Page 44 of The Fall of Iris Henley

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Oh damn, should I be worried?

lol

Just out of curiosity what would happen if I said yes?

The Habsburg Dynasty: European Superpower Through Marriage and War

The Rise and Fall of the Carolingian Empire: Charlemagne’s Legacy Lost

The Byzantine Empire: Thousand-Year Struggle of Survival and Collapse

The Umayyad Caliphate: Rapid Expansion, Imperial Power, and the Uprisings That Ended a Dynasty

I can feel myself blushing as I hit send. None of our interactions have been that forward. But he’s the one who asked if he should be worried, right? He prompted it. Still, it feels risky.

I’m tired of having so much out of my control, though. I’m tired of letting other people’s actions toss me around.

JONAH

well first I’d worry a little bit

but then I’d probably have to drive out this Friday

so I could take you to this dance myself

I don’t let myself think about it. I just type.

Then maybe you should worry

I close my eyes and count to ten. When I open them, he’s replied.

JONAH

I’ll be there by six

DAY SEVEN

CHAPTER 24

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 7:24PM

RIVER CROSSROADS OUTLET MALL

Nana Sahib, Kanpur, and the Controversial Massacre That Shocked Britain

The Siege of Delhi (1857): The Most Important Battle of the Uprising

Bahadur Shah Zafar and the Revival of the Mughal Empire During the Rebellion of 1857

The Meerut Mutiny and the Capture of Delhi: How the Rebellion Began

Okay, hear me out: I know it’s ridiculous to lose your mind about a dress while a shadowy figure tries to ruin your reputation and possibly even frame you for murder. But you have to understand.

It’s a really cute dress.

Mom sits on the red velvet couch in the fitting room, watching with a critical eye as I pivot my hips in the mirror. She’s the one who insisted we drive to the outlet mall tonight to look for dresses. I’d been planning to wear something from my closet, but she’d just grabbed her purse, snapping, “Everyone will be watching you, Iris. You cannot afford to phone it in.” And she’s right, though it’s kind of weird that she’s better at high school PR than I am.

But in this moment, watching the drape of the champagne-colored fabric against my legs, sensing how it will move when I’m dancing—and, most importantly, imagining what Jonah will think when he shows up to see me in it—I’m glad shemade me come. I hold my hair on top of my head, modeling a few different options.

“That’s gonna look great with the pig blood they dump on you.” Noelle has come into the fitting area with an armful of fabric draped over one arm.

Mom stands up and walks briskly over to Noelle. “And what’ve you got to try on? Oh, no, Noelle, these colors are awful. I’ve told you a hundred times, you are a light spring, you need to look for softer tones! Peach, vanilla, mint! What on earth are you thinking?”

I’m not much inclined to stand up for my sister after the pig blood bit. But looking at the way her body curls into itself while my mom harangues her, it’s hard not to feel bad for her.

“Jeez, Mom, just let her try on what she likes.” I let my hair fall back down and turn to face them. “It’s one stupid dance. It’s not going to matter if she’s in, like, tomato red instead of cherry red or whatever.”

I meet Noelle’s eyes for a moment. I don’t know why I’m even taking her side—it’s not like she wants my help. Her cheeks go slightly pink but she doesn’t look away.

Then Mom has to ruin it. “Well, you’re right. It’s not like she’s going to be on the court.”