Page 38 of Fauxmance

He shot me a look then, a mixture of frustration, haughtiness, and…fear? "Have you met your sister?"

The question was obviously rhetorical, so I didn't respond.

"She's scary."

I shrugged. "Jas has her moments, but don't we all? I'm sure she'd want you to let me through, date or no date."

He shook his head. "I can't take that chance. This is my job. I don't make the rules. I'm sorry."

"But—"

"No."

"Couldn't you just pretend I have an escort down there waiting for me?" I suggested.

"Not going to happen."

Veronica, Vivian, Izzyand their escorts were the next ones in line. As they drew up close to me, I could see the frowns on their faces.

"What's up?" Veronica said.

Vivian tilted her chin as she studied me. "They're not letting her go out. Right, Magnolia?"

"Not without an escort," I said.

Izzy scoffed. "That's ridiculous. As if you couldn't take those stairs by yourself."

"We've practiced enough we could probably all do it with our eyes closed," Veronica agreed.

"Well, we're not going if you're not," Izzy said and crossed her arms.

Vivian and Veronica nodded in solidarity.

"You guys don't have to do that," I said. "Go on. I'll convince them to let me in eventually."

"Ladies," the silver-haired man said, "we have to keep the line moving."

But as he tried to make them move forward, the girls refused. It was a beautiful thing. Even if this was one of the most embarrassing moments of my life, I felt all warm and fuzzy inside. That feeling ended asMrs. Wheeler strode over to us, her smile set to eleven.

"Phinneas, what is the hold up?" she asked. "Our guests are waiting."

The old man grimaced. "I've been trying to get them to move, miss. But they refuse."

"They won't let Magnolia through without an escort," Izzy said. "It's not right."

Mrs.Wheeler turned to me. "What happened to your young gentleman?"

"He turned out to be a frog instead of a prince," I said. "Broke up with me yesterday and said he wasn't coming."

"Oh, I'm so sorry," she said, wringing her hands. That smile didn't slip, though. "Oh what a kerfuffle. What to do, what to do… Your sister obviously wants you at her side, and yet, she was so clear that every bridesmaid must have an escort."

"What a bunch of BS," Izzy mumbled.

"Quiet," Mrs.Wheeler said, flashing her teeth once again. I'd never noticed before, but in this light, she looked somewhat sharkish. "People have put a lot of thought and care into this event. There are important individuals in attendance, not the least of which is Constance Davenport, who will be arriving at any moment. Veronica,Vivecaand Isabel, you go ahead. Magnolia, you'll stay here until I can figure out a solution."

As the girls went to argue, Mrs. Wheeler held up her hand.

Her eyes stared straight into mine as she said, "You don't want to ruin this for your sister. Do you?"

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