Free Greatest Distraction (Distracted #1) by Juli Valenti Page B

one of my questions, I was going to be pissed!
    Standing on tip-toe to reach it, I inched the box off the shelf, cradling it to my body when I almost dropped it. I practically pet the box and crooned sweet nothings to it as I set it on the floor and pulled the ribbon to unwrap it. Realistically, I knew I had the money to buy these things myself, but the prices always made me cringe. I was completely content with my clothes from Macy’s or even Target; I shopped in the normal mall with normal people. This was like Christmas or something for me.
    “Shut. Up. No she didn’t!!” I exclaimed loudly, clapping my hands like a loon. Nestled inside was a pair of silver shoes, sparkling like Dorothy’s, except not red. A three-inch heel and peep toe, they were a complete work of art. Unable to help myself, I crawled to my purse and pulled out my cell phone. The minute she picked up, I started talking, fast and excitedly.
    “ Shhh, Nick, I’m assuming she found the shoes,” Elle said, obviously to her husband, while laughing at me.
    “You … I …. Can’t … What … Oh, God…” I stammered, completely unable to finish any clear thought.
    “I did, you can, you will, He’s in Heaven,” she addressed my words and I shut my mouth, once again admiring the shoes in my hands.
    “But –”
    “No buts. Something fabulous is going to happen to you tonight, and those, both the dress and the shoes, will contribute. I can feel it and I wanted to be a part of it,” she cut me off, but I could hear her smile. “Ryen?”
    “Yes?” I croaked , slightly hoarse.
    “Don’t be cynical tonight, okay? Be cynical tomorrow.”
    “Ugh. You and that word! I’m not cynical. I’m just … cautious,” I said, finding my tongue and self. I knew what she meant though; she was actually telling me not to be a jerk like I’d been in the airport bar earlier today. I sighed and spoke again, “Okay. I’ll try to not be … cynical.”
    “Good. Now stop petting your shoes and rubbing your face on the dress before you get them dirty, and go get ready. You’re going to be late,” she scolded, sounding like the mommy she was. Granted, I wasn’t the age she was used to dealing with , but seeing how I was petting my shoes and how I may have been rubbing my cheek along the bottom of the gown, she had a point.
    “I love your freaking face,” I told her, smiling as she hung up while chuckling. I didn’t know what I did to deserve that girl, but I was so glad I had her in my life.
     

     
    I took, quite possibly, the fastest shower I’ve ever taken in my entire life. Staying under the water for literally the amount of time it took to wash my body, I bypassed washing my hair. There just wasn’t enough time. The process of washing my hair and drying it was a long, long, long one, especially since it is so long and thick. Elle always bitched about having thin and fine hair, but me? I’d give some very important parts of me to trade her. I’d tried the salon thinning treatments they have, but they only lasted until I washed it again. Que sera, sera.
    Pinning a final strand of hair up in an elegant chignon, I pulled a couple tendrils down to frame my face, curling them. Pleased, I finished my eye makeup and washed my hands thoroughly, terrified to dirty the work of art now hanging on the bathroom door. I stepped into the gown and strained to zip the side, moving the zipper as delicately as possible so as not to snag the fabric. Once secure, I swished – yes, I swished – delighting in the feel of the material against my skin. Because of the cut of the dress, I was going sans brassiere and only wearing a pair of lacy VS panties. I felt exposed, yet covered and beautiful. I’d worn some pretty nice things in my years, most of them admittedly belonging to Elle, but this topped the charts. Plus, it was mine all mine.
    I applied the finishing touch, a matching soft pink lip color that was guaranteed to last the night – thank god for that since