to confide in your spouse.”
“I trust Bay,” Topher objects. “She has everything you mentioned Mom has. What does it matter if her last name isn’t prestigious? Bay understands me and she’s kind and generous. I don’t care what you and Mom think. If you don’t want to give me that ring, I’ll go to Hartford and buy her one. I’m not going to change my mind on this, Dad. I let you steer me toward the career path you chose for me. I’m giving up on my dream of playing professional hockey because I know you don’t approve. I’m going to do everything you ask of me, like I’ve always done. But Bay is non negotiable. She’s the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. End of story.”
I’ve never felt so much love for Topher.
The way he’s standing up to his Dad for me, for us, is why I adore him. Other people, including Lake, stop at first impressions and think Topher is a douche. But he’s fiercely loyal and protective of the people he loves. That’s what made me fall for him.
The conversation with his Dad isn’t over though.
“I would be very careful about the choice you make, son,” Rupert’s tone is full of ominous gravitas. “If you insist on marrying this Woods girl, I’m afraid your mother and I can no longer support you. That means coming up with your tuition money for next year and standing on your own two feet financially.”
Topher’s tone is incredulous. “Are you cutting me off? I have a very generous trust fund, I don’t need your money.”
His father laughs. “God, I hope you pay attention in law school, because you definitely don’t have the natural acumen I’d expect from my own blood. You gained limited access to your trust fund when you turned eighteen. I must assume you didn’t take time to read the paperwork you signed in detail. Your grandfather put a safety clause in it, to protect our family fortune from exactly the kind of reckless behavior you’re exhibiting right now. I have the right to freeze your trust fund indefinitely if you don’t fulfill a number of conditions. For example if you don’t graduate college. If you don’t take your rightful place in the family’s firm. Guess what other reason would allow me to freeze your trust fund?”
Topher sounds angry and I can’t blame him. “So you get a say in pretty much every aspect of my life?”
Rupert Mumford nods. “I’m glad you aren’t as stupid as this conversation has led me to believe so far. And before you think you can make it on your own and play hockey? Let me tell you Toph, you aren’t good enough. Or did you think you made the team because of your talent? The only reason why you were selected when you tried out, is that I donated two hundred thousand dollars to your school’s athletic department.”
My heart hurts for Topher.
I can’t see his face from here, but I can hear the hurt in his voice.
“Dad, you can’t be serious. You can’t ask me to break up with Bay. I love her and my feelings have to mean something.”
His father’s response isn’t a surprise at this point. “Adulthood is made of hard choices, son. It’s up to you if you want to lose your birthright over an unsuitable match. If you insist on marrying Bay, you better be prepared to make it on your own out there.”
“I’m not breaking up with Bay.” Topher says with the same tone he uses when someone opposes him in a Greek council meeting.
His father laughs again, as if the ugly confrontation they just had hadn’t happened. “You don’t have to end it now. Look, as your father I might disapprove of your choice of girlfriend. But as a man? I get it. Bay is stunning. I told you, get her out of your system. You have another eighteen months before graduation. Just please, don’t bring her here anymore. Your mother and I will do our best to put on a good front this time, but she doesn’t belong with us. If she’s as smart as you say, she probably knows that she’ll never fit in. One last piece of advice, Toph. Don’t try to get your mother to change my mind about Bay. In case you were wondering, she was the one who asked me to have this conversation with you today. Now, let’s try to have a good Christmas. Edith has made her famous eggs Benedict for brunch and I’ve been looking forward to them for weeks.”
I jump, scurrying away when Rupert Mumford moves toward his office door.
Out of all the awful things he said, he’s right on one thing; this Christmas is going to be awkward. I wish I’d followed Lake home now, rather than coming here.
BAY
I ignored my ex’s message and instead I FaceTime Lakyn.
“Bay,” she beams at the camera. “I see you made it safely back to school. How are you? You look beautiful.”
“Ha,” I snort. “Funny you should say that, since we look exactly the same.”
That makes my sister giggle. “You don’t say? I hadn’t noticed. But no, let’s be serious. I was thinking about you.”
I settle down on the padded seat of my windowsill. “Of course you were. You must have sensed that I was about to call you.”
I resist the urge to laugh at Lakyn’s eye roll. “Oh, not again with your twin sixth sense, Bay. If you really had it, you’d know how ridiculous I think it is.”
The one thing I know is that no matter how difficult life can seem, talking to Lake always makes me feel better.
