designing homes. “I loved working on that house. It will forever be the best time I ever had. Tamsin.”
“The best until now.”
“True. So we have to celebrate. Sabrina made reservations for us tomorrow night, so get out your best dress, girl, because we are celebrating.”
“Okay. Sounds good!”
That part came out forced because while I love Meadow, her sister Sabrina can grate on my last nerve sometimes. She’s like every Barbie doll, supermodel, and overachiever all rolled into one when she gets going after a few drinks.
Too perky, too perfect, and too much.
“She’s going to send me all the particulars, so I’ll text them to you when she gets them to me. Oh, Hailey, I’m so excited. The best design firm in the city wants me. I can’t get over it. I keep pinching myself to see if it’s really real.”
“It’s really real,” I say with a chuckle at how adorable she is. “You deserve this. Twenty-five and on your way to the top. Will you remember us little people when you get there?” I tease.
“Of course,” she answers, giggling. “How could I forget my friends who’ve always been there for me?”
“Make sure you mention us in your speech when you win designer of the year.”
“I will. I have to go now. I feel like all my clothes for work look like rags, so I’m going to splurge on some new skirts and tops. Maybe even a suit to replace the one I’ve had all this time since I started. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow night. As soon as Sabrina texts me the details, I’ll send them along. Do you want to grab a ride with us, or are you flying solo?”
The thought of being trapped in a car with Sabrina to and from the restaurant, in addition to sitting at the table with her for dinner makes that answer easy. “I’ll drive my car. Just let me know when and where and I’ll be there with bells on.”
Meadow is so delirious with happiness she’s forgotten how her sister and I get along. That’s okay, though. It’s her night, so we can behave for a few hours and celebrate her success.
At least I can. As for Sabrina, I can’t say.
“Great! It’s going to be so much fun!” she squeals.
“Congratulations, Meadow. You deserve this. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”
I lay back on my bed and try not to let my jealousy get the better of me. I love Meadow like I love my sisters. She’s been like a member of my family since we were kids in elementary school. I’m happy for her.
Really.
Meadow deserves everything she’s getting. She’s worked her ass off to make a name for herself in the design business around town. She’s talented and disciplined.
Then why is it that all I feel as I lie here staring up at my bedroom ceiling is jealousy?
All day, I wait for her text as I try my hand at making rose cupcakes for the restaurant. They turn out better than I expected, and no sooner do I put the pink, white, and peach colored cupcakes out in the case, I finally get word from Meadow where we’re going and what time.
Be at CK at six. Can’t wait to see you!
CK. That’s the restaurant Cade’s cousin said he worked at. I stare down at my phone and wonder if I should text her back for the address or if she’ll realize she forgot to send it. A second later, another text from Meadow makes my phone vibrate in my hand, and I see she did remember.
Money must be no object for Sabrina tonight since CK is one of the best restaurants in town. Definitely not in my usual price range, but for Meadow, I’ll swing it.
Catching a glimpse of myself in the glass window of the display case, I grimace. I might be able to afford CK for one dinner, but with the way I look, I’ll stick out like a sore thumb at a place like that.
Unfortunately, I don’t have enough time to go shopping for a new outfit, so I’ll just have to muddle through with that dress I bought last summer before everything happened. I close my eyes and try to push away the negative thoughts that immediately pop up in my mind.
So things went horribly wrong and your boyfriend cheated on you. It happens. At least you’ll get to wear that dress you were supposed to wear to the rehearsal party.
I repeat those words over and over