Page 10 of Til Death
Xylina
“Is there anything I can get for you while you’re waiting, Ms. Fox?” the sales associate at the dress shop asked, stepping into the private room.
Never lifting my eyes from my phone, I waved her off. “I told you no the first three times and it’s still no.” I couldn’t hide the annoyance from my voice if I tried.
“Just ring the bell when you’re ready.” Rolling my eyes, I reached over, grabbing the flute and bringing it to my mouth.
Currently I was waiting for my mom to arrive at the bridal shop. I was between three wedding dresses, all Nori Brooks exclusives, and my mom was meeting me to help decide which I should wear. She was where I got my eye for fashion. For my big day I needed to make sure I looked my best.
Glancing at the top of my phone screen, I noted the time. My mom was supposed to be here over half an hour ago. I wasn’t a patient person to begin with and my mom knew that. She always complained that it was an unwanted trait I inherited from my dad. After this I needed to get ready for my bachelorette party tonight. There was only a week left until I would become Mrs. Bedford.
Another fifteen minutes passed when a notification appeared on my screen. It was from my mom, and when I checked it, my face fell instantly.
Mother
Honey, something came up and I’m going to have to skip our lunch. I’ll check my schedule so we can reschedule. See you later. Kisses.
My shoulders sank forward, a band tightened around my ribs, and my stomach clenched. Biting the inside of my jaw, I didn’t even bother to respond. Instead I clicked out the message, tossed back the rest of my drink, and stood. Mom not even remembering why we were meeting didn’t shock me. She often mixed things up, especially if her assistant left her on her own.
Forcing a smile on my face, I shifted my attention to the wedding dresses awaiting me. If anyone knew what I looked bestin, it was me. Walking to the button to call for the worker, I waited for her to enter the room.
“I need more wine.” I lifted my flute. “I’m also ready for the try-on.” No one batted an eye at my age when I requested an alcoholic drink. It had been like that since I was fifteen with my fake ID. Of course people knew who I was and that I was lying about my age, but no one would turn me down knowing what my father was capable of.
She blinked a couple times then plastered a smile on her face. “Of course, Ms. Fox! I’ll get right on that.” Huffing, I shook my head as she scrambled out the room, shutting the door behind her. Flicking my hair behind my shoulders, I tossed my phone on the chair and turned to face the wall of mirrors. Stepping forward, I ran my eyes down the front of my body. My breasts sat up high in my orange halter top and the low rise, dark denim, skinny jeans hugged my slim frame perfectly. I might not have been the curviest girl out there, but I knew I was good looking and anyone would be lucky to have me on their arm. I had modeled over the years and the compliments I’d received were more than fitting. I pictured Yosiah next to me and how we’d be the best-looking couple the city had seen.
A small smile split my face. I swiped the wetness pooling in the lids of my eyes with the back of my hand and straightened my stance. Picking out which dress I would wear was something I could do on my own. Since the prepicked dresses were already high on my list, it shouldn’t be too hard to come to a final decision.
“I’m getting married, bitches!” I shouted, hopping up from the couch in my section at Club Heat, with my glass heldhigh, surrounded by my closest group of associates—Aaliyah, Angel, Tiara, and Savannah. We all grew up close, but Savannah was the only one I considered a friend. In high school we were the ones everyone wanted to be around, and if we didn’t like you, then you were no one. That still hadn’t changed, even now that we’d graduated.
“Here, here!” Savannah agreed, bringing her glass to her mouth and downing the liquor.
The club was packed, which was to be expected. Club Heat was always wall to wall from Thursday to Saturday. “Life Is Good” by Future featuring Drake played. After deciding on a dress, I went right to the mall to find something for tonight. Since we were celebrating a special occasion, I couldn’t wear anything in my closet. Tonight deserved something brand new that would make me stick out. I found a backless sapphire blue mini dress with a deep plunge halter neckline and dual hip cutouts. Between my breasts was a thin gold chain that dangled and stopped right above my belly button. Around the waist, on the inside, were two thin straps that caused the dress to hug my body perfectly. Along with it, I wore gold, wrap around the ankle Rene Caovillas. I wore my custom-made, yellow gold Barnett necklace with my name in the middle of an infinity sign in diamonds, two matching tennis bracelets, infinity earrings in the front hole of my ear, and my two-carat diamond studs in the second hole. On my opposite wrist was my 18k yellow gold, mother of pearl, Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée watch. And to top everything off was a black and gold Prada leather mini pouch I brought specifically when I was going to a crowded place and needed a cute, small purse for my belongings.
After everyone else took a drink, we all stood to dance and celebrate. Between the pictures, videos, great DJ, and liquor, I was having an amazing time. When I was leaving for the club, my mom was there gossiping on the phone with a drinkin her hand. She gave me a half ass wave before turning and heading somewhere in their wing of the house. The only reason I came to their side of the house was to see her and she barely acknowledged me and never even asked what dress I’d decided on. Instead of getting in my feelings about it, I put my energy into enjoying my last week as a single woman.
“You know, Xylina, I thought you were seeing Luke until recently. How did you and this mystery guy end up engaged suddenly?” Aaliyah asked once we were all settled.
I was looking through my social media notifications. They were flooded with people asking about my engagement. I posted a picture of a sash that said bride-to-be on my page and in my story on InstaFlik. Now everyone wanted to know what it meant. It brought me joy to keep them guessing.
I lifted my head toward Aaliyah. She was messy and always spreading everyone’s business. The only reason I stayed around her was because she was so knowledgeable about everyone. She also was devious and wasn’t above using whatever she knew against you. I always made sure to watch what I said around her and never let my guard down, but she was a good time to hang around.
I cocked my head to the side. “Me and Luke were casual. And me and Yosiah happened suddenly but we both just knew we were meant to be.” A fake drunk grin formed on my face. I batted my fresh, volume set lashes.
A smirk formed on Aaliyah’s face. She swirled the drink in her hand in the glass. “Yosiah? Yosiah who? I’ve only heard of one person with that name and he was listed on the expected Fifty Under Fifty list,” Angel commented.
My smile grew.
The Fifty Under Fifty was a list of men and women younger than fifty to look out for when it came to brains, wealth, andtalent. Yosiah was on the list due to his work in tech. He recently did work for some city officials and was recognized for it.
“That’s him, Yosiah Bedford. My hubby-to-be.” I beamed with pride as I sat up straighter.
“Girl, that man is fine! How did you manage to get him?” Tiara asked.
I scoffed. “Do you see me?” I waved my hand down my front. “How could he resist me?”
We snickered. “Fair.”
“And we all know nothing is going to stop Xylina from getting someone’s attention,” Savannah chimed in.