She really looks beautiful. Relaxed, happy, loved.
“How is Bridgeport?” I ask her. “I can’t believe that I’ve never been there, it’s just three hours away.”
Lake turns the camera on her phone to show me the view from her window.
Golden sand almost as far as the eye can see and the turquoise sea glistening in the distance.
“Holy shit,” I gawk. “Look at those Jasmine plants bordering the end of your backyard. It looks more like Italy or Greece than California.”
Lake sighs. “It’s prettier than I thought up here. Although I admit that I miss Star Cove. Bridgeport is much bigger and you know me, I’m not into the nightlife scene and all the parties. At first I thought the guys were crazy buying a mansion right outside of town, but now I’m grateful they did. We have our own stretch of private beach and it’s much quieter than downtown Bridgeport.”
Good.
I had no doubt that Cash, Blaze and Luca would take care of my sister, but I’m glad they’re doing everything they can to make sure she’s happy.
“You aren’t too isolated though, right?” I ask, immediately worried. “The guys will be on the road a lot once the hockey season starts, I don’t want you to feel lonely.”
Lake reassures me. “I won’t be. I’m still finishing the last two classes to complete my degree and since they’re online, I can follow them when they travel. If not, I could come down to Star Cove to see my favorite sister.”
“Brat,” I laugh. “I’m your only sister, I should take offense.”
Lake’s blue eyes sparkle with mischief. “You always insist that I’m your little sister , so I’m bound to be a little bratty.”
She’s the most un-bratty person I know. “I am your big sister, even if it's just by seven minutes. It’s my job to make sure you’re ok. Jokes aside, I’m glad you can go with your guys but I would absolutely love it if you came to visit.”
Lake returns suddenly serious. “I will as much as I can. You can come and see me too, right? And besides, we’ll get to spend some time together since you’re going to be my maid of honor.”
Her words almost don’t register as I start telling her how heavy my course load is this year with my double major. “ Wait a second,” I stop mid sentence as I realize what she just said. “Maid of honor? Does that mean?—?”
Lakyn’s face splitting smile warms my heart. “Yeah, we set the date. We’re getting married a year from today in Montebello. Luca wanted to elope, but King Gilberto was adamant that now that the parliament reinstated Montebello’s form of government as a constitutional monarchy, his people expect a royal wedding.”
“Holy shit, Lake,” I squeal. “You’re gonna be a Princess. One day you’ll be Queen.”
Lake dismisses my excitement with a gesture of her hand, as if she was swatting a bug. “Hush. That’s not going to be for decades. Luca’s Dad is still young and has no intention of abdicating.”
“Still,” I argue. “One day I’ll have a sister who’s a legit queen. I bet then Topher’s parents will wish they weren’t so quick to deem me unsuitable for their precious son.”
I realize I said too much when I see Lake’s frown, but its too late to take it back. “What do you mean?”
Maybe it’s time to fess up about what happened last Christmas.
“Bay,” Lakyn looks genuinely shocked. “That’s awful. ‘Just two teachers?’ How fucking dare they? Mom and Dad are honest, hard-working people. They should be ashamed of themselves for saying that.”
I know she’s right. That’s why I feel even guiltier because for a minute there, I felt like they were right.
I felt like Topher was settling down by wanting to propose.
“You’re right, Lake. I just—” My voice breaks.
“Don’t you dare cry, Bay.” My sister’s tone is suddenly hard. “Topher doesn’t deserve one single tear. What I don’t get is why you didn’t dump him there and then.”
It’s complicated. “A part of me wanted to, but he defended me with his dad. He said he loved me. ”
Lakyn’s tone softens. “But he didn’t propose, right?”
I can’t argue with that. “He didn’t. I guess deep down, he agreed with his parents.”
My sister looks positively pissed off. “Bay, listen to me. You deserve better than Topher. Please don’t let him talk you into giving him another chance.”
I snort, but I’m still crying. It comes out like a wet, messy sound. “After what he did to you? And after he screwed Bianca in my bed? No way in hell.”
“Good,” Lake nods. “Talking about what happened, I wouldn’t be able to sleep in the same bed where he…”
My second snort is much better. “You know me, I didn’t.” I turn the camera to show her my new bed. “I ordered a new bed, mattress, bedding, everything is new. There was no way I could sleep on tainted furniture.”
Lake looks satisfied. “Good. Now there’s only one thing to plan to make your senior year one to remember.”
Her determined smile reminds me of my own when I’m scheming something. I should probably be worried. “I’m afraid to ask.”
