Cinderella Complex (15 page)

****

“Come on, Maggie, we've got to go!” Mom hollered upstairs the following night.

“Go ahead. I'll meet you there.”

“Don't you dare be late. You're supposed to hand out brochures.”

I rolled my eyes. Good grief, she acted spastic sometimes. With a sigh, I fastened one last bobby-pin in my hair. My heels clicked on the hardwood floor as I hurried to grab the bag of materials I'd need for the dressmaking ceremony.

My gaze fell on Seth's picture. I hadn't seen him since the incident at the summer house. He hadn't shown up for school. And he'd never returned my calls. I held out hope he might show tonight, but even that looked bleak. My chest tightened. He had to be okay, otherwise his mom would've called, right?

With dark thoughts cluttering my mind, I turned off the light and headed to the park. The night air smelled like burnt leaves, the setting sun doused the sky in orange and pink. The sound of a neighbor's leaf blower hummed, shattering the silence.

The evening seemed alive. My skin tingled with excitement.

Tonight, I'd make everything right. One way or another, Connor and Kat would get their happily-ever-after.

When I arrived at the park, I spotted Kat sitting on a nearby bench. She leapt up as soon as she saw me.

“I'm so glad you're here! I can't believe how nervous I am.”

“Just stay calm.” I set the bag down on the seat then pulled out a piece of silky green fabric and a leaf. “I need a strand of your hair.”

Kat frowned. “What?”

I reached over and yanked a section out.

“Ow, what the heck?”

“I need it for the spell to work.” Okay. Fabric. Check. Hair. Check. Piece of nature. Check. Needle. Crap. I forgot the needle. But there was no way I'd have enough time to go back home now. I glanced around for something else to use. A pine tree caught my eye. Of course, I could use a pine needle! I rushed over and picked one up off the ground. The needle was supposed to represent the “sewing” of the gown. And a pine-needle was still a needle, right? Darn. Well, it had to be close enough.

Kat quirked an eyebrow as she chewed on her thumbnail. “I'm ready when you are.”

And yet, I detected her voice cracking.

Great. She didn't trust me.

“Wand.” Magic tickled my fingers as I cleared my throat. “Fabric, nature, human essence, three. Make a dress that shows her beauty. Leave nothing out, spare not a dime. Make this dress for her special time.”

The wind lifted. Leaves skittered at our feet. A loud humming vibrated around me. Bright light swirled around like a soft-serve ice cream. The earth rumbled beneath my feet as the power rushed forth. Suddenly, I felt cold.

Kat shrieked.

I opened my eyes to find our clothes had disappeared. Crap! The pine needle didn't work.

“This isn't working!” Kat shouted. She stood before me, buck naked, covering herself with her arms and hands.

“Really, tell me something I don't know.”

“More like my boobs are freezing off.”

The whir of traffic in the distance made me groan. Why? Seriously, this stuff only happened to me.

“I'll make us a car to get out of here. We just need to get back to my house.”

Kat glared. “Maybe they should've assigned me a leprechaun! At least then I'd have a little luck.”

“Acting snotty is so not helping the situation.” A mosquito buzzed by my ear. Dang it! I slapped my neck. They'd probably attack my butt first, and I'd spend the next week itching it.

“Come on, magic.” I took a deep breath. “We need to be somewhere quick, get us out of the trees and back home!”

Glitter fell from my wand. A crack, followed by
a thud-thud-thud
. I inhaled deeply, afraid to turn around. But as it was, I didn't need to. A sturdy branch reached down and lifted me up.

Seriously? The tree hefted Kat up, too. It settled us into its canopy, lifting first one rooted foot, then another, as it started walking. It leveled small bushes as it pushed forward. I gaped behind us to see the giant hole left behind.
Someone is bound to notice
.
Leaves and twigs poked me in the butt and in my back with every movement.

“What the heck? Am I in a Lord of the Rings movie?” she shrieked.

“Yeah, you're the hairy-footed hobbit!”

