Page 77 of Love & Notes

She belongs entirely to herself.

And tomorrow, he’s just going to have to watch.

26

Ellise

My hands are shaking so badly I can barely line up the silver backing of my earring.

I take a deep breath, staring at my reflection in the small vanity mirror resting on my windowsill. This girl doesn’t feel entirely real.

The black silk dress hangs flawlessly against my frame, cold against my skin, the slit along my right thigh revealing just enough leg to feel dangerously bold. The back is completely open, the plunge dipping low down my spine, leading to the crisp, structured white bow. My hair falls down my back in glossy, polished waves, and my makeup is simple—soft eyes, blushed cheeks and a muted crimson on my lips.

I’m stunning, even if admitting it to myself feels bizarrely arrogant.

Though, underneath the silk and the careful styling, my stomach is twisting itself into tight, agonising knots.

I am going on a date with Julian Thorne.

Julian Thorne. The untouchable, arrogant pianist of Belrose Academy.

I’m used to dating, sure. But my idea of a date usually involves a loud, sticky-tabled diner or a crowded Italian place where I order the cheapest pasta on the menu and then spend five minutes anxiously calculating my half of the bill down to the last cent.

Tonight, I’m being picked up to attend an exclusive black-tie gala at the Thorne family estate in Greenwich. It will be a night of wealth, high-society snobs, and cutthroat critics. It isn’t just out of my comfort zone. It’s an entirely different universe.

What if I trip on my dress?

What if his father looks at me like I’m a charity case?

What if Julian realises three hours in that I don’t belong in a room like that?

I look up to the ceiling, letting out a quiet, pathetic groan.

“Oh my God,” Maddie screams.

I turn quickly, as she stands in the doorway of my room staring at me.

“Is it too much?” I ask. I love it, but somewhere deep down something is screaming that it’s too much.

“Ellise Vance, shut your mouth right now!” Maddie screams, again, suddenly snapping out of her trance.

Before I can brace myself, she squeals at the top of her lungs, sprints across the small room, launching herself into me. She wraps her arms tightly around me and starts bouncing up and down, taking me with her on a whirlwind of chaotic, unfiltered excitement.

God, I love her.

“Careful with the dress, Mads!” I laugh, trying to keep my balance in four-inch stilettos as she squeezes me.

“I don’t care about the dress! Well, I do. It’s a masterpiece, but look at you!” She pulls back, holding me at arms length, her eyes shining with a genuine awe. “You look fucking breathtaking girl. I am actually speechless. Well not speechless, clearly, but, Ellise. You look like royalty.”

Looking at her beaming face, a wave of profound gratitude hits me.

Growing up, female friendships were a minefield. Everyone had an agenda or a hidden bitter edge. But Maddie, Maddie is the friend I never had. The one I didn’t know I was allowed to hope for. There is zero rivalry, jealousy, or hidden motives with her. She fiercely looks out for me and wants me to be the absolute best, happiest version of myself.

“I feel like I’m about to throw up,” I admit, pressing a sweaty hand to my chest. “I’m so terrified, Mads. I’ve never been to anything like this. My last date was with a guy who insisted we split a five-dollar slice of cheesecake down the middle!”

Maddie rolls her eyes so hard it looks painful.

“Forget, Jim.”