A look of understanding crossed his face. “Is that why you look so upset? Why you didn’t show up at dinner?”

“Mostly. I also just felt lousy.” Was he really more worried about me than the bomb I’d just dropped on him?

“She was missing you…and on that note, I’m out of here. Judging by the death grip he has on you, I don’t think you have to worry about Levi kicking you out tonight.”

“Good night, Jared.” I didn’t bother to turn around. I knew he was already halfway out the door.

“What do we do now?” Levi asked softly.

We needed to talk things out, but I was afraid of making things worse. I was just so relieved he hadn’t walked away from me. “I don’t know. Right now I just want to curl up in bed with you.”

“Your wish is my command.” He picked me up and carried me upstairs.

I was snuggling into his side when he whispered in my ear. “I’m glad you don’t need extra adrenaline when we’re together.”

“What?” I sat up.

He grinned. “I never imagined you’d like to have sex when you think you’ll get caught.”

“What? Did Hailey tell you?”

“Of course not. We have all of Toby’s calls and messages recorded. I was a little surprised at first, but anyone who actually knew you would have figured out it wasn’t you. ‘How could I ever be over you or your body?’ That’s not Allie talk. It was Anne, wasn’t it?”

“Yes.” I buried my face in his shoulder.

“I liked your response to not being able to walk after a night with him. Is that supposed to be a good thing? Now that’s more like you.”

“You’re mighty calm about this.”

“It’s easy to be when you’re in bed with me. I have to admit, it’s a good thing you told me that Toby kissed you. The hot tub comment may have sent me on a war path otherwise.”

“Yeah… I think Hailey was in shock.”

“You didn’t tell her?”

“I felt too icky. I told you because I needed it all out in the open.”

“Are you more awake now?”

“Why?” I picked my head up.

“You bailed on me for dinner, but I did bring you back something.”

“What?”

“Hold on.” He dashed out of bed and I heard him taking the stairs two at a time. He reappeared a minute later. I knew what would be in his hand before he stepped through the doorway.

“Whipped cream?”

“I’d take you and whipped cream over Bananas Foster any day.” He referred to the Brennan’s dessert specialty I loved.

“You’re forgetting something very important.”

“And what’s that?” He pulled back the blankets.

“I’m the one who’s going to be enjoying the whipped cream.”

Chapter Fourteen

“What exactly is a Maid supposed to do?” Anne asked as we sat squashed in the back of Michelle’s Camry on the way to a fitting. Michelle was the only one of us allowed to keep a car on campus, since the rest of us were freshman.

“We’re supposed to smile and look pretty, and to make sure Allie doesn’t ruin her dress when she uses the bathroom.” Michelle looked at us in the rearview mirror.

Anne nodded. “Got it. We’re like bridesmaids.”

“Except the ball isn’t my wedding.” I fidgeted. Being stuck in the middle seat is never fun.

“Nope, that’s not until this summer.” Hailey turned back to look at us. I could tell she’d been grinning when she made the wedding comment. “I can’t wait to see my dress.” Hailey may have been talking about the outfit, but it was the position she was most excited about.

“Are our dresses going to be like Hailey’s?” Tiffany asked. “Or are they just a little different?”

“Probably similar, but they won’t be quite as fancy.” Michelle turned onto the Laurents’ street. My stomach churned the way it always did when I thought about seeing Robert.

Tiffany put a hand on my shoulder. “Maybe he won’t be home. He isn’t exactly going to be part of the fitting.”

“You’re right. I don’t know why I let him intimidate me so much.”

She smiled. “He’s a supernatural king and your future father-in-law. I think I know why.”

“Maybe it isn’t so crazy…”

Michelle pulled into the drive, and even she looked nervous as she stepped out. I’d insisted Hailey sit in front in hopes that the two would talk, but I don’t think it did any good. They both jumped to walk in at my side. I held back a smile. Like there was any competition. Everyone knew whose side I’d take every time. Still, I was glad Michelle was going to be a maid. I knew it was an important olive branch to extend.

Helen opened the door with a huge grin on her face. “Come in, come in.” She gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek before greeting the rest of the girls. We followed her back into her sewing room.

“Is that Allie’s dress?” Anne’s mouth fell open when she caught sight of my gown. “Oh my gosh, it’s amazing.”

“I’m so glad you think so.” Helen beamed. “Should we do Allie first, or do you girls want to see your dresses?”

“Allie first. I can’t wait.” Hailey grinned. My expression matched hers. I hadn’t had time to think about it much over the past few weeks, but I was definitely excited to try it on again. I still couldn’t believe how little time had passed. Jess hadn’t even missed her first day of class yet because NYU was still on break. Suddenly, I lost all interest in trying it on. I wasn’t supposed to be enjoying things. My head throbbed and I felt dizzy.

“Allie? Are you okay?” Helen asked with concern.

“Yeah, I was just thinking about something.”

“Why don’t you take a seat, sweetie. We’ll let the girls go first.” She put a hand on my shoulder.

I smiled, glad she let it go so easily. I took a seat on an upholstered chair and watched my friends try on their black dresses. The Maid dresses were similar to Hailey’s but they didn’t have the ruby embellishment. Each dress was cut a little differently. Anne’s was strapless, Tiffany’s was a halter, and Michelle’s had spaghetti straps. It was hard to stay in a bad mood watching everyone dressing up. I had a smile on my face when I tried on my gown again. This time I had my silver heels with me. The room went speechless when Helen zipped me up.