Faded Memories | lp

Chapter Twenty-Five

I dig my dress out of my suit case and pull my heels out after it. I want to set something straight: even though I live in a trailer in Michigan, I can still be classy and well-behaved. I'm a author, I'm (mostly) mature.
I sneak out into the hall and go to the bathroom. I get into my dress and wash my face quickly. Then, I sneak back into my room. I don't want to talk to Dylan anymore, he creeps me out.
I look in the mirror at my little black dress. I'm glad it fits.
I plug my curling iron into the outlet beside my bed and apply my makeup while I wait for it to heat up. I just put on eyeliner and mascara. I define my eyebrows and leave it simple.
I curl my hair into large ringlets. After seeing pictures of my with crazy blue and pink hair, I'm glad to have my natural hair color back. Its a Michele between blonde and brunette.
I unplug my curling iron and hear a knock at the door. I flatten my dress and open my door. Dylan stands there with a snide look on his face.
"Our mother called me to get you. We have to leave in five minutes." He says without breaking eye contact. His calmness puts me on edge. He seems villainous. He's wearing a black tux with a dark green tie. His eyes stand out even more.
"She's not your mother." I mumble while I follow him down the stairs. Two girls I've never seen before stand down there and glare at me. One is wearing a black dress with thick straps and the other one is wearing a replica in white.
"Jo, this is Diana and Dana. They're your half sisters." John introduces us. They don't move at all and remain in their cold state. It's like he didn't even say anything. I wonder what happened between us.
My mother clears her throat, "Well, we should get going if we don't want to be late."
"Yes, let's go." John agrees sharply. Dylan follows me out the door. Unfortunately, the family Mercedes only has five seats. All four of us "children" had to squish in the back. I'm pressed up against the door and practically sitting on Dylan's lap. He isn't complaining.
Finally, we arrive at a fancy venue and pile out of the car. I tug the hem of my dress down and follow my mom and John inside. Diana and Dana keep glaring at me and whispering to each other. It makes me self-conscious but I shake it off.
A hostess leads us to our table. I notice three empty seats. I was told John's boss was coming, but who else? My question is soon answered when a middle-aged man and woman, along with a boy, approach the table.
"Hi, I'm Jo." I greet myself and shake the woman's hand.
"Pleased to meet you," she smiles ear to ear, "I'm Dennis's wife, Kelly."
"Nice to meet you." She finally releases her hand and I shake Dennis's hand. His son, I'm assuming, looks at my fondly and sits without introduction. I sit at the end of the table, which is strange, and Dennis sits at the other end.
"Well Jo, I'm glad you could cut time out of your busy schedule to join us. I was over joyed to hear you would be joining us." Dennis breaks the silence and puts me on the spot.
"Yeah, I've always liked Florida." I respond. Diana snickers and my mom shoots her a stare.
"So how's your book coming? Your mother says you'll be publishing in a few weeks." Dennis continues the conversation against my will.
I look at my mom in confusion, but she nods like yeah, that's what he thinks, go along with it. I play along.
"Yeah, I'm touching up on it since my editor looked it over." I gulp. I can't get over Dylan staring at my from the other end of the table. I feel his gaze on my lips as I speak.
"That's great."
My phone rings and my cheeks turn bright red. Sonia is calling.
"Sorry, I have to take this." I mumble and stand up.
I answer it once outside.
"Jo, you'll never believe this. You're up for Breakout Author of the Year at the Breakout Awards." She exclaims.
"I'm up for--for an award?"
"You best believe it."