Victim

So much for taking it slow

Malia's POV

"Okay, so what are we wearing tonight?" Dior asks, barging into my room and looking me up and down.

"This?" I say, my tone unsure as I gesture to my outfit. "Kylie said it wasn't a big party, just a little get-together."

Dior raises her eyebrows and tilts her head. "Let me fill you in on some Kylie language." She heads to my closet, flipping through hangers and tossing options onto my bed. "A 'little get-together' in Kylie's world basically is a party, and if she says it's a party, we're talking Met Gala-level." She holds up a pink ruffled dress and throws it at me. "Wear this tonight."

I hold it up in front of me, eyeing it skeptically. It's cute, but party-cute-by my standards, at least. "Dior, isn't this a little overdressed?"

"Malia, get out of your comfort zone a little. Don't you want to impress Kylie?" She raises an eyebrow, pulling out her own outfit: a black tube dress that's practically microscopic. "Besides, compared to me, that dress is nothing," she says, winking.

I roll my eyes, but reluctantly nod. Dior has a point, so I just head to the bathroom to start on my hair and makeup.

"Also, wear these heels with that dress!" she shouts from my room.

I crack open the bathroom door, curious, expecting to see Dior holding up some heels. Instead, Momona stands there, arms crossed. My heart skips a beat.

"Heels and a dress?" she says, her voice carrying that all-too-familiar motherly tone. "Where are you two going tonight?"

Shoot. I freeze, feeling my pulse quicken. I don't want to lie to her, but I also can't tell her I'm meeting up with Kylie-especially since she doesn't even know we're on speaking terms again. Thankfully, Dior notices my hesitation and jumps in.

"She doesn't know where we're going yet. I'm keeping it a surprise, right, M?" Dior says, flashing a quick smile.

I nod, avoiding Momona's sharp gaze. She studies us for a moment, then shrugs. "Alright, have fun. I'm heading out to talk to Xóchitl anyway."

I mouth a grateful thank you to Dior, who just grins. Then, turning to Momona with an exaggerated curiosity, she adds, "Why do you two need to talk this time?"

That's a bad move. Now Dior has unwittingly invited herself to a Momona rant session, but it buys me some time to get ready without any more questions.

"Xó hasn't told you?" Momona asks, shaking her head with a dramatic sigh as she grabs Dior's hand and pulls her toward the couch. "We haven't spoken since Monday, and-"

I tune out the rest, focusing on my hair, determined to look flawless tonight. Kylie's eyes should stay glued to me; I can't give her the opportunity to look at anyone else but me.

-

When I'm finally done with my hair and makeup, I go to my room and slip on the dress and heels. I feel a little too exposed, so I grab a leather jacket to throw on top. I walk out, and Momona's mouth falls open in awe, while Dior's falls open in more disbelief. "Hot!" Momona says, grinning.

"Very, but the jacket has got to go," Dior insists, hands on her hips.

I shake my head. "It's cold."

Dior smirks playfully. "Someone could keep you warm..." She trails off, casting a sly glance that immediately makes me glare. Momona can't know I'm talking to Kylie again. Sighing, Dior rolls her eyes, dismissing the comment with a laugh. "Fine, but put it on when we go out. We're gonna eat first-you can't drink on an empty stomach."