While the others are still getting ready I receive a phone call from Jack. I answer it while simultaneously slipping a pair of earrings into the piercings. "Jack!"I can hear the smile in his voice. "Hello, Mace. How are things going?"
I still feel radiant. "Wonderful."
"Grand – does that mean you're ready? Can I meet with you by chance?"
Do I hear a hint of nerves in his voice? He wouldn't be nervous to see me... it's probably for tonight.
"I think that'd be fine. Where would you like me to meet you?" I ask.
"How about the ballroom? Do you remember where that is?"
I search my memory and recall the grand room with marble floors and a roof made of glass. It had reminded me of the ballroom from the Beast's castle in Beauty and the Beast. I tell him I remember where it is and that I'll meet him there in a few minutes.
Lola pops her painted red lips, looking at me in the mirror where she's checking her makeup. "That was the Jackass?"
I nod. "He wants me to go meet him. Will you let Gen know where I've gone?"
Lola smirks, mischief in her eyes. "Going off to snog him for a while?"
I roll my eyes. "Lola," I say, "you know we're trying it again, but as friends."
She smirks again. "You look at Jack the same way you look at me? Or Tom? Or Gemma? Or Larkin?"
I feel my cheeks press with a blush. I grab the clutch Gen set out for me, which is made of the same fabric as my dress, embroidered flowers and everything. I give Lola another eye roll, slipping my phone into the clutch. "Lola, I promise you, Jack and I are friends. Nothing more, nothing less."
I leave her with a small hug and head for the ballroom where I spot Jack, who's busily organizing something on a table, his back to me. I walk nearer him and call softly, "Hello, Jack."
I'm surprised when he turns around and it's not Jack, but someone who looks eerily close to him. The boy gives me a smile, his face lit with energy and kindness. "Not Jack – sorry, love. I'm Maxwell."
My eyes widen and a smile takes over my face. "Maxwell! Oh my word! Why hello, I'm Macey Little."
Maxwell's eyes light with amusement. "Oh, trust me. I know. Jack speaks of nothing else." He rolls his eyes, but I can tell it's in a joking manor. I instantly like this boy with his kindness and charisma. Jack's right – he'll do wonders for Creal.
"Maxwell, I'm so glad you are able to be a part of Creal. You can't imagine how relieved I am that you responded to the email. I must have sounded like a crazy lady when I first contacted you."
Maxwell laughs, his dimples appearing on both sides. "Oh, trust me, I'm lucky beyond belief. And you must call me Max – all my friends do. Now, I hate to excuse myself like this, but I must get someone to do some last minute changes for tonight."
I smile, nodding, as he slips away, pep in his step. I look around the ballroom, tables lining the walls with the fanciest place settings I've ever seen. Decadence is too small a word to describe the lavish setting. How did I get to become a part of all this? How am I lucky enough to be friends with Jack after all that's happened?
"Mace, darling. You look beautiful." Jack's voice is rich and comforting as I turn to see him in a tuxedo, looking at me from the doorway.
I smile, feeling beautiful and graceful and more than I should. "Oh, Jack," I say as he nears me, "Thank you so much – for everything. You didn't have to do this."
YOU ARE READING
Better Off Away (BOOK 2)(Wattys2016)
Chick-LitSequel to Better Off Alone • Macey Littlefield has only ever wanted to get away. And now, she finally has the chance. But it will mean leaving behind her last summer with her friends and stepping into a commitment even bigger than she realizes. She...