Chapter 5
Doting and Sisterhood
Dripping all over Annabelle’s foyer, I did my best to say hello to everyone without feeling like a complete ass. Showing up late was one thing; showing up sopping wet, looking a mess,andbeing late was embarrassing as hell.
“Ellis! You made it!” I sang out as our little college girl rushed over to me with a towel and a glass of wine.
She was glowing in a playful, mint green peplum dress, looking tan, cheery, and completely brilliant. “I wouldn’t miss an occasion like this for the world. Come on, let’s get you cleaned up.”
Hooking her arm with mine, Ellis escorted me away from the gaggle of women and up to her bedroom. Even though Ellis was Annabelle’s stepdaughter, she felt like all of our little sister. Since day one when Annabelle met her late husband, Freddy, Ellis was glued to our hips. Being an only child myself, having such a strong feeling of family from my friend group was paramount in my life.
“So, tell me all about being a bulldog.” I smiled as I combed out the knots in my damp hair.
Ellis bounced onto her bed as she watched me at the vanity. “It is so amazing, Caroline. I don’t even have words.”
“Any boys we need to sic Waylon on?” I teased, eyeing her through the mirror.
The crimson that coated her bronzed skin wasn’t lost on me. As she bit her lip and averted her gaze, I knew there was a story lingering.
She’s not getting off that easily.
“You know I am going to get it out of you one way or another, kid. Might was well just give in now before I start badgering you in front of the entire group downstairs.”
She let out a forced breath. “Fine. His name is Brantley and we met in our American lit class last semester.”
“And? What does he look like? What’s his major? Where is he from?”
“He’s from Atlanta, and he is studying biological and biomedical sciences. He’s tall, blond, and just all-around dreamy.” She swooned as she spoke.
“I take it Annie doesn’t know anything about this?” I knew my friend didn’t have even an inkling that her stepdaughter was seeing anyone. We all would have known about it from the jump.
Ellis violently shook her head. “Annabelle will just worry I am going to run away and get married like she did with Dad.”
“I don’t know if you give her enough credit. Marrying your father was the best thing she ever did, and you know she hasn’t regretted that decision for one second, right?” I assured Ellis as she fiddled with the hem of her dress.
“I get it, but she always told me to just date in college and not worry about finding the one until I have my life set up. The thing is…I think I might have found the guy, ya know? I don’t want her to try to talk me out of falling in love with Brantley.”
“Are you in love with him?” I turned to look at her, blow-drying my hair into a curly, frizzy rat’s nest.
Her pursed lips involuntarily turned up at the corners as she bowed her head.
“Then Annabelle will get it. We’re all going to have to meet this young man to make sure he is good enough for our little princess, but that comes with the territory.”
“You’re right. You always are.” She sighed, leaning back on the bed. “What about you? Any new men in your life?”
I loved that our relationship had evolved so organically over the years that Ellis felt comfortable talking with all of us about anything under the sun. She had really grown into a remarkable young woman.
Trying to fix my running mascara and tame my mane, I softened my shoulders. “No one other than an infuriating new principal at my school.”
“Is he hot?” she asked quickly.
My cheeks prickled as I thought back to seeing Blake’s bare chest not even an hour before.
“He is! Why don’t you go for it? Infuriating might be fun for a little bit. You have an awful habit of dating wet blankets with zero personality.”
“Ouch,” I scoffed at her.
She shrugged. “Sometimes the truth hurts.”