Lakyn’s smile widens. “We need to get you a rebound. Show Topher what he’s missing, even though I’m sure he already knows. But to say it with the words of the best big sister that ever lived, to get over an ex, you need to get under someone new.”
Ah, fuck. I hate it when she uses my own words against me.
“Yeah, no.” I say. “I decided that relationships are overrated. My senior year will be busy and I’m going to focus on my classes, my business and the Zetas.”
Lake shakes her head. “Really? I see how it is. Last year you went out of your way to convince me to rebound. To go out of my comfort zone. And it worked. I fell in love. Three times.”
I sigh. “I know. I just don’t think?— ”
My sister is so stubborn. I guess we have that in common. “Maybe I should help you rebound. Find you a date with someone new who’s just the opposite of your ex.”
That sounds good in theory, but… “The sentiment is very sweet, Lakey-Lake. But I don’t think dating a mathlete or a library major would help me get over Topher.”
She isn’t deterred by my lack of enthusiasm. “I know better than to set you up with one of my old friends, Bay. I was thinking more about someone who has all the qualities you like in a man and who’s absolutely perfect for you. You should date Cole.”
I should date Cole. “Cole and I are just friends.”
“He likes you,” she argues.
“Duh, because we’re friends.”
Lakyn rolls her eyes so hard, I’m surprised they don’t pop out of their sockets. “No, silly. He likes you . I can’t be the only one who notices the way he looks at you.”
“Shut up,” I snort. “He looks like that at every pretty girl between the ages of eighteen and seventy-five. He says women are the most wonderful creatures on Earth and let me tell you, he likes to sample every flavor under the sun. I don’t know if you noticed, but his reputation rivals Luca’s. Minus the royal aspect of course.”
I shouldn’t be surprised when Lake disagrees. “Luca was a player because he hadn’t found the right person. He’s the best boyfriend—fiancé, it’s hard to get used to it. He’s the best fiancé ever.”
The happiness that shines in my twin sister’s eyes warms my heart. “He better be. I owe him because he helped me get out of here after I found Topher and Bianca, but he knows if he hurts you, there’s nowhere far enough to hide. They all know.”
Lake giggles. “Oh they know. But you don’t need to worry, Bay. My guys are the best. I owe my happiness to you, is it so bad that I want the same for you? I really think you and Cole would be perfect together. Without counting that Cole is a bajillion times hotter than Topher, no offense.”
I can’t help but laugh. “None taken and I agree. I’m not disputing that Cole is gorgeous. It just isn’t like that between us. We’re just friends. He’s like one of the girls.”
She looks skeptical. “If you say so.”
I nod a little too enthusiastically to sell it completely. “I do say so.”
What I don’t say to her is that I don’t think Cole sees me as dating material.
Besides, he doesn’t date.
If I didn’t love him as much as I do, he would be the perfect candidate for rebound sex.
He’s one of the hottest guys I’ve ever seen, with his blond hair and dark blue eyes, his tall, muscular body and a face that would be the envy of any Hollywood actor.
The problem is that if I liked sex with him, I know going back to our friendship and watching him hook up with every girl in sight would be impossible. If sex with him was bad, it would help me get over the crush I’ve had on Cole for practically ever, but it would still make things awkward between us.
“I still think you need a rebound.” Lake says.
The words slip out of my mouth before I can think better of it. “You don’t need to worry about that. I kinda, almost had one.”
That piques Lakyn’s curiosity.
“You better spill every detail.”
I do.
I tell her about my encounter with Ryker.
“Holy shit,” Lake is fanning herself. “How is it possible that you didn’t even kiss and yet, that sounds super hot?”
Beats me. “I don’t know. The attraction between us was insane, but I’m glad we didn’t have the chance to take things further. He’s a hockey player and since I got my heart crushed by a hockey player, I decided to swear them all off.”
Lakyn doesn’t look convinced. “The problem isn’t what kind of sport your ex played. The problem is that you were dating the biggest douche in all of Douche-ville.”
I laugh. “You don’t sugar coat it, sis.”
Lake is serious. “You know I’ve never liked Topher. I hate that I was right about him, but I’m glad you realized it before you married him.”
I can’t argue with that. “That’s true. When his father said I was the kind of woman they have affairs with, Toph argued with him because he said he loved me. He didn’t argue with the idea of having affairs though. I guess after the way we ended, it shouldn’t surprise me. But look Lake, this is a problem most hockey players have. They’re always surrounded by puck bunnies and adoring women. The temptation to stray is too strong. And I bet it only gets worse if they go pro. Your guys are just the exception to the rule. That’s why I picked them for you.”
