Page 91 of Fake Dating Adrian Hunter
My mouth opens and shuts, surprised at the honesty. “Why? What have I ever done to you?”
“I’m Tory’s best friend, and yet she choseyouto be her maid of honor. You want to know why? It’s because she misses her sister and is trying to rekindle a relationship with you. But you’re too busy making out with Adrian in front of all the cameras to care.”
“I didn’t do that on purpose. And of course I care.”
“My point is, you should be more present in your sister’s life. And not just hers, but your whole family’s. They adore you—”
“Stacy,” I groan. “You don’t know anything about my family life.”
“I do, actually. Tory tells me things. And yeah, I was there during the embarrassing welcome dinner slideshow presentation your parents gave. It wasn’t great. But I’ve also spent this entire week listening to them rave about how incredible you are. They all love you so much, Tory especially, and you don’t even see it.”
Stacy’s words leave me speechless. I want to defend myself, but there’s no fight left in me.
I want to create sister memories.
Tory’s words from the night of the strippers echo in my mind. Then there’s everything Adrian said last night about my family. I’ve been so adamant to run away from my past, hating certain behaviors of my family, like how my mom’s first reaction when seeing me this week was to share embarrassing stories with her sisters about my childhood. But… perhaps I can’t blame her for that when those are the only memories she has. I haven’t given her the chance to create new memories of me as an adult and the woman I am today.
“You’re right, Stacy.” The words come out quiet, but I mean every one of them. “I don’t deserve to be maid of honor. I’ve let Tory down in so many ways. I’m sorry if it’s been difficult for you to stand by and watch.”
Stacy is lost for words too, probably having expected me to make a rebuttal. She gives a stoic nod and says, “Let’s make things right, and stop wasting more time by standing here talking.”
“Agreed.”
The two of us continue toward Tory’s bungalow in silence. I hate putting Adrian on hold again, but right now, the priority is this wedding and being the sister Tory needs.
As we arrive at Tory’s bungalow, Stacy’s hand pauses on the door handle before we step inside, and she gives me a tiny smile. “Listen,Verena, I’m sorry too. I haven’t been the nicest person to you this week.”
“Thank you. Now let’s get Tory married.”
ChapterThirty
A stylist in Tory’s bungalow does my hair and make-up in record time. Darius is here too, organizing everyone’s outfit and ensuring no wardrobe malfunctions arise.
I slip into my dress—a baby pink strapless gown that is boring compared to my standards, but that’s the point, to direct all eyes to where they belong, on the two brides. For Tory, I designed the real masterpiece: a dress full of diamonds that clings to her body, sparkling in the light like she’s stepped out of the ocean. A sheer ivory fabric sits on top, intended to billow in the wind and sweep out behind her.
“You ready to wear this beauty one last time?” Darius asks Tory, unzipping the protective bag her dress is stored in.
“You’ll be worth fifty-thousand dollars. Literally,” I tell her, helping Darius retrieve the dress.
Mom and the bridesmaids gather around Tory as Darius and I bring her the gown. My sister’s face lights up when she sees it, able to wear the dress for real this time, instead of staring at pictures of it each time she fantasized about walking down the aisle. The smile on Tory’s face brings tears to my eyes.
Mom and I assist Tory when stepping into her dress, while Stacy and Nia tend to her shoes. “Thanks, Darius,” I say. “I’ve got it from here. Can you check on Phoebe to make sure there aren’t any issues with her outfit?”
“Of course. Tory, you look like an angel.”
Darius squeezes my hand before exiting the bungalow. We probably won’t see each other until tomorrow. Though he’s been added to the guest list, my guess is he’ll be tending to the Zac and Penny situation.
“It’s true. You look amazing,” I tell Tory, lacing up the back of her dress. “You’re the most stunning bride I’ve ever seen.”
Mom wraps an arm around both of us, teary-eyed and with smudges in her makeup. “Oh, my beautiful daughters.”
“Mom!” I warn, repositioning her a step back. “Don’t you dare cry on Tory’s dress.”
She wipes her tears away, laughing. “Sorry. It’s just that I’ve dreamed of this moment for so long. It’s every mother’s dream to dress her daughter on their wedding day. And it’s so rare to have you girls together with me.”
I rub Mom’s shoulder, remembering everything Adrian and Stacy told me about my family. “You’re right. We don’t see each other enough. I’m going to make more of an effort to be around from now on.”
She blinks through tears. “What do you mean?”
