Page 25 of Beautifully Broken Control

Kennedy

“I don’t think so.Thanks for the invite, though.” What I wanted to say was “hell, no,”but I didn’t think that was appropriate.

Jensen leaned on the counter, giving me her best version of puppy-dog eyes. “Please, Kenz. He’ll only let me invite the people from dinner the other night, and Tessa and Liam. I really want Cain to get to know some good people.”

My brow furrowed. “Why?” It wasn’t like the guy couldn’t afford food and drinks for more people.

Jensen pressed her lips together, seeming to choose her words carefully. “Cain doesn’t let a lot of people in. He’s super private and doesn’t trust easily. He’s so used to people just using him for his money and connections. I want him to know what it’s like to have a community of people who aren’t users.”

A flicker of sympathy flitted through me. I knew a little about what that was like, and it wasn’t fun. It didn’t change that I wanted nothing to do with the man. He was dangerous for me. Someone who saw too much, maybe already knew it all. I met Jensen’s hopeful gaze. “Chuck and I have plans to curl up and read tonight. I’m researching some of the programming other community centers have and how they do their fundraising, hoping to get some ideas for the shelter.”

J’s eyes narrowed on me. “Kenz, Chuck will be snoring by five p.m. And you can research tomorrow night.Please?Do it for me?”

She didn’t fight fair. Jensen had done so much for me since I’d moved to Sutter Lake. I could suffer through one party for her. I’d just avoid the guest of honor. “Okay. I’ll go.”

Jensen let out a little squeal as she clapped her hands together and jumped. She threw her arms around me. “Thank you. Plus, free food. I’m picking it up in an hour. Taylor and Walker will swing by and pick you up at five.”

Nerves churned in my belly. “What’s the dress?”

“Dress?” A little line of confusion appeared between J’s brows.

“What should I wear?” I didn’t have very many options, so I hoped it was casual.

“Oh. You can wear anything, this isn’t fancy.”

That didn’t really help, but I’d figure something out. “Okay, I’ll be ready for Taylor and Walker at five.” I was curious about the property Cain had bought. J had said it was on its own private lake and that Tuck had told her the view was breathtaking. I could always escape to the outdoors if needed.

“Perfect.” Jensen glanced at her watch. “All right. I’m off to pick up Noah, get cleaned up, and grab the food. I’ll see you in a couple of hours.”

“See you.” I followed Jensen towards the back door, checking to make sure she’d locked it behind her, and then headed upstairs. I unlocked my apartment door and pushed it open. Chuck lay across the folded quilt at the foot of my bed, snoring away.

I crouched by the bed. “Chuck,” I called in a gentle singsong. He didn’t stir. Today he was apparently deaf as a doornail. He let out an especially loud snore, one that seemed to shake his whole body. I laughed and rubbed behind his ears the way he liked. His eyes fluttered open.

“Hey, buddy. You have a good day?” He didn’t lift his head but let his tongue flick out and lap at my face. “I missed you, too. Come on. I gotta take you out.”

Chuck groaned but slowly rose to his feet. My little man was getting old. I carefully lifted him off the bed. I’d gotten some stairs so that he could climb up and down, but he seemed to prefer it when I picked him up.

I took him out for a quick potty break and then dashed back up to survey my clothing options. I stood in front of my small closet, hands braced on either side of the door. “What do you think?” Chuck looked up from where he sat at my feet as if to say, “how the hell should I know?”

My eyes scanned the contents of the closet. So different from years past when my walk-in was full of dresses and shoes for every occasion. There was a brief flicker of longing at the memory. I hadn’t enjoyed the ridiculous number of events my parents required me to attend, but I did miss the beautiful dresses, especially the ones with fabric that seemed to float around me as I danced.

I shook my head, trying to clear the image as guilt gnawed at my belly. So many things I hadn’t needed. Now, my closet was mostly filled with jeans, tees, a few flannels, and a couple of sweaters. I had a handful of dance outfits and sweats stacking the shelves on the side. I had to admit, my casual wardrobe was a nice change most of the time, but I didn’t exactly have a lot of party options.

My hands reached out and pushed hangers aside until I found what I was looking for. My lone sundress. I’d found it at a second-hand shop in Portland. And even though I’d had no use for it, I couldn’t resist it. I’d felt guilty about the purchase for days after and probably would’ve returned it if the shop hadn’t had a no-refund policy. But it was perfect for today.

I pulled it out and hung in on the back of the closet door. I looked down at Chuck. “Hopefully, this works.” He lay down on the floor. “Thanks for your vote of confidence.”

I glanced at the clock in the kitchen. “Shit. I gotta get going.” Chuck didn’t move. If people could hear how much I talked to my dog, I’d probably be committed. But he’d been my constant companion for so long, the one being I could trust with anything.

I hurried into the bathroom and hopped into the shower. I made quick work of getting cleaned up, toweling off, and donning a robe. I opened the medicine cabinet and pulled out the few items of makeup I had. A little eyeliner, some mascara, and a dash of blush. That would have to be good enough.

I took a few minutes to weave strands of hair into an intricate braid around the crown of my head before dashing out of the bathroom for my dress and a pair of panties. I sighed as I slipped the fabric over my head. It was that perfect feel of worn cotton.

I straightened the dress, smoothing out the wrinkles, and then headed back towards the bathroom and the mirror that hung on the outside of the door. My appearance was almost startling. The pale blush pink of the dress accented my complexion perfectly, and the deeper hue of the small rosebuds that made up the straps and lined the neck seemed to make the green of my eyes pop. It was the perfect dress.

My phone buzzed on my bed, and I made a dash for it.

Taylor:We’re here. In the back lot.

---