Lake nods along every point I make. I should probably be suspicious that she’s agreeing so easily.
“So you say if you hooked up with Cole things would be awkward, right?”
“Yeah.”
She’s ticking points off her fingers. “And no more hockey players because they’re mostly… players, right?”
It’s my turn to roll my eyes. “Correct.”
“Then why did you almost hook up with the new star forward center of the Cove Knights?”
I don’t understand. “What do you mean?”
It’s crazy that my sister knows more than I do. “You must have been away for too long, Bay. Didn’t you see the announcement after the Frozen Four finals that one of the best offense centers in collegiate hockey was transferring to finish his college career in Star Cove? His name is Ryker Moore. Now, not to be weird but I don’t think Ryker is a very common name.”
No, no, no.
What the actual fuck.
The flight attendant did call him Mr. Moore.
“I—I didn’t know. I never heard Coach Harrison’s announcement and when I left, straight after the final, I turned all my devices off for weeks. I asked Liv and Viv to manage all urgent Zeta business and I went off the grid except communications with you and Mom and Dad. I had no idea.”
Lakyn is laughing her ass off.
“It isn’t funny,” I bite out. “Whose side are you on?”
“Yours,” she snorts, drying the tears off her eyes. “Always yours. But you must admit that this is hilarious. You almost hate fucked our school’s new star player.”
I cover my eyes with my hands. “Don’t. How am I going to face Ryker? Did I tell you that he’s one of the most arrogant, annoying jerks?—”
“You did,” Lake howls with laughter. “Maybe I should visit sooner than I planned. I can’t miss your reunion with Ryker.”
I flip her off. “You suck. But actually, I would love to see you, Lake.”
“I wish I could,” she sighs. “But the guys are playing Seattle in a couple of days and Luca’s mom is meeting us all there for wedding planning. We’ll choose bridesmaids dresses too, since Heloise will be there.”
I’m a little confused. “Shouldn’t Heloise be in Star Cove to start classes? Or did she choose a different college?”
“No,” Lake explains. “She convinced her parents to let her take a gap year. She wants to travel the world before duty forces her to grow up.”
I don’t blame her. I wish I had taken a gap year, but it didn’t fit in my five year plan .
“I have to say, the King is surprisingly progressive.”
Lakyn laughs. “Yeah, but not as much as you think. He agreed to let her go as long as she takes a bodyguard with her and she’s basically staying with the royal family of every country on her itinerary, whether they’re reigning royals or not.”
I’m in awe of the King’s shrewdness. “That’s smart. Between the bodyguard and having her stay with friends, he can keep tabs on her.”
My sister agrees. “Yeah, it’s no surprise he managed to revert his country’s decision to end the monarchy. Luca’s father is a force to be reckoned with. I’m glad he likes me, having him as an enemy is scary.”
“He would be a fool not to like you. You’re perfect for Luca.” I say, wishing I could hug her.
“Thank you sweetie. I need to go, but I promise I’m gonna visit as soon as I have a chance,” she says, reading my mind. “I miss hugging my favorite sister.”
I’m about to give her stick about our obvious twin connection, when I think about something else. “Lake, wait. You said you were gonna do bridesmaids dress fittings. Don’t you need me for that? I’m supposed to be the maid of honor after all.”
The smirk on my twin’s face is as annoying as it is adorable. “Ideally, yes. But I knew you wouldn’t be able to get away during rush week, so we’re doing the next best thing. It so happens that there’s someone who’s your perfect stunt double.”
“Smart ass,” I laugh. “Lake, you better not put me in some hideous color or in a dress that looks like a merengue, or?—”
“Relax, Bay. I know you don’t trust my fashion sense, but Luca’s Mom used to be a top model. She’s appointed herself as my fashion consultant. But I told her in no uncertain terms, that I wouldn’t agree to finalize anything unless it got your approval. ”
That’s my girl. “Thanks, Lakey. I’m actually really excited to?—”
Loud, arguing voices attract my attention. They seem to come from the front of the house.
“I need to go, sis,” I sigh. “The girls should be supervising the installation of the war course for our rush week fair out front and by the sound of it, there must be some problem.”
Lake says goodbye, promising to send photos of the bridesmaid dresses for my approval and I look outside as I pocket my phone.