Page 26 of Royally Ruined

But I hadn’t really cared; I’d been fifteen at the time and busy with my own life. Besides, I’d never met the girl; I didn’t know enough to wonder.

Considering her question, I said, “Yeah. I’m dating him. That a problem?”

I’d like to say I wasn’t put off by how fiercely she studied me, but my palms were sweating before she finally let a serene smile pass over her full lips. “No. I’m glad he’s finally opening up to people.”

I gloried in a tiny spark of pleasure. It was nice to have her approval—even if the relationshipwasfake.

Throwing her hands up, Fran rolled her eyes. “Am I the only one totally confused by this? Something has to be wrong with this girl if she’s into Costello!”

I was done letting her be so cold to me without explaining why. Leaning forward, I started to ask her what her problem was, but Sammy intervened, patting Francesca on the head and saying, “Whoa now, down, girl. I think it’s time we got you that manicure.”

Lula looked down her nose at me. “Come with us.”

My jaw dropped. “Really? Are you sure it’s okay?”

Perking up, Sammy nodded enthusiastically. “I’m the bride. If I say it’s okay, then it is. Unless you had other plans?”

All three of them had to have guessed I didn’t. What could I possibly do between now and the ceremony? Peering back at the hotel room, I hesitated.Costello told me to stay put, but that’s because he wanted me to stay safe. And staying safe means not being suspicious, which turning down their invite would be.

Grinning, I said, “The bride always gets what she wants.”

The salon was right inside the hotel itself. Though it was small, they’d decorated it with lush flowers that weren’t in season. The squishy chairs vibrated us with a massage as five girls—one for each of us, as Mama Badd was here, too—did our nails.

It was such a relaxing experience that I let my guard down. I giggled along with all the banter between Sammy and Fran, my eyelids growing heavy as my body gave in to the soothing music.

I wasn’t prepared for Sammy’s attack. “So,” she asked, facing me, “howdidyou meet Costello?”

Everyone leaned closer. They’d obviously been wondering the same thing. Had they planned to lull me into safety here before digging for details?Ah, fuck.I’d tried to come up with a cover story while flying on the jet. Costello’s plan had been to keep me from talking to his family, clearly, because he’d made no attempt to coach me on what to say. Or maybe he just didn’t do enough dating to come up with a fake history for “us.”

I started to scratch my cheek, but the nail tech clicked her tongue, stopping me before I ruined her paint job. I’d gone with silver and blue. It was only after she’d painted my nails that I realized I’d chosen those colors because they subconsciously reminded me of Costello. “Well, I ran into him at a bar. We got some drinks, started talking, and that’s that.”

Fran rolled her eyes. “That’s about as romantic as I’d expect out of him.”

“Fran!” Mama Badd hissed. “You need to get yourself under control, girl.”

Pouting, she sank deeper in her chair. “Hmph. You should be worried, too, Mama. Maybe he’s taking advantage of her!”

I pushed my lips together. “I’m twenty-five. I’m a grown-ass woman, no one takes advantage of me.”

Ignoring how the nail tech scowled, Francesca jumped to her feet. “I’m taking Mic out for a walk.” The little dog had been sleeping in her huge purse. Snatching them both up, she stomped out the door and left us staring.

Mama Badd cleared her throat. “Forgive her, please. Frannie has a bit of an attitude.”

That was putting it mildly. “I don’t get it,” I said softly. “Am I wrong, or does she have a problem with me?”

Sammy and Lula shared a look. “It’s not you,” Sammy began hesitantly.

“It’s her husband.” Mama Badd shoved her nose into our conversation. “He’s been spending so much time away, having a mansion built for them out in Los Angeles. It’s all very grand, but a man should spend time with his wife. Of course, Ilovehaving her at home with us—who knows how often we’ll see her when that house is done? But Midas couldn’t even make it here for the wedding.”

“That sounds hard,” I said. I couldn’t imagine marrying a man and then never seeing him. Plus, not getting to dance with him at her brother’s wedding ... it made my heart soften for Fran.

The larger woman was nodding. “It’s a real shame, but Frannie will bounce back.” From the corner of my eye, I saw Lulabelle and Sammy scrunching their faces up. Either they’d eaten lemons, or they were choosing to stay silent.

“Maybe I’ll go talk to her,” Sammy said.

“No. If anyone should, it’s me.” Lulabelle rose, smoothing the sweater that hung down to her hips.

Feeling weirdly responsible for this tension, I half stood. “Let me go, too. I want to clear the air with her.”

---