Page 31 of Only Fate

Brielle parks her hands on her hips. “My attorney will also be there, then.”

I peer at Essie and can’t help but smile. “Looks like I’ll see you at the party.”

“Can’t wait,” she grumbles.

13

How bad would it look if your attorney called in sick?

It wouldn’t look professional.

Especially if Adrian shows up and I don’t.

People could look at him as the better attorney.

I have to suck it up for the sake of my career and attend the birthday party.

Rhett lives in the same neighborhood as my grandmother. It’s the wealthiest subdivision in Blue Beech, but his home is smaller compared to the others. I’m sure the HOA will be all over his ass about his poorly manicured lawn.

I turn off my car, groan, and text the XOXO, Gossip Girl chat.

Me: I’m going in. Wish me all the luck.

My phone immediately vibrates with replies.

Callie: Good luck! You got this.

Amelia: Sending you my love. If anyone says anything rude, I’ll knee them in the balls next time I see them. If it’s Rhett, I’ll do it twice.

Mia: Ugh, I can’t believe you didn’t cancel on those assholes.

Ava: Make sure to give Adrian a hello and goodbye hug. Maybe trade some more inside jokes. IYKYK.

Mia: Ava, WTF?

Callie: UM, I DON’T KNOW!

Amelia: Inside jokes? What inside jokes?

Ava: The ones Adrian wrote in a love letter to Essie.

Me: It was not a love letter!

Callie: Aw, love letters are cute! Please tell me he sprayed it with cologne, like in Legally Blonde? That’d be the cutest.

Me: IT WAS NOT A LOVE LETTER!

Ava: You can read it out loud to the class next time we have a girls’ night.

Mia: Can I cancel that night then? Hard pass on anything love-note related. Let me know when we can talk shit about him. I’m already RSVPing to that party.

Callie: I can’t wait until you fall in love, and I can throw it in your face, Mia.

Mia: That will be the day I ask you to plan my funeral.

Amelia: Send a picture of the letter!

Callie: Yeah, proof, or it didn’t happen.

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