A car alarm sounded as the tree stomped down the road. At least we were on a side street. I'd be lucky if no one shot us or called in the military.
Please don't let anyone notice
.

“You are like the worst Godmother, ever.”

I snorted. “Yeah, well. Beggars can't be choosers.”

By some miracle, we made it to my house without being caught. The tree lifted its bark-covered branch up and grabbed me by the waist. I hung, suspended in mid-air, like a naked piñata. It dropped me first, then Kat, to the ground. With a shake of its leafy twigs, it moved next to the house and rooted itself into my yard. I wondered if Mom would notice. I hoped not.

We raced across the front lawn and into my house.

“You live here?” Kat stared at me as we headed upstairs.

“Um—yeah.”

“Wow you could fit, like, five of my houses in your downstairs.”

“My parents built it when they were still together.”

“Oh. It's nice.”

When we got to my room, I rummaged through my dresser and tossed her a pair of panties.

I tugged on a bra and thong then ambled to my closet.

“See if any of these dresses fit you.” I ripped several outfits from hangers and tossed them onto the bed.

Kat picked a low-cut black number with a fitted waist and a slit that went to her thigh. I helped her knot her hair atop her head then gave her a silver teardrop necklace to wear. After we got her ready, I slipped into a light-blue halter dress and dabbed on some make-up.

“C'mon, we've gotta go.” I flipped off my bedroom light. It wasn't until we walked downstairs when I realized there weren't any cars left. “You've got to be kidding!”

“What?” Kat's brow wrinkled with worry lines.

“Okay. Listen. You need to make a wish.”

“For what?”

“We kind of need transportation. My grandma said if you made a wish, I have to grant it.”

“Why didn't you say this earlier?”

“I forgot.”

She looked doubtful. Not that I blamed her after the whole missing-clothes fiasco.

“This better work.” She closed her eyes and wet her lips. “I wish we could arrive at the exhibit in style, like celebrities.”

My wand appeared in my hand. The skin on my arms tingled as energy built. My fingers glowed bright blue. We stood silent for long moments. Then I heard a helicopter.

We raced to the window and watched as a chopper landed in my front yard.

“Well, we'll definitely make an appearance,” I said.

Kat and I rushed outside. The helicopter blades stirred the wind like a high speed fan. The co-pilot hopped out to open the door for us. Once we were seat-belted inside, we lifted into the air.

I looked down through the window, watching the houses and trees whiz by. This sure beat my usual way of flying. We arrived at the exhibit a few seconds later. The chopper eased down in the parking lot. Photographers rushed us and started snapping photos.

I rolled my eyes. “Maybe you shouldn't have added the ‘like celebrities' bit.”

Kat grinned and posed for the cameras. “Oh, please! I belong on the cover of every major magazine in the country. Harper's Bazaar. Elle. Marie Claire. Vogue.”

“Let's worry about the paparazzi after you get your man.”

Kat flashed me a nervous glance. “I might need to find a bathroom.”

“You'll be fine.” Or at least, I hoped she would, because it was time to go.

 

Classical music played over the speakers as Kat and I walked into the Exhibition Hall. Adults sauntered around, admiring the art while carrying glasses of wine.

“You're late.” Mom thrust a stack of brochures into my hands. “Jack and Seth were handing these out for you.”

“Seth's here?”

“Yes, why wouldn't he be?”

I sighed in relief. The worry slipped away. At least I knew he was safe. “Uh—I don't know. Did you see Taylor?”

“She's over there.” Mom pointed toward the back of the room where Taylor stood, flirting with some blond guy. As if sensing my glance, she looked up and gave me a small wave. But when she saw Kat, her eyes narrowed. This so wasn't my night.

Mom stood in front of me. “Do you mind explaining why you're so late?”

“Sorry. We had an incident.”

Her eyebrow rose. “What kind of incident?”

“Let's just say, it's kinda cold to be out at night in my birthday suit.”

Her mouth dropped open.

“By the way, this is Katrina.”

Kat gave her a wobbly smile and held out her hand.

“Nice to meet you, Ms. Winters.”

