I took my time dressing up the next morning, pretending I didn’t care, but my trembling hands betrayed me.
Every time I tried to clasp my earring, it slipped from my fingers. I must’ve stared at my reflection for a solid minute before realizing I was still practicing the same sentence again,
“Mom said you should attend your Dad’s event.”
It sounded stiff every time. I sighed and ran a hand over my hair. Why was my voice shaking? Why was I even nervous? and why was overly conscious of my blue round neck and jeans?
The drive to Jeremy’s mansion felt like an emotional torture. I kept rehearsing what to say, trying to sound normal. Calm. Unbothered. I wasn’t sure which of those words even applied to me anymore.
By the time I parked, my heartbeat was in my throat. I picked my phone and dia
