She’s here, too? I slide a look to my right from the corner of my eye, and my stomach drops. Deborah and Piper are my stepbrothers’ dates. Unbelievable. It’s like every aspect of their lives has to ruin mine somehow. The girls are wearing beautiful dresses, both of which are a normal length compared to mine. When Piper winds her arm through Colt’s, I know she’s his date. If I thought it would make a difference, I’d tell her what he did to me last night, but she would only find it funny.

Again, I have to call upon the part of my mind I toughened up for competition. They can’t get to me. They’re nothing, people with no lives at all. I would like to think if I was popular and came from a wealthy family, I would be a little nicer to people.

Today is about Mom and James, anyway. When the music begins, and we all rise, it gives me an excuse to turn my attention in that direction.

She glides down the aisle, her eyes sparkling with tears, both hands wrapped around a bouquet of enormous white roses so fragrant their aroma wafts my way before she’s anywhere close to me. She hands me the bouquet and, strictly for show, leans down to kiss my cheek before taking James’s hand—he’s handsome as always, beaming at his bride.

It’s a very nice ceremony, pretty heartfelt. Mom only breaks down crying twice, giving James the opportunity to give her his handkerchief so everyone in attendance can swoon a little. I know she must be loving this. She’ll be riding this high for ages.

It’s a short event, at least, and before I know it, James and Mom are kissing, and Mom is outstretching a hand to take her bouquet back. I clap along with the rest of the guests as they pass, though unfortunately, my gaze brushes against Colt’s, and an icy chill runs through me, thanks to his knowing sneer.

There’s no escaping them when we head upstairs for the reception, either, even though I try to lose myself in the crowd. The seats have already been assigned, and I have the misfortune of sitting with my family, of course. Meaning I have to sit with the girls, too.

“You’re here alone, Leni?” Deborah asks with an edge to her voice. “Wow, I’m so surprised. You’re usually so popular.”

I ignore her, taking my seat across from where she’s sitting. This won’t last forever. It’s only a few hours. And so many people are around. What’s the worst she could do to me? All right, maybe I don’t need to ask myself that question.