I have to force myself to look away when the knock on the door comes.
"Come in."
"Mr. Booth," Anders says, not acknowledging the fact that I'm half naked and glancing guiltily at the computer screen. "Will you need a ride to the party tonight?"
"Shit." I get up, clicking out of the camera feed. "That's tonight?"
"It is indeed."
"Is... Is Pandora coming?"
"I can find out for you," Anders replies without conveying his emotions. "If you'd like."
"No." I ball up my shirt. "Don’t just find out. Make sure she’s there. Tell Araminta to arrange it.”
Ten
Pandora
After Dexter ends the call, I lie on my bed trying to catch my breath for several minutes. I clutch my phone, knowing it’s my best kept secret now. Why is Dexter showing me kindness? There’s got to be some ulterior motive.
My new phone is ringing. An unknown number flashes across the screen, and I furrow my brows in confusion before finally picking up the call. “Hello?”
“Hey, girl.” The voice on the other side of the line sounds familiar. “It’s Araminta Fox. From school?”
“Oh, hi.” I smile to myself. “How did you get my number?”
“From Dexter. So, you coming to Julian’s party tonight?”
I hesitate before answering. I want to ask her what her relationship is with Dexter, but I’m too scared of knowing the truth. It makes me so jealous my skin crawls.
“Yes, with my sister,” I finally mutter.
“Awesome. If you come at around nine, that would be perfect. Fashionably late, you know?”
She laughs melodically. Her good mood is contagious, and I find myself smiling despite everything that’s happened that day.
“But I was thinking of hitting up the salon before the party. You wanna come with me?”
“Yes, that would be amazing.”
“Great! I’ll pick you up in like, twenty? And remember, bring the card with the highest limit. We’re giving you a full-on makeover.”
While I’m not so convinced I need a full-on makeover, I find myself agreeing.
Once we end the call, I sit down in front of the large mirror in my bedroom, crossing my legs and scrutinizing my appearance. Besides the wax that I need desperately, I could also do with getting my brows done. My nails have seen my better times. I inspect my cuticles. Awful. I haven’t really made my looks a priority lately. I didn’t want to look good for these people. That is, until Dexter wormed his way under my skin.
I know before I meet up with Araminta, I still need to sort out the credit card with my father. I'm dreading asking him for it, but there is no other way, so I take a deep breath before ringing the bell for my maid.
The door unlocks a couple moments later, and Belle stands on the doorstep, scowling at me.
"Where's Minnie?" I ask.
"Busy," she replies firmly. "What do you need, Miss Lily Anna?"
"I need to speak to my father," I explain. "I'll only be a minute."
"He's busy."