Page 30 of Keep Me Close

When I finally step out, all three women stare in silence.

Kia’s eyes widen. “Wow.”

Lilah presses a hand to her chest. “Okay, you look amazing.”

A slow smile curves Rina’s lips. “Knox isn’t going to know what hit him.”

My pulse stutters. “You really think so?”

“Yes,” all three say in unison.

I turn toward the mirror and study my reflection. For a moment, I don’t see the woman from the reality show. The one who wears heavy makeup under bright lights.

I just see me.

“You’re going to buy it, right?” Kia asks. “You really do look stunning.”

I stare in the mirror for a moment longer. “Yeah, I think I am.”

“You won’t be sorry,” Lilah adds. “It’s the perfect choice.”

I meet Kia’s gaze. “What about you?”

That’s when I realize none of them have pulled gowns.

“We’ll try on dresses at the next store,” Lilah says.

I raise a brow. “The next store?”

“Yeah, there’s a maternity shop down the street,” Kia adds.

I turn toward them in surprise. “All three of you are pregnant?”

Color blooms in Lilah’s cheeks. “Yup.”

“Wow.” I pause. “Is there something in the water I need to know about? Or should I just not drink it at all?”

“Railers players are dangerous,” Rina throws in dryly. “That’s what you need to know.”

Lilah’s hand settles on her stomach. “Truth.”

My phone buzzes from the velvet chair next to Rina. I gravitate in that direction before picking it up and staring at the gossip alert that flashes across the screen.

Sharon Benson announces new spin-off show for daughter, Cheyenne. Read all the juicy details here!

My stomach knots until it becomes painful.

Even here, in a quiet Chicago boutique with women who don’t want anything from me, the machine still finds a way to reach in and remind me that my life isn’t entirely my own. I swipe the notification away before any of them catch sight of it.

“Hey, are you okay?” Kia asks.

I force a smile. “Yeah. Just work stuff. No big deal.”

It’s a relief when no one pushes, asks invasive questions, or tries to pry the story out of me. They just let it go. And somehow, that nearly undoes me more than if they had.

Fifteen minutes later, I buy the green dress along with a backup option, because apparently that’s what you do when you shop with women who want to make sure you feel confident.

After browsing a few more stores, Kia suggests stopping for coffee.