Page 39 of East

I draw in a slow breath and turn to face Micaela once more. “Yes?”

She smirks. “I need to know if you’ll need a plus-one for the evening. I of course will be bringing Michael. He’s been so busy with work and it was hell to move his schedule around, but he did it for me.” She flutters her eyelids. “Of course, it was an absolute chore to find a sitter for the girls. Their calendars are so full between music lessons and athletics—you know Misty made varsity—that I had to find someone who could drive, and of course after that I had to run a background check…”

Why does Micaela think I give a fraction of a flying fuck about this?

Ah, of course. Micaela believes she is the Queen of the Universe. All of us paupers are dying to hear the minute details of her daily life.

“…but of course it’s all worth it for a good cause. And LTB is one and away the greatest animal advocacy group in existence. They’re the reason why the white rhino is coming back, you know.”

Yes, thank God. Then we’d only have regular-colored rhinos.

Actually, I’m thrilled about this cause. I love animals, and this charity is worthwhile. I just wish Micaela would shut her mouth.

“I’ll be coming to the event alone,” I say.

Micaela frowns. “Couldn’t scare up a date?”

I suppress an eye roll. “Scare would be the operative word there, Micaela.”

She takes a few steps toward me, pinches my cheek like I’m a fucking five-year-old. “Don’t worry, sugar. You’ll find someone soon. A woman as gorgeous as you, and with a build like yours. I’m surprised the men aren’t knocking your door down.”

“I have a particularly sturdy door.”

Micaela blinks a few times and then bursts into a fake laugh. “Oh, Thea! You’re too much. Such a card. That sense of humor plus your good looks, not to mention a successful career as a local celebrity? You’ll find a man in no time, have no fear.”

“I have no fear.”

Another sickly sweet smile. “Of course, babe. Girl power!” She pumps a fist into the air. “And I know one day you’ll be able to have it all. Family and career. It’s not impossible anymore for girls like you.”

Girls like me? What the fuck does that mean?

Whatever. Micaela is a flake.

I bite my tongue and give her a wave. “Well, I’ll see you tonight.”

“Of course. And if you find a date at the last minute, let me know.”

I turn.

“Oh, and Thea?”

I grit my teeth as I turn around for a third time. “Yes?”

She narrows her eyes, looks down at my feet. “It’s silly, but I feel I should remind you of our dress code. You’re expected to wear more formal footwear for broadcasts. I realize your shoes are not always on camera, but you never know if the picture might…slip down.”

“Of course. I… I broke a heel off last night. These were all I had on me at the last minute.”

She cocks her head. “You don’t own another pair of shoes besides those ratty silver things and your broken heel?”

I blink. “Correct. Guess I’d better go shopping before the gala tonight.”

She crosses her arms. “Guess you should.”

“Will that be all?” I turn toward the door.

“Of course. I’m not your keeper. See you tonight.”

I throw one more half-hearted nod over my shoulder as I exit.