Page 118 of Bitter Heat

His hand brushed the small of her back, reminding her he was watching, listening, waiting.

“I’m glad you’re here,” she said hoarsely.

“You never invited me to the first one,” Lyle said, eyes on Roth. His finger bumped against her new engagement ring. He raised her hand to get a better look. “You couldn’t get a bigger one?”

“No,” Roth said.

Lyle pushed her toward the door. “Get ready. Roth and I have things to discuss.”

She left the room without looking back. The foyer was filled with people. Kye dashed through the legs of the caterers who were coming in with food. Rami held Polara in one arm while he shouted at his son, and Ariana tried to console Bailey who was crying over a broken headband.

“Today’s the day!” Colette said and gave her a hug. “Are you ready?”

Jasmine glanced at Mo who stood casually in front of the door, but she had a feeling he’d do something if she tried to go through it.

“Come on, Min.” Ariana looped their arms together. “We need to get this show on the road!”

Her sisters ushered her into a guest room where the hair and makeup artist had taken over.

“Congratulations, Ms. Hennessy. What look are we going for on this special day?” the makeup artist asked.

She tried to think of something, but her mind was blank.

“What color is your bouquet?” the makeup artist prompted.

“Do… do I have a bouquet? I don’t even know.” Her heart thudded in her ears as they all stared at her. She looked at her sisters for help.

Colette stepped forward. “Her bouquet has dark purples, soft pinks, and white. Let’s put her hair up. She has a high-necked gown, and you can see the veil there.” She pointed at one of the garment bags. “As for the makeup, let’s keep it light and classic with a bold lip. Minnie?”

She nodded, and everyone lurched into action. The hairstylist tugged on her hair while the makeup artist caked her face and told her to tilt her head this way and that. Her sisters sat on the bed with the kids and chatted. The mood in the room was light and festive while she sat there, paralyzed with shock. Hysteria spread with every second that ticked past. She felt completely detached from everything that was taking place around her. Kye and Bailey perched on her lap, but she didn’t hear a word they said. When the makeup and hair stylist stepped back so she could see the full effect of their work, she didn’t react for several seconds.

“What do you think, Ms. Hennessy?”

“Great job,” she said.

The makeup artist was so skilled that there was no trace of fear on her face. The cold sweat had been powdered away, and the soft blush on her cheeks gave the impression that she was joyful and excited rather than panicked and ready to lose her shit. Her hair was sleek and shiny, and the beautiful veil fell around her in soft waves. She had an unusually dark purple matte lip, a personal touch that made her feel more like Jasmine and less like a Barbie playing dress up.

As the hair and makeup artists packed up their things, she turned to Colette who sat on the bed breastfeeding Polara.

“Are you excited?” Colette asked, but her attention was on the hair and makeup artist as they filed out of the room. As soon as the door closed, she turned back to Jasmine.

“I started,” she confided in a loud whisper.

Jasmine blinked. “I’m sorry?”

“Your books.”

“Oh.” She didn’t feel the normal rush of nerves or insecurity over her work. She didn’t feel anything.

“They’re very steamy,” Colette said and shifted uncomfortably.

“I told you they would be.”

“Is all that real?” Colette asked.

“Is what real?”

“The main character. How she feels about him? Is that how you felt about Roth?”

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