My Girlfriends Brother || Reddie

Chapter Three

Friday, 4 PM

"Okay, I've got an hour to get ready. Richie's gonna be here at 5," Lexi announced, leaping off her bed with a newfound sense of urgency. Her voice carried a mixture of excitement and nerves, and the energy in her room instantly shifted. She pulled open her closet doors, revealing a chaotic assortment of clothes crammed onto hangers, some already half-falling off.

Beverly, who was lounging on Lexi's bed with a fashion magazine spread across her lap, glanced up with a smirk. "Want me to leave so you can freak out in peace?"

"Not yet," Lexi replied, already rifling through hangers without turning around. "I need you to help me pick something to wear. This has to be perfect. Like, not-too-fancy, not-too-casual, and definitely 'I'm-the-cool-girlfriend material.'" She punctuated her words by pulling a sparkly top off a hanger and promptly tossing it to the floor in rejection.

Before Beverly could respond, the door swung open dramatically, and Eddie strutted in, his chin held high like he was walking a runway.

"Hello, bitches. Do I look cute enough for this dinner thing? Lexi said to 'look cute,' and I delivered," Eddie declared, twirling with exaggerated flair.

He wore light pink shirt under blue overalls, paired with spotless white Vans. To top it off, his nails were still painted the glossy pink from the night before, and he'd added a slick sheen of lip gloss that caught the light as he turned. His confidence was palpable.

"You're adorable, Eddie," Beverly said with a laugh, sitting up to take a closer look.

Lexi spun around, her mouth agape. "Take the lip gloss off! You look cuter than me!" she cried, shoving him toward the door in mock exasperation.

"Not happening." Eddie smirked, steadying himself and brushing her off. "This glow is here to stay, baby. Anyway, hey, Beverly!"

"Hey, Eddie," Beverly replied, trying to stifle her laughter as she waved at him.

Lexi crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes. "Stan's not here, is he? Because I swear—"

"Nope, he's not here," Eddie interrupted quickly, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "I told him he couldn't come over, just like you said. Relax. But why does Beverly get a free pass? Favoritism much?" He pouted dramatically, tilting his head and giving her his best sad eyes.

"Because I said so," Lexi snapped, placing her hands on his shoulders and steering him toward the door. "Now go help Mom or something. And stay out of my room until after dinner."

Eddie allowed himself to be pushed out, grinning the whole time. "You're just scared I'll steal the spotlight," he called over his shoulder as Lexi slammed the door behind him.

The moment the door clicked shut, Beverly burst out laughing, doubling over and clutching her stomach. "That confidence of his is unmatched. He's iconic."

Lexi let out an exasperated sigh but couldn't help smiling. "It's Eddie," she said simply, shaking her head as she returned to the closet. "What about this one?" She pulled out a sleek black dress, holding it up for Beverly's approval.

"Ooh, cute!" Beverly said, sitting up straighter. "But... a little short for a family dinner, don't you think?"

Lexi frowned, turning the dress around in her hands. "What? No, it's not... Okay, maybe." She sighed and held it against herself in the mirror. "Ugh, it makes me look fat anyway."

"Shut up," Beverly said sharply, giving her a pointed look. "You do not look fat. You look hot, and you know it."

Lexi groaned, tossing the dress onto the growing pile on her bed. "Fine. Help me find another one. Something cute but not, like, trying too hard."