“You too.” Mom shook her hand. “Oh, I better grab that wine cup from Mr. Pelton before he dumps it on someone.”

I glanced at the drunk man. His dark suit was wrinkled, his thinning hair stuck up like antlers. Mr. Pelton, the town lush, came to all the events mostly for the free alcohol. And since he had money and spent it liberally, they never turned him away. Everyone could be such hypocrites.

Kat gripped my arm, her hand sweaty. “I'm so nervous.”

“Just take a deep breath. This is your moment.”

She cast me a sideways glance. “I'm not so sure.”

From across the room, I saw Mr. and Mrs. Prince standing with Connor, admiring a painting of a medieval castle. Mrs. Prince stood lithe and statuesque, her golden hair coiled atop her head. A diamond necklace glittered at her throat.

“Look, now's your chance.” I pointed at Connor and his parents. “Go over to them and start a casual conversation.”

She nervously rolled a brochure in her hands. “I don't know anything about art.”

“You don't have to. Comment on the colors or compliment Mrs. Prince on her dress.”

More people filtered into the room, the heavy scent of perfume made me want to vomit. Seriously, it smelled like someone had bathed in a vat of cheap knock-off scents.

“Welcome to the exhibit.” I handed out brochures.

When I turned back around, Kat still stood next to me. Okay, we so needed a plan. “Maybe I should head back home.” Her face drained of color.

“No.” I spotted Jack across the room. He glanced up and I waved him over.

“What's up?”

“I need a favor.” I gave him a desperate look. “I need you to escort Kat to the Prince family. Pretend you're admiring a picture, and casually bump into them.”

“How much will you give me?”

He was being such a pain in the butt. “How about I promise not to kick you in the balls?”

He held up his hands. “Touché. You must be on your period.”

“You're such a pig.” For a moment, I considered punching him in the nose, but figured Mom would ground me for the rest of my life if I caused a scene.

“Shall we?” Jack offered his arm to Kat, who flashed me one last pleading look.

My gaze shifted to Connor. He'd spotted me. He waved. Dang. I needed to hide and quick. I set the brochures on a table by the main entrance, then pushed into the crowd. Now I just needed to get close enough without being too close.

Jack led her to a sculpture of a broken ship. The ship was displayed right next to the Prince family. For once in his life, he did what I asked. He bumped into Mr. Prince and apologized. I listened as he made a round of introductions.

Connor glanced in my direction. I ducked behind a tall man wearing a toupee.
Come on
.
Just pay attention to Kat
.

“Do you need something?” the tall man asked. I was practically crawling up his back.

“No, sorry. I thought someone was following me, so I tried to pretend like I was with you.”

He grinned. Ew. As if that'd ever happen. “Well, if you need an escort, I'd be more than happy to show you—”

“Thanks, but I think I lost him.” I backed away and decided to find a new hiding spot. One far away from Captain Pervert.

A sculpture of a naked man loomed ahead of me. Nasty junk. I situated myself next to it. From here, I could see and listen to Kat without being noticed.

“Yeah, the weather's great,” Kat said. She twisted her hands nervously.

“Come on, girl,” I whispered. “You can do better than that.”

Connor touched her arm. “You should talk cheerleading with my mom. She cheered in high school and college.”

I smiled. Yes. That's it. Be the charming guy I know you are. Come to her rescue.

Mrs. Prince's eyes glittered as they spoke of cheerleading. Most of it shallow stuff, but hey, it was an in. The conversation didn't last long before the next lull.

She totally needed help. I leaned closer, my hands resting on the sculpture as I tried to avoid its junk. If I got her to look my way, I could at least feed her some conversation starters. Maybe we should've opted for spy gear. Like an earpiece-and-microphone-set-up.

A throat cleared behind me. Seth. “Am I interrupting something?”

I glanced down at my hands and realized I'd been clutching the nude statue's butt. I jerked back and bumped into a very solid chest.

His fingers rested on my arm as he spun me around to face him. My heart leapt into my throat. His shaggy hair framed a chiseled face, the dark suit coat made him look like a hot mobster. Man, I'd missed him.

