Promise Me

“Yes, please.”

“I think it’s a little too straightforward for you. I don’t mean that in a bad way. I’m just saying it’s more Dixie than Kendall. You know?”

I do. I toss it aside and study myself in the mirror again.

Amber comes up behind me. “The purple plays up your eyes. Plus the keyhole neckline is unique and a little naughty.”

“That’s perfect for a first date, right?”

“You ask me this with a straight face after admitting you’re not wearing underwear?” She turns her head and scans the few pieces of jewelry on the dresser. “Besides, this isn’t really your first date. Open mic night was your first date. His birthday party was date number two. So that makes this date number three. As for the dress, I like it with these.” She hands me the diamond drop earrings my parents gave me for graduation.

I take them from her and work them into my ears. Via the mirror, I smile at her. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” She grins back.

My gaze strays to my nightstand, and I spy the pills she left for me. “By the way, thanks for the painkillers. I didn’t need them, but it was thoughtful of you.”

She notices where my attention has wandered. “I didn’t leave them.”

Huh. “If you didn’t, then that means…”

Amber lifts one corner of her mouth. “I guess Dixie’s good for more than just giving headaches. I texted her last night and told her you had a migraine. She must have dropped them off.”

“Well, that’s certainly…” Mind-blowing? “…unexpected. They’re probably not painkillers at all. They’re probably poison.”

She laughs. “Actually, I think having sisters around is growing on her. When I talked to Matt at the party yesterday, he told me after her open-mic performance, she got flustered when the guys told her we’d come to see her sing.”

“Really? All I got from her was a snide comment about us leaving early and missing the real fun.”

“Of course you did. She’d swallow her tongue before admitting the truth out loud, but we know better. She liked that we showed. The whole I-don’t-need-anybody ’tude is a big, fat act. We all need someone sometimes.”

“Dixie might be the exception to the rule. You have to admit she’s got the don’t-need-anybody act down pat.” I close the clasp of a purple bead bracelet and jiggle my arm until it rests low on my wrist.

“She’s had a lot of practice. Oh, pretty. The bracelet totally completes your outfit.”

“Thanks again for your help.”

“No problem. Have fun tonight.” Her wide smile fades a notch. “But if you think you might have FUN-fun, make sure you’re prepared. Dixie’s probably got—”

“What do I probably have?” sister number three interrupts, stepping into my room and holding something out to Amber. “Besides your credit card. You left this in the car.”

“Gracias.” Amber pockets the card before going on, “You probably have condoms. Kendall’s going out with Vaughn tonight.”

Dixie studies me for a moment before she digs around in the oversized bag hanging from her shoulder. “Since when did I become the freaking condom fairy?” she mutters.

My face starts to heat. “I don’t need condoms. I don’t sleep with a guy just because he asks me out. I think that’s more your style.” The last part comes out harsher than I intended, but we’ve strayed into very personal territory, and I’m not sure I’m comfortable going there.

Dixie looks at me like I’m nuts. “Even going by whatever good-girl checklist you use, this is a no-brainer. He’s given you a classy gift.” She drops a condom onto my bed. “He’s spent the requisite amount of time getting to know you.” Another condom lands on my comforter. “He’s springing for dinner.” A third small foil square joins the others. “You’re into him, and for whatever reason, he’s into you, too. What are you holding out for?”

My face heats further under her scrutin

y. Dammit, I should have just said “thanks.”

Suddenly Dixie’s eyes widen. “Oh. My. God. Is perfect princess Kendall a virgin?”

Her voice contains more shock than scorn, but it doesn’t matter. Something inside me snaps. I pick a condom off the bed and hurl it at Dixie. “I am not perfect.” The small missile bounces off her shoulder. I hurl another. “I’m nobody’s princess.” This one hits her chest before falling to the carpet. “And the reason I’m still a virgin is because…” All at once tears are choking me. Somewhere in a different part of my brain I see Amber and Dixie staring at me like I’ve suddenly started molting, and in a way I have.

“…of Mason.” The facade I’ve hidden behind for the last several years cracks apart, and I’m not sure what’s going to emerge.