Page 35 of A Royal Promise
“I’m just nervous about what I’m wearing. I’ve never attended a regatta before.” Her stylist had selected three options for the event, and Bri had changed a handful of times before settling on this outfit. But now she was second-guessing it.
Bri had taken the time to learn about the rules of rowing because she wanted to show an interest in what Drew cared about, but none of her research had indicated anything about appropriate clothing for spectators—especially a spectator who was the best friend and fake fiancée of one of the rowers, who also happened to be the future king of his country.
“You look fine,” Bastian grumbled.
She pursed her lips. “That makes me feel so much better.”
“You know what I mean. Nice or cute…or whatever.”
Bri leaned over and patted his arm. “You should stick to your day job.”
“That’s the last time I ask a question,” he mumbled under his breath.
The car rolled to a stop, and Bastian quickly exited the car, holding the door open for her.
She made her way to her designated seat beside Drew’s parents, King Maxwell and Queen Lily, Bastian following closely behind.
“You look lovely, dear,” Lily said.
Bri released a relieved breath as she sat down. Drew’s mother looked as regal as ever today in a black-and-white polka dot ankle-length dress and a white ascot hat, so praise from her meant the world to Bri.
“Thank you.” She rubbed her hands along the skirt of her dress, hoping she could play the role of doting fiancée today.
I can do this. I can pretend to be in love with their son.
“I can’t wait for the regatta to begin. I think Drew’s crew has a chance at winning today.” Lily leaned closer to her. “Especially with you here. He’s going to show off for his fiancée.”
Bri smiled at Lily. Her knee began to bounce up and down in nervous anticipation of the event—and of all the cameras that would be trained on her and Drew. “I’m happy to finally see him compete.”
In all the years they’d been friends, she’d never had the opportunity to see him compete in a rowing event. She was happy to have the chance to watch him while she was living in Glencrest. It was a normal thing for friends to support each other at events like this, so she tried to focus on that.
Lily placed her hand on Bri’s knee, stopping the bouncing. She gave Bri a sympathetic look. “There’s no need to be nervous, dear. Drew will be overjoyed, win or lose, because you’re here.”
Bri bit the inside of her lip. She hated lying to their families.
Lily looked over Bri’s shoulder and smiled. “It looks like you have some surprise visitors.”
“Surprise visitors…” She stood and turned just in time to catch Addie as she launched herself into her arms, squeezing her in a tight hug.
“Bwi! I love your dwess.”
“Thanks, Addie girl.” Bri leaned back, holding the young girl against her stomach so she could look at her. “I like yours too. You look beautiful in purple.”
“I know.” She flipped her hair, and Bri set her back down with a laugh. “It’s my favowite color.”
“My girl is as sassy as ever.” Rosalie smirked before pulling Bri into a warm hug.
Colin stood closely behind them, his hands now on his daughter’s shoulders. He offered a nod and a quick, “Hi, Bri.”
“It’s good to see you again,” she said warmly.
“I thought I’d say hello before the race starts.” Rosalie wrapped her arm through Bri’s. Colin leaned down and pressed a kiss to Rosalie’s temple before scooping a squealing Addie up and walking to their box.
Rosalie pulled Bri back a few paces away from Drew’s parents. “How isengagedlife treating you?”
She looked around them, making sure she wouldn’t be overheard. “Can I call you tomorrow morning? I would love to hear your perspective about a few things.”
“That should work for me.” Rosalie checked to make sure no photographers were around them before waggling her eyebrows. “It sounds juicy. I can’t wait.”
