Free 6 Royal Blood by Ellen Schreiber

least help in serving? They're used to having a butler." "We are who we are-we don't change for other people. You know that. I think cheese tortellini with salad will be great. Besides, your dad is trying to cut back." "This isn't about Dad. We are hosts." "I'm sure they love Italian." I imagined a bloodthirsty and starving-to-the-bone Sterling family leering at my parents for their real meal. Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com) "Doesn't anyone in this family listen to me?" I stormed around the kitchen and opened the fridge. I didn't expect to see blood-filled smoothies, but a girl can always hope. "They don't like garlic, remember. No garlic bread." "I know, you've told me a thousand times." "Well, you didn't remember I requested steaks," I mumbled. "I'll need your help with the brownies," my mom nudged. Jameson served flaming pudding. Sarah Madison served microwave brownies. I zapped the dessert and realized I'd spent so much time figuring out what to wear to the Sterlings', I hadn't even begun to pick out what I'd wear tonight. I raced upstairs and obsessed about what was the perfect attire to wear as one of the Sterlings' dinner hosts. I changed outfits at least five times and, naturally, I settled on the first outfit I originally had on-a frilly black lace skirt, white bodice, black-and-red-striped stockings, and Mary Janes. I was exhausted by the time the doorbell finally rang. 16
    I grabbed a knitted blanket and a pair of Billy's sneakers I that were sitting on the stairs and threw them into the hall closet. I straightened my skirt. "They're here!" "Then answer the door!" my mom called. I checked myself in the hallway mirror. I was pleased with my reflection. Oh my! I thought. Reflection! I immediately unhooked the mirror and carefully placed it in the closet. The doorbell rang again. "Answer the door, Raven/' my mother called. "They'll think we're not home!" I smoothed out my skirt again and opened the door. Alexander looked gorgeous in a gray silk shirt and black jeans. Mrs. Sterling was packed into a tight black dress and dark knee-high boots, and she held a black lace parasol. Her attire was a fabulous combination of sixties and goth. Mr. Sterling sported an impressive silk suit, lavender tie, and brooding half cape. "Welcome to our home," I said. My mom rushed over to us, wiping her hands off with a kitchen towel. My dad came over and did his best to conceal his shock. Mrs. Sterling collapsed her umbrella. "Mom, Dad, this is Mr. and Mrs. Sterling." My mom extended her hand. "It's lovely to meet you both." "Hello. I'm Cassandra," Alexander's mom said. "I'm Paul, and this is Sarah," my dad responded. "Constantine Sterling. Nice to meet you," Alexander's dad said. "Here, let me take that," my dad said, taking the umbrella. "I didn't know it was raining" "It isn't," she said evenly. Her violet eyelashes sparkled. "Well, I guess you are prepared when it does." "Come in and make yourselves at home. I'm just finishing up." My mom darted into the kitchen. My father stuck the umbrella in the closet. "What's this doing in here?" he muttered, noticing the Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com)hall mirror lying against his tennis racket. Dinner at the Madisons might have been the Sterlings' first time slumming it. Our house was nice, but it wasn't a monster-size megamansion. My father led us into the living room. "Your house is gorgeous," Mrs. Sterling remarked. I clutched Alexander's hand for security. Now I could see why he had waited to introduce me to his family. The pressure was enormous. What would my mother say? What did they really think of my house? Our house wasn't tidy, but my mom did clean it. At least the sight of a few cobwebs would make them feel comfortable. "Can I get you something; to drink?" I asked. "Dinner's almost ready." "Raven, I need you," I heard my mother bellow. Of course she did. Now that