Page 52 of Sadistic

The crystals catch the light in a way that screams, "look at me," when all I want to do is hide.

"Too much," Greer agrees before I can voice it. "Next."

This one has so many crystals I could probably be seen from space.

NASA could use me as a beacon.

"You look like a bloody expensive disco ball," Rhiannon observes.

"Rhiannon!" Greer scolds, but she's trying not to laugh.

"What? She does! Stunning disco ball, but still."

The one that follows is beautiful but feels like wearing someone else's skin.

It's too princessy, too sweet, too much like what people expect a bride to be rather than who I am.

By the following dress, the champagne is working its magic, and we're all laughing more than critiquing.

Even Dalla has relaxed, curled on the couch next to our mom, both of them giggly from the alcohol.

"That one makes your arse look amazing." Rhiannon giggles.

"Rhiannon!" Greer scolds, but she's smiling into her champagne.

"What? It does! Doran's going to swallow his tongue."

"Can we not talk about what Doran's going to do?" I plead, face burning.

The last thing I need is to think about my future husband's reaction to my ass.

"Fair enough," Rhiannon concedes. "But seriously, your arse looks great."

"It really does," Dalla agrees, surprising everyone, including herself. "What? I can appreciate good tailoring."

"Since when do you know about tailoring?" I ask.

"Since I started secretly taking design classes last semester," she admits, then covers her mouth. "Shit. That was supposed to be a secret."

"You're taking design classes?" Mom sits up straighter. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I'm supposed to be pre-med. Future doctor, remember?"

"But you hate blood," I point out.

"Yeah, well, turns out that's kind of important for doctors." She takes another sip of champagne. "But I love fashion. Always have."

"We should talk," Greer says, studying my sister with new interest. "I have an internship program."

"Really?"

"Really. But first"—she turns back to me—"we need to find Revna's dress."

Mom's been quiet most of the evening, overwhelmed by the luxury, but she speaks up now. "You look beautiful, baby. In all of them."

"Thanks, Mom." I study my reflection. The dress is stunning, but it's not... right. "I think maybe?—"

"Wait." Greer disappears into the wall of garment bags, returning with one I haven't seen yet.

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