Page 110 of The Photograph

I unwrap the package slowly, relishing the seconds before the discovery.

“Jeez, Ael, do you have to be so slow?”

Giggling, I open the box slowly and gasp while my heartbeat quickens.Oh, my God.The drop earrings are a perfect match to the pendant Gabe bought for me. I take the small card.

Thank you for making my childhood dream come true. G.

Emma reads the card over my shoulder. “Well, the man has a great way of saying thank you.”

“Who are we talking about?” Cara asks from behind us.

Emma points at the package in my hand. “Gabe sent Aelin diamonds.”

My sister bends over the back of the couch to watch the earrings and smiles. “They’re beautiful. Are you going to talk to him?”

Why is he so confusing?

I whip my eyes to Cara who’s all dressed up and wearing makeup.Someone’s going on a date.

Sitting up to admire my gorgeous sister, I grin. “Where are you going?”

Her face flushes which is adorable. “I’m going to spend the day with Mitch.”

Em wriggles her brows. “Oh, so you’ll have the best loved up glow to go with your dress tonight.” Which makes Cara blush harder before she dashes back to her bedroom.

When she rolls her bag in, I check it to make sure she has the makeup and hair accessories she needs for the party.

At 1:00 PM after a light lunch for me—I’m too nervous to eat—I go through last minute details with Joan and settle at the kitchen table to make a few calls to rearrange some of my next week’s appointments. Em comes back after checking on Sam.

She slides her cell in the back pocket of her jeans and slants her hip on the solid wood table.

“Gabe met Sam?”

I lean back and smile. “Yes, the last time I had her, Gabe came over and we all had dinner.”

“Sam said something about him … repairing the TV?”

Children will humble anyone.“She was watching Dora and must have turned off the TV. Gabe restored the image or something while I was in the kitchen.”

****

A couple of hours later, I whistle as Emma step-dances her way into the living room. Damian piled her blonde curls on top of her head in a ‘deconstructed’ chignon, and she looks just … wow.

The deep green strapless gown I wear has a panel of material shaped like a bib covering my chest leaving my arms bare. My hair has volume and body. I’ve applied heavy kohl around my eyes to make them pop and a peach lip gloss. My new earrings set off the outfit perfectly.

Gabe sent Jason to pick us up and when he knocks on the door, Emma and I grab our clutches and beam at him.

While descending the steps, I lift the hem of my dress. I feel watched. I wave at Gertie who waves back from behind her window. She declined my invitation for the opening, but I promised her pictures of the event. I also invited Ann and Cynthia who couldn’t travel because Cynthia is pregnant.

In the car, I rest the back of my head on the comfortable seat and close my eyes. This event is a make-or-break in my career. If people hate it… I snap my eyes open when Em takes my hand.

“It’s going to be great, Ael. You’re very talented and people will get to see that.”

I squeeze her fingers.I hope you’re right.

After what seems to be only minutes, Jason parks a few meters from the front door.

Fairy lights stream through the hedges surrounding the gardens and there’s actually a red carpet leading into the house. When we enter, two hosts greet us, and I gasp. I can barely recognize the house draped in white, burnt orange, and silver.

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