Page 142 of Faux Real
“Seeing as you’re caffeine personified perhaps a little filter would do you some good,” I tease as my mom sprays the back of my head with hairspray, the fumes filling my nostrils. “Okay, enough. Jeez, you’re making me highly flammable.”
“Oh!” My mom claps her hands as I spin around. “You can be a fire dancer!” Oh my God. Here we go again. “I can see it now! Kennedy Carmichael: The Girl on Fire!”
“That’s fromThe Hunger Games, Sarah,” Max notes with a laugh as I facepalm. “But I’m here for it.”
“Me too! I am in full support of this new career path,” Alice chuckles. “You would own the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Here— ” She removes a dollar from her pocket and hands it to me. “Your first pay cheque.”
“You guys are hilarious,” I scowl at the three of them, crossing my arms.
“Aw, we’re just kidding, honey.” My mom forces me into a hug, rocking me side to side. “Whatever you want to do, I’ll support. As long as you’re happy, okay?” She pulls away, her warm eyes scanning my face. “I’m serious, Kennedy. Whatever you want.”
This was my dream. Unconditional love.
“I don’t think Dad will be too happy if I become a flame thrower,” I note as my phone vibrates. I smile at the group chat with me, Max, Cliff, and Ollie. They’re here. “Might get disowned.”
“He’ll come around,” my mom says, swallowing. “He’s your father, Kennedy. He wants the best for you.”
I blink. “Do you really believe that?”
Mom sighs. “I want to.”
“Yeah,” I hum, unconvinced. “Me too.”
“Don’t mean to interrupt this moment but we gotta go!” Max exclaims, grabbing my hand. “We’re gonna be late!”
“Max, slow down I’m wearing heels,” I yelp, attempting to stay vertical as she drags me downstairs to the front door. “Max!”
“Maxine!” Alice calls out as our mothers chase us. “Jesus, child.”
I catch my breath as Max lets go of my hand and reaches for the door handle, a flurry of microscopic butterflies in my stomach. “Wait,” I say, composing myself. I turn to my mom. “How do I look?”
“You both look breathtaking,” she says, leaning on Alice, a glossy coat of tears shimmering in her eyes. Alice squeezes my mom’s hand. “I’m so happy to be able to share this moment with you, Kennedy.”
“Me too,” I say, emotion trembling my tone. “I love you, mom.”
“God, women are emotional,” Maxine huffs, hip checking me. “Buck up, Carmichael. We have a dance to crush.”
“She’s right,” my mom says, wiping the inner corner of her eyes. “Go have fun! You girls can tell us all about it when you get home.”
“Well, I’ll give youmyversion tonight.” Max tosses me a knowing grin. “Kenny won’t be home ‘til the morning.”
“Excuse me?” My mom blinks. “The morning?”
My eyes widen in horror. I’m going to kill her.
“Okay, bye mom! Bye Alice!” I twist the door handle, tumbling out of Max’s house. “Don’t wait up!”
“Kennedy Carmichael!” Mom’s voice booms from behind but I ignore it, rushing toward Ollie and Cliff who are standing in front of the black stretch limousine, corsages in hand. “Kennedy!”
“See? You can totally run in heels,” Maxine laughs, catching up to me. “You just need a little motivation.”
“You’re such a dick,” I grumble under my breath. “I can’t believe you said that.”
“Pretty sure your mom would notice if you didn’t come home tonight,” Max notes, unbothered. “I did you a favor.”
“Sure, let’s go with that,” I mumble, waving at Oliver who looks like he just stepped out ofGQmagazine. Holy shit, he’s hot. My mouth dries. Oh, God. What is happening to me? It’s fine. I’m fine. Breathe. “Don’t say anything to Ollie about the hotel room, okay? It’s a surprise.”
Also, if he doesn’t know about it, I can back out anytime I want without having to explain anything. Not that I think he would get mad but I want this night to be perfect.
