Page 128 of More For Me

Bodhi

Ilean in the doorway to Everly’s bedroom and groan loudly. “You’re killing me.”

“What’s wrong?” She looks down at her dress. “Does it look bad?”

“It looks so good I’m going to die.”

She snorts. “So dramatic.”

I’m only being slightly dramatic. She really does look good enough to cause physical pain. The fact that I won’t be attending this party with her tonight makes it much worse.

“Screw it,” I say. “My mom and my sister’s family can have dinner without me. I’m coming with you.”

She stops in the act of applying some shimmery stuff to her eyelids and meets my gaze in the vanity mirror. “I’d be thrilled to have you come with me,” she says carefully. “But I’m not sure if you would really have a good time if you cancel on your mom.”

I bite back a groan, knowing she’s right. I’d been planning on going to Juniper Cain’s engagement party with Everly up until a few days ago when my mom called and asked me to come to dinner. She doesn’t usually come out and ask, not ever wanting to be a bother to us, so I said yes without a second thought.

I’m really regretting it right now, though.

Everly stands from the vanity and loops her arms around my neck. “Spend some time with your family,” she says. “Your name is on the guest list. If you finish up early, you can stop by the party.”

“Will you save me a dance?” I ask, letting my fingers drift up and down the silky fabric on her back.

“I don’t plan to dance with anyone else but you.” She grins. “Unless they play fast music, in which case Alex and I are getting our dance on. Do they play fast music at super swanky Hollywood engagement parties?”

“Your guess is as good as mine.”

Her phone rings on the dresser and she swears, dropping her arms. “I’m sure that’s the driver. I’m so late.”

I know I should leave her alone and let her get ready. But something is stilling my feet. I have a weird feeling about tonight, probably because I wasn’t able to read my mom’s tone when she called. The idea of spending the evening away from Everly—and knowing she’s going to be with that James douchebag—isn’t helping.

“I don’t suppose you want to skip the fancy party and come eat samosas at my mom’s house?”

She laughs. “As tempting as that is, I’m pretty sure Alex will kill me if I’m not there to see the dress we designed.”

Guilt floods me. Of course she needs to be at this party. A Cain wearing that dress is huge for her career.

“I was just kidding,” I say, coming up behind her to run my hands down her arms. “You know how proud of you I am, right?”

She gives me one of those perfect, easy Everly smiles. “I do. But it’s still nice to hear.”

I take the chance that she won’t be pissed if I mess up her makeup and brush my lips over hers. “Then Everly Ransome, let me say it again—you’re insanely talented and hardworking and I am so lucky to be your guy.”

Her smile grows. “And I’m lucky to be your girl.” Then she groans as the phone rings again. “I really have to finish.”

“Get ready,” I tell her, forcing myself to step away. I’ll just have to hold onto those words—your girl—until I see her again.

I try to shake off the weird mood as I drive to my parents’ house. I listen to one of the dozens of playlists Everly programmed into my phone and I’m feeling almost normal by the time I get there.

“Mom?” I call as I walk into the house. “You here?”

“Back here, beta.” I follow her voice back to the kitchen and stop short when I see the counter filled with trays and trays of food. “Are you going to stand there gaping or come in and give your mother a kiss?”

“Sorry. Hello, Ammi.” I cross the kitchen and press a kiss into her cheek. She smiles up at me. She looks tired, like she did the last time I was here, but there’s something lighter in her expression. Her eyes look clearer than I’ve seen in a while.

“It’s good to see you.”

“You too.” I gesture at the counter. “What’s all this?”