Imperfectly Beautiful (Jordan Knight Fanfic, Liadan #3)

Masquerades

-MARIA-

"No one can see you, that's the fun part of the mask, so you have absolutely no excuse for having no plans for New Years," Nate chided as he plopped down on the edge of my bed and I sighed deeply.

"I told you, I have plans. It's me, chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, and my romance movies. Those are my plans."

"Those aren't plans, twinsy," Nate shook his head. "Now, c'mon, get up and get dressed or else I'm calling Zoe."

"Zoe is in London," I gave him a look as he referenced my best friend.

"Not anymore. She came home early."

"And how do you know that?"

"'Cuz she spent last night with Wes," Nate shrugged.

"No way," I shook my head. "She finally kicked him to the curb last year."

"Well, apparently she's had a relapse just like you."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"I mean it's time you realize Holloway's not worth you crying over," Nate insisted. "C'mon Maria, it's going to be fun, isn't it, babe?" he looked over at Michelle.

She held her hands up, "I'm staying out of it. I can totally get if you need a day. Moms never get a day off."

"Hey, we're one remember? You can't say that," Nate gave her a look and she giggled.

"Sorry. Seriously though, I think it'll be fun, Maria, from what I hear, Wes rented out a really cool mansion and it's a whole thing. You could always check it out and then leave if you hate it."

"Everybody's going to be there," Nate added. "Besides, this is kind of Wes' way of giving Michelle and me a party since we didn't do bachelor and bachelorette parties."

I sighed, "Well, when you put it like that, I guess I'll come if it's a party for you two."

"It wouldn't be the same without you, twinsy," Nate smiled and I sighed. "Alright, but it's going to take me a while to get dressed so you two probably want to head on there."

"Fine," he nodded. "Aiden will be here in an hour. He was originally going to get Natalie and Logan and take them to the Woods' before he picked up Samantha and brought her with him to the party, but now he can just come get you and then get Sam."

"You've thought of everything, huh?"

"Yep," Nate leaned over and kissed my forehead. "Nobody needs to spend New Years alone. Not in this family anyway."

I pulled my hair tie out of my hair and ran my fingers through it, "Alright, well I'll see you in a bit then I suppose. You two don't want to be late to your own party."

"Text me when you're on your way," Nate said as he scooped up the black bag that lay next to him. "And if you need something to wear, there's a few dresses and masks in here."

"They're all really pretty," Michelle added. "I debated on which one to wear, but my personal favorite is the sparkly silver one. I would've went with that if I hadn't worn this one," she gestured to her glittery red dress that accented the red undertones of her hair and freckles. It also looked particularly stunning contrasted with Nate's black suit.

"Silver it is then," I nodded. "Thanks, Michelle."

"You're welcome," she smiled.

"You two make a really cute couple, by the way, " I complimented.

"Do we?" she looked at Nate and he grinned.

"We do," he placed a kiss on her cheek and she smiled at him. "Thanks sis."