“You're okay.” I launched myself into his arms. “Why didn't you return my calls?”

He held me at arm's length, his gaze moving over me like a surveillance camera. His gaze met mine and a slow smile spread across his face. “You look beautiful.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “Don't change the subject!”

He chuckled. “I'm fine, okay? My dad showed up unexpectedly and wanted to take me out of town for a couple of days.”

“So, you couldn't call?”

“No.” He frowned. “Trust me, I wanted to. Because we've got lots to talk about.”

“Like how you rescued me?”

His finger brushed my cheek. “Someone broke into the house, Mags. I had to defend you.”

“But this isn't the first time you've saved me. That day in the park…”

“Those were just shadows.” He laughed again. “We were spooked, that's all.”

Why was he lying? It made no sense. “Seth, c'mon. Stop the crap. I know you saw something.”

“Yeah, I did. The last thing I noticed at the summer house were the three thugs trying to carry your TV out the front door.”

I didn't want to fight with him. Not here. Not now. I stared into his eyes. Maybe he didn't see the Grimms. Maybe they
were
just shadows to him.

“So, what did your dad want?”

Seth snorted. “For me to come live with him.”

“What? You're not going, are you?” Panic raced through my veins as I grabbed his arm.

His hand trailed down my back and he pulled me closer. “Not a chance. There's no way I'm leaving you.”

I felt warmth filling me up. “I wouldn't let you go.” Not quite an admission of love, but close enough.

“Take a ride with me.” He leaned closer, his breath fanning across my cheek. “We can go somewhere more private and talk.”

My heart bounced in my chest like a kid on a trampoline. He didn't know how bad I wanted to go away with him, but I caught a glimpse of Kat fidgeting with her bracelet.

“Can I take a rain check? Like maybe, after the exhibit tonight?” I caught my bottom lip between my teeth. Flutters danced in my belly at the thought of being alone with him. More than anything, I wanted him to kiss me again.

“Okay,” he said. “Maybe we can go to your house.”

My attention shifted to Kat again. I watched as she laughed at something Mrs. Prince said. And Connor couldn't take his eyes off her. So why did she still look so nervous? Maybe she needed a conversation pick-me-up.

“Give her conversation a little punch, to make them like her,” I muttered under my breath. Heat blazed through my fingers like a firework ready to launch. Power pulsed through me, sticking to the very fibers of my skin.

Seth jumped back, cradling his head in his hands.

“Seth?”

He kept his head lowered and backed away from me. “I'm not feeling so good. I have to go, Mags.”

“Seth, wait.”

He glanced at me, his eyes black as night. “Tomorrow,” he promised.

What just happened? Before I could give it much thought, I heard a loud crack. I glanced up in time to see the punch-bowl table buckling to the floor. The punch bowl flew through the air, drenching Kat and Mrs. Prince.

Aw, Great
.
The conversation got some punch all right. I squeaked and hurried over to them.

“I'm so sorry,” Mrs. Prince said. “The table must not have been sturdy enough. I'll get your dress dry-cleaned for you.”

Kat caught my eye and I shook my head no. “No, don't worry about it. I've got, like, a couple dozen more where this came from.”

Attendants rushed over to clean up the mess while Kat and Mrs. Prince stepped out of the way.

“You must eat dinner with us. It's been such a joy talking to you tonight.” Mrs. Prince took a card from her black clutch. “We'll be at the Herring Bone on Wednesday night.”

“If you need a lift, I can pick you up,” Connor offered.

Was that a smile on his face? It worked. I could totally do the whole matchmaking thing.

Kat smiled. “Sure, I'd love to go.”

“Then it's a date.”

The Princes left.

Kat mouthed the words ‘thank you.' For the first time, I realized why Grandma loved helping people so much. It felt good.

Not wanting to get in the way, I moved back to my place by the nude statue. Something stuck to the bottom of my shoe. I bent down to pick it up, only to find a black feather crushed beneath my heel.

Grimms. Somewhere close. I needed to find Jack. And fast.