Beg You to Trust Me (Lindon U #2)(61)

She considers it while moving on to a new section of hair. The curls aren’t tight, but loose and bouncy as they slip past my shoulders. “I get it. I do. Honestly, I’m not a fan of these things either. In fact, I think only Serenity and Mom are. Everyone else just does it to make them happy because it means something to them.”

I find myself silently agreeing, even if I’ll never fully understand.

“But, I get it, Sky. You want to be your own person. We’re all happy for you. Even though Mom and Dad have been worried since you got back.”

“What? Why?”

“You’ve lost weight…”

My nose scrunches. “Hasn’t Mom always hinted that I should?”

Her frown deepens. “I know she can be a little…brutal sometimes, but she never means anything bad by it. I think she’s a little envious of your curves too. You rock everything you wear and not many can say the same. It’s no wonder you’ve got a football player after you.”

I blush.

“Anyway,” she continues, “they just worry that something is up. You’ve never considered joining us at the gym or club or actively tried losing weight. You’ve been sick. Even now, your eyes are dull, and your poor nose is red even with your makeup on. Are you sure everything is okay?”

I used to think I was the invisible one, but it’s obvious I’m wrong. “It’s been harder than I thought to fit in at Lindon,” I admit quietly. “That’s all.”

I don’t tell her that I avoid Huden when I know the rush of people are there. Or that people staring has made me too self-conscious to make appearances places when I don’t need to. My natural tan from being in the California sun has faded considerably from all the time I spend in the comfort of my own little space.

“Have you considered moving out of your room and away from your roommate? It sounds like she’s a big part of the problem. Stress causes people to get sick easily, and if you’re always surrounded by it…”

I haven’t considered that. “I’m not sure there are even other rooms available.”

“You should check. I can help.” Her hand squeezes my arm. “We all want what’s best for you, Sky Sister. And if it takes flying to New York to put a bitch in her place, you know we’ll do it. All of us would.”

The offer makes me ease into my chair, knowing she means it. My sisters would book the first flight out to deal with Becca if I said the word. It’s endearing.

“For the record,” she remarks, “You look super sexy even with your little Rudolph nose. And you look amazing with the dark hair. I don’t know why people wouldn’t want you as a friend, but they’re clearly idiots.”

I smile softly at her and think about what Danny said about quality over quantity. “I’m starting to see that it might not be a bad thing having one or two really good friends.”

“You’re right. It’s important to have people who will have your back no matter what. It sounds like Olive and Danny are those people for you.”

Her wistful look turns into something mischievous. “It’s too bad your football player isn’t here to see you all dolled up. Your ass would probably make him drool.”

My football player.

I fight a goofy smile as I listen to my heart thud, thud, thud in my chest. “He had a game this weekend.”

She pauses. “Would you have invited him if he didn’t?”

My instant thought is no. But, for some reason, I don’t answer it right away. If I’d asked, would he have come? He definitely would have found a way to make this banquet fun. And anywhere there’s food, Danny is at his happiest.

Plus, he told me anything I wanted he’d do. I’m your guy, his text had said.

“I don’t know. Maybe.”

All she does is hum in response as she finishes up my hair and helps me with my makeup. It takes five minutes of arguing before I relent and let her do a bold color on my lips.

Bright red. A statement piece.

By the time I’m finished, I look…

Nothing like myself.

I look sexy and elegant and much older than my almost nineteen years. Standing and flattening my palms down the front of my dress, I examine the final product while Serena stands off to the side looking like a proud mother.

Grabbing my phone, I pass it to her. “Can you take my picture?”

Her eyes flash knowingly. “Sending this to a certain athlete?”

I nibble my lip before nodding.

She tells me how to pose, takes a few different shots, and then passes me back my phone with a proud look in her eye. “You realize even if you don’t tell me anything about this guy I’m going to look him up on your school’s website and then stalk him on every social media platform known to man, right?”

I slide on my heels, wobble a little as I strap them, grab the hideous clutch that matches, and say, “Fine. Just don’t blurt your findings to the others.”

She pouts. “You’re no fun.”

I roll my eyes and tell her I’ll meet her downstairs. After looking at all the pictures she took, I select one and send to Danny.

It’s after I walk downstairs and get fussed over by Mom and Dad that I get a reply.

Danny: Damn, Blondie

Danny: You look beautiful