Page 45 of His Arranged Plus-Size Mate

“It takes time.” Chelsey pulled her phone out. “And everyone is different. You’re different from you were before, so it’s like learning a whole new skill.”

“I know.” I sighed. “I just wish I were more helpful. I see what Nora and Jade can do.”

Chelsey squeezed my shoulder, offering me a soft smile. “You are. You’ve been a wonderful asset to us here, and I know Brandon appreciates you with this.”

It made me feel better. I was starting to feel like I would never improve.

There was a soft knock, and we both turned. Gabriella stood in the doorway, unsure whether to move further inside. “Hey.”

“Hey, Gabriella. How are you?”

My sister smiled before her eyes landed on me. “Can I talk to my sister for a moment?”

“Of course,” Chelsey pulled herself up. “I have to head back out front anyway.”

Chelsey slipped past her, and Gabriella shifted on her feet. I chewed on my lip, not sure what to say. We hadn’t spoken since the meeting, which was almost two weeks ago.

“How are you?” she asked, moving further into the room. She rubbed her hands together nervously.

“I’m fine. I’m doing well. And you?”

She chewed on her lower lip, refusing to meet my eyes. “Hurt.”

I frowned and felt my shoulder drop. “I didn’t mean that you didn’t care about me, Gabriella. I know how hard you worked to be there for me and try to help.”

She swallowed. “I know. I can be overbearing sometimes. It’s just hard to let you go when I’ve spent so long wanting to protect you. I want to make things easier for you.”

She slid into Chelsey’s spot.”I guess I didn’t realize how much we’ve both grown.”

I reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “Thank you for giving me space. For understanding.”

She sighed and leaned back. “Well, that wasn’t the only reason I’m here. There is a party going on tonight that we were both invited to.”

I frowned and scrunched up my nose. “Ew.”

She gave me a pouty face. “Oh, come on. It could be fun. Marie and Chelsey are going.”

“Why on earth would I want to go there?”

“Because your magic is just coming in, and you should be letting people see it. Let people know that you aren’t dangerous.”

I knew she had a point. I should be getting around Belrose and letting people know that I was just like the other witches. If I tried hiding, that was when people would start whispering.

“Please,” she begged now, giving me a pouty face. “Come on, I don’t want to go alone. It’s been a while since we’ve gone out and done something together.”

“Why would you go alone? Just take Westley with you.”

“The guys are busy tonight, so they can’t attend. Which is why I’m asking you.”

My heart sank a little. So, that meant Asher would be able to go.

I crossed my arms. “Are you saying I’m your second option?”

She scuffed. “Oh shut up. Come on. Please.”

I grumbled. “Fine, just stop asking.”

Her eyes sparkled. “Yay! Now we need to discuss what to wear.”