Anna has truly outdone herself.
Soft swirls of pink, bronze, and gold frame my eyes, making my hazel irises glow an almost impossible shade of lime green. Highlighter catches my cheekbones every time I turn my head, and tiny flecks of shimmer sparkle through my hair, woven into a loose Katniss Everdeen braid. My lips gleam in a metallic rose that somehow makes me look older without looking overdone.
The zipper slides home, and every woman in the room breaks into applause.
"Tia, you look perfect. So beautiful," Mom gushes.
My aunts nod enthusiastically, and even Anna wipes away a proud tear. She circles me one last time, making tiny adjustments before stepping back with a satisfied smile.
The boys, however, have a very different opinion.
Mom ordered them to stay downstairs after they got back from their adventure, with the exception of Jim, who came upstairs to change. She's put out an impressive buffet of finger foods for everyone.
Everyone except me.
Apparently, I can't be trusted around appetizers until after pictures.
Mom wants a few photos before Phillip arrives, so I pose on the staircase while she snaps away. From the hallway I can hear the boys carrying on.
"Hell no."
"Nope. Not happening."
"Absolutely not."
I grin to myself.
They are not ruining this day.
I feel beautiful. Confident. Untouchable.
Across the room, Torri locks eyes with me. His jaw tightens as he slowly shakes his head.
He looks furious.
For some reason, that only makes my heart race faster.
I mouth the words, Miss you.
His expression somehow darkens even more.
The doorbell rings.
Before anyone can move, Steve, Nick, and Torri nearly knock each other over racing to answer it.
"Mom, do something, please!" I squeal.
She laughs without looking up from the camera.
"Oh, let them have their fun."
Fun?
They look like a pack of wolves that just spotted dinner.
I shoot pleading looks at my aunts and Anna.
Nothing.
Not one adult is coming to poor Phillip's rescue.
Guess it's up to me.
By the time I reach the front door, Steve has already swung it open and backed Phillip onto the porch. Torri and Nick close in beside him, boxing the poor guy in. Mike remains seated in the kitchen, wisely deciding not to participate.
Thank goodness someone has common sense.
The three of them herd Phillip down the front steps like they're escorting a trespasser off the property.
Steve opens his mouth, undoubtedly preparing to deliver some terrifying cousin speech.
I cut him off.
"Boys!"
I stamp my foot.
Every head turns.
Phillip's eyes find mine...and go impossibly wide.
YOU ARE READING
You Don't Know..What you Don't Know
RomanceTia is a good Greek girl growing up in what is considered the Country. One summer in the city of Baltimore changes her attitude about life. She starts her freshmen year of high school with a new found confidence attracting boys of all ranges of th...
