Twisted Love (Modern Romance #3) - Piper Lawson Page 0,86
arms and thinking of her. I want her there. Because now that she’s gone, everything is empty.
My bed, my thoughts, my heart.
Mom’s mouth purses, my pain reflected on her face. “You have a soft heart. Don’t be afraid to share it with the right person for fear of it being broken. Hearts don’t get stronger from being protected. They get stronger from being used.”
After I drop Mom off, it’s Tris and me in the car.
Tris lifts his wrist, the watch from our dad. “I know you think I was on Dad's side growing up. Before he left, he said, 'Don't worry. You have your brother.'"
My gaze flies to him.
"You want to prove you’re a better man, taking care of Mom, of me, becoming more successful than he ever was? You are. You don't have to take his place to make it true. You deserve to be happy, and so does Daisy.”
Over the past few days, I’ve been replaying that night all those years ago. The fact that she lied to me hurts, but what hurts even more is that I think some part of me knew it was her. But I wanted it to be her so much, I was afraid to believe that was possible.
I never stopped to think about what it was like for her—that night, and the days and weeks after. To be mistaken for her twin only for Vi to leave. Daisy was hurting that night. It’s part of what drew me to her in the first place.
I wanted to help us both by pretending we were dating, but I made things worse.
We were kids, trying to deal with the world. God knows I made mistakes then too. I’m still making them. Daisy kept quiet because she didn’t want to lose me, and because she didn’t want to hurt me.
We messed each other up without even meaning to.
My hands tighten on the steering wheel—with resolve, not desperation. “I was offered a job in London this week. One with complete freedom to do what I want.”
“Huh.”
“I turned it down.”
“Why?”
I rub a hand through my hair, tugging hard enough it hurts. “Freedom isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.”
She’s my best friend, the woman I love, and the one I have to trust with all I am. The one I choose to trust with all I am. If the price of her love is opening myself up to the chance of being hurt, I’ll pay it.
I don’t want to go through life angry and alone when I could go through it with her.
That’s why I’m going to get her back.
By the time I drop off my brother, I’ve decided exactly what I need to do.
30
Most wedding planners would consider a sunny day fortuitous.
I vow to see it that way.
When I get out of the shower, I’m startled to see my little sister, in pajamas, waiting for me.
“You look great,” Lil tells me, holding out a cup of coffee. “Go slay.”
I hug her. Even though this week has been brutal, I’m glad she's here.
The venue is the Vanes’ most iconic property, an art deco hotel.
Just because this PR gig wasn’t the lead-in to a long-term deal with Vane doesn’t mean I won’t see it through. Aiden was right on that.
The magazine crew comes at nine to set up, and I spend the first few hours bustling around, ensuring everything is in place.
They take some opening shots of the space before I take them up to the suite like Camila and I planned. On the way, I spot Aiden pacing in one of the halls.
My knock on the bridal suite door is answered immediately. “Come on in!”
I stop two feet inside. “You look incredible.”
Camila’s dark hair is swept back and plaited down her back. The gown hangs on the rack, while the bride is dressed simply in a white satin robe. “Thank you. My bridesmaids are taking care of some details downstairs.”
I turn to the camera crew. “Why don’t you start with some shots of the room and dress?” As they comply, I step behind the bride in the mirror. “You good?”
“As long as it’s normal to wonder if you’re making the biggest mistake of your life.” Her voice is so low, there’s no chance of the crew overhearing.
I glance over at her dress on the rack, the delicate lace at the top of the skirt. “I think you should trust what got you here. And the do-or-die moment is always scary.”