Page 2 of Mine to Claim

I wish I could just wake up already dressed every day.

Who am I kidding?

She had cute clothes, but I grew up eating my aunt’s leftovers–I was used to taking what I could get. Designer clothes? Just another luxury I couldn’t afford.

As I rummaged, I found more clothes I wouldn’t wear, but paused when I saw it. The baby blue material was soft with white floral print. Lifting it, I held it against my body. It would fall halfway down my thighs. Hopefully, my fat ass wouldn’t raise it too much, but I loved it. It was so pretty.

Do I deserve to even want this? To have it?

“Oh. My. Goddess. That looks so good on you!” Dani was the best hype woman and I hated how easily she could make me tear up. Making her own versions of saying was her thing.Goddess. Alpha-hole. Leaving it to the stars.The list went on.

“Stop it. You’re making it weird.” My attempt to deflect her praise didn’t go unnoticed. She put her hand on her hip and leveled me with a look that tipped me off. She was about to go on another ‘love yourself’ tangent.

“Lils. I love you to death, but I will curb stomp you if you don’t start being kind to yourself.” The sheer look of wrath made me laugh out loud.

“My dad bought it for me, but I’ve never worn it. Obviously, you already know it isn’t my style, but sis… it’s as if it was custom made for you. It’s yours.” My phone dinged.

“You know I can’t just take it. Besides, it would be weird to wear something your dad specifically bought for you. I’m fine with borrowing it, but it’s coming right back to you.” She’d already given me enough. Checking the notification, I saw Parker’s name again.

“I’m not doing this with you. What’s mine is yours. Including my dad, but ew. Not like that. And my Goddess, it’s like shit-face can tell when someone’s trying to make you feel good about yourself,” Dani exclaimed, clearly irritated.

“Hey now,” I said defensively.

She sighed.

“Look, babe. I love you. Thank you and thank you daddy Grayson for the dress.”

“Fuck you’re gross!” She cringed and turned back to her wardrobe.

Tapping the notification, I unlocked my phone and read his text. He was a few minutes away and wanted me outside. I let out a breath I didn’t know I’d been holding. I don’t know what happened, but in the last few months the distance has only grown between us. Running my fingers through my loose curls, I threw my phone down and undressed. With the dress on, I walked to the wall mirror and checked my ass. Thankfully, it didn’t ride up too much. Facing forward, I pulled at the hem as I eyed myself. I always felt prettier in new clothes. It sounded superficial, but it was true.

Walking over to Dani, I wrapped my arms around her waist and whatever she was holding.

“I appreciate you. Not only did you save me a trip to town and money, but you made me look pretty.” Releasing her, I stepped back.

“You always do, bish. Is he at least picking you up this time?” she sniffed. I knew she was just being protective and I loved her for it.

“Yes, Mom,” I teased.

“And flowers?” She was pulling out her checklist. Not all of us had a loving dad like she did, but I adored that he raised her to expect only the best. You had to be loved to demand it.

I didn’t have to answer.We both know he didn’t.She no longer pretended that she didn’t like him, but her expectations for any man who wanted to be with me didn’t drop. Women were to be wined and dined. In her words, I “only deserved the best.” And Parker? He didn’t come close.

“Are you done packing yet?” Eyeballing her overflowing suitcases. I wasn’t being inconspicuous with the subject change, but this wasn’t new. Dropping to the floor on her stomach, she reached under the bed, and pulled out another brick of a suitcase. Shaking my head as she placed it flat on the bed before getting up, she flashed me her pearly whites.

“Nope, but if I pack wisely, I’ll only have to take 3. All of this,” she said as she ran her hands down her body, “takes time and lots of work. Sadly, it doesn’t come natural.”

“You’re so full of shit, but you keep telling yourself that.” Another ding from my phone alerted me to Parker being outside.

“He isn’t even coming to the door?” Her lips curled in disgust.

“If you’re gone by the time I get back, I love you and hope you enjoy your break. Try not to get kidnapped.” I held my arms open, and she stomped into the hug.

“That was one time!” she whined. I choked up as we broke apart. I was so used to her being there all the time. She was the sister I never had and this place would feel empty without her.

“Mm… if it happens once?” I started the line she chanted like a mantra.

“It’ll happen again,” she grumbled. I hummed happily, and she rolled her eyes.

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