Page 45 of Finding Kyler
She snickers. “Look, I think they’re decent guys underneath all the arrogance, bravado, and the wealth. But they have a certain rep to uphold. This town treats the whole family like Grecian gods, and the Kennedy boys rule supreme at Old Colonial. Nothing happens without their approval. And even though they don’t go to my school, they are still idolized. I really don’t get it.” She scratches her head. “But that’s because I’m a blow-in. Anyone that has grown up around here hero-worships the ground they walk on. All the guys want to be them, or at least be in their crowd, and most girls would saw off a limb to date them.” She shoots me a sympathetic look.
“Meaning, I’m a perfect target.”
“Exactly. The guys all want to date you, and the girls hate your guts.”
“Don’t sugarcoat it or anything,” I murmur.
She stands up. “If you want to be babied, go cozy up to Lana.”
I brush my hair and pin it into a casual bun on top of my head. “You know Lana?”
“She goes to my school. And living on the grounds of the Kennedy mansion brings its own form of notoriety.”
“She seems sweet.”
“Sheissweet but completely naïve too. If you knew the amount of times girls befriended her in the hope that she’d introduce them to the Kennedy boys.” She shakes her head. “Once word got out that they have nothing much to do with her anymore, the vultures dispersed. But that doesn’t mean she isn’t hit for gossip from time to time.”
“I don’t get it,” I jump up and cross my arms. “Why don’t they hate on her? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m glad they don’t because she doesn’t deserve it, but neither do I.”
Rose stands up beside me. “She isn’t any competition. You”—she prods me gently in the chest—“are major competition.”
“That’s utter crap,” I huff, feeling pissed off on Lana’s behalf.Lana is pretty and super nice, but she isn’t viewed as competition because she’s not a Kennedy and she doesn’t come from money?It’s total baloney.
“I know, but that’s the way it is.” She shakes her head. “You could lean on your cousins if you need to defuse some of the heat?”
“I shouldn’t have to, and I don’t want to.” I sigh dramatically. “I knew, coming here, that it would require adjustment, but I’d no idea how much. Or that so many things would be out of my control. I don’t want this attention. I’d much rather be left alone.”
The shift passes by in a blur. We are crazy out-the-door busy, and I’m grateful, but it doesn’t stop my mind from replaying everything Rose has said. I didn’t have much choice in coming to this country, and while I don’t want to rock the boat, and it would be disrespectful to deliberately challenge my aunt and uncle, it doesn’t mean that I have to change into someone I’m not. I need to find a way of retaining who I am as a person while fitting into this new society. A fizz of excitement wells inside me as ideas start turning over in my head.
Sunday comes and goes without incident. On Monday, Rose attends my appointment with me, squealing afterward when I tell her everything is in place. No one questions my absence during the greater part of the day, and I’m grateful. I’d prefer to deliver my news in a carefully controlled manner to avoid unnecessary drama. Although I’m beginning to suspect there’s no such avoidance in this household.
“Oh my goodness,” Alex exclaims, the minute she walks into my bedroom that night, carrying a sheathed dress bag in her hand.
“You don’t like it?” I say, lifting my hand self-consciously to my newly dyed hair.
“I love it!” She beams at me. “It’s much more sophisticated than the red.”
I smooth my hand over my brunette locks, glad I returned to my natural roots. Between that and the other decision I made today, I’m already feeling more comfortable in my own skin. “This is who I am, and if I’m going to fit in around here, then people need to see the real me.”
A slightly nervous look washes over her face. “I brought you something to wear. I hope you don’t mind.” Her eyes plead for understanding. “It’s a dress from our new collection, and from the moment I saw you, I knew this would look perfect on you.”
My aunt looks so glamorous in her green and black fitted dress and matching heels. Glistening diamonds sparkle on her wrist, ears, and neck; I realize that I’m significantly underdressed in my jeans and silk shirt combo. “I’m not really a dress person.”
“I’m beginning to understand that, but it would mean a lot to me if you would wear this tonight. The restaurant has a strict dress code, and they won’t let you in like that.”
I draw a long breath. I suppose it’s only fair to compromise considering I am living in their home and expected to abide by their rules. If I’m going to demand I do certain things my way, then it’s only fair that I bend where I can.Choose your battles.Mom’s silent coaching echoes in my ear, and I can picture her in my mind’s eye with her hands on her hips and a cheeky glint in her eye.
Even though I’ll probably feel like a right idiot in some fancy-pants dress, it can’t hurt to try to butter Alex up. “I can do that. No problem.”
Her shoulders visibly relax as she unzips the bag, removing a delicate black, silken dress. I pull my jeans and shirt off and stand in front of her in my black lace undies.
“It’s such a shame you won’t model for me.”
“I’m too heavy to model, and don’t you have to be, like, super tall for the catwalk?” I extend my hands for the dress.
“You’re not tall enough for the catwalk, but you’d be perfect for catalogue work.” Her eyes skim my body. “You have a toned, curvy figure which is the perfect look for one of our new trial ranges. Are you sure I can’t entice you?” Her eyes look hopeful. “One shoot?”
That’s one compromise I definitely can’t stoop to. “I’d make the worst model, honestly. I’d be all gangly and self-conscious, and I’m sure that’s not the type of look you’re going for.”
