Page 40 of Sweetest Revenge

“I don’t want to splurge,” I said, looking toward the exit. To be honest, I didn’t even want to be here. “Knowing how much of a prick Warren is, he’s likely going to take all this out of my payment. The dress alone is a huge chunk.”

I couldn’t even let myself think about the price tag of it all without getting discouraged. If he truly took it out, I would have to do some rethinking.

Mom’s hospital bills come first. Then credit card debt, mostly Mom’s. The house, maybe the car?—

“I have some videos I can send you,” she said, setting the blush down with a huff. Her voice pulled me out of my spiraling before it got too bad. I was always bad at crunching numbers, but when it came to debt, I was even worse. “It won’t be professional, but it will be enough not to embarrass you. I can’t believe the asshole. Doesn’t he know showing up to one of these unprepared is like social death?”

“He probably does, and that’s why he’s doing it. Or maybe he just doesn’t care,” I grumbled and looked at the door again, only to see a girl in a familiar-looking uniform push into the store.

I relaxed a little now that the gang was all here.

“Sorry!” Violet said, a breathtaking smile spreading across her face. “I just got off my shift and hurried over here.” She held up a bag. “I brought goodies.”

I let an easy smile spread across my face.

“Oh? Haute Noire?” Piper asked as Violet came up to us, eyeing her outfit meaningfully.

“That’s me!” she said with another big smile. Her happiness was infectious. Even with everything stacked against me, I still felt a smile pull at my lips. “Let me know if you ever want anything. Employee discount and all.”

“I want something from you next time.” I nudged Piper. “She’s a designer.”

Violet gave me a look. “I dabble; don’t listen to her.”

“Something tells me you’re being modest,” Piper said, eyeing the girl. “Sign me up for your next piece.”

I grabbed Violet by the arm and peeked into the bang. “Goodies, you say?”

“A Kian original,” she whispered and opened up the bag. ”His jewelry never got the popularity his clothing did, but if anyone there sees you in this, they’ll know where it’s from. I managed to snag this a few years back off a collector. Everyone will be looking at you.”

I quickly closed the bag, my eyes stinging.

“This means a lot to you, doesn’t it?” I asked. Her eyes darted back to the bag.

“Yes, but… You need something like this now. And it’s better for it to get some attention than sit in my closet. It belongs out in the world, amongst the art. You can give it that.”

I grabbed her hand. “I’ll make sure to get it back to you in one piece."

She gave me a grateful smile.

Piper leaned closer and used her fingers to open the bag just enough to peek in.

She let out a soft gasp.

“Girl, this is worth more than my dad’s penthouse.”

I jerked back, suddenly not wanting the gift at all.

“What?”

My loud voice drew the glares of a few onlookers, so I gave them an apologetic grin.

“I saved up for it,” Violet admitted sheepishly. “And traded something of my own. Don’t worry about it, please. I meant what I said.”

Unease washed over me. All these beautiful things… I didn’t want to ruin them.

“This and that dress calls for an updo,” Piper said and let out a hum.

“Piper, I don’t want to spend your money or his. So…”

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