Billionaires Don’t Fall For Awkward Girls by Emma Dalton

Chapter Thirty-Four

“It’s not that bad,” Charlie says as she twirls spaghetti with her fork. “Not as good as Dani’s mom’s, of course, but it’s edible at least.”

Ally sighs.

I beam as I drop down next to my friends with four containers. “Dig in, guys!”

“For real?” Kara reaches for one of the containers and tears off the lid. “Oh my gosh, I might die of happiness.”

“I thought your mom didn’t have time to make lunch for us,” Charlie says as she whips the lid off her container. “Not since she started working for the Knights.”

“She missed cooking for us,” I tell them as I dig my fork into my chicken. “You’re welcome.”

“Give her a million thanks.” Ally sighs happily as she bites into her chicken. “I could kiss her right now.”

Someone drops a container on the table and slides into the seat next to me, throwing his arm over my shoulder. “Hey, Dani.”

“Easton!” I press a kiss on his cheek. “My mom made us lunch too.”

“Good,” he says. “I always feel bad when I see you guys struggling to eat the school’s lunch while I have your mom’s amazing food.”

“It’s okay,” I reassure him. “It’s my mom’s job to make lunch for you.”

“You got what I got?” He peers at his food and ours. “Nice.”

“You sitting at this table is so weird,” Charlie says as she stares at him.

He lifts his shoulder. “Why is it weird?”

“What’s weird is that he’s my boyfriend,” I say. “Sometimes I think I’m dreaming.”

Easton lifts his brows with a teasing grin. “You’ve dreamed about me?”

“No.”

“She did so,” Ally says with a giggle.

“I never admitted that!”

“It’s cute.” Easton presses a sweet kiss to my temple. “I might have dreamed about you too.”

“You did?”

“Yeah.” He lowers his voice. “A sexy goddess dancing in a flower field.”

I just gape at him. Did he really see me that way before we got together?

“Easton, surprised to see you here,” Brayden says as he lowers himself near Kara. “Hey.” He gives her a quick peck on the lips before a teacher could catch them.

“‘Sup, Barrington?” They fist bump. “Hanging out with my girl and her friends.”

“Same.”

“We should totally double date!” Kara says. “It’ll be so much fun.”

“Sure,” her boyfriend says.

“I’m in,” Easton agrees.

I smile and snuggle up to him. “Me too.”

“I need to ask you something, Dani,” he tells me.

“Uh oh,” Kara says. “Serious voice.”

“Should I be worried?” I ask.

He chuckles softly. “Nah. My parents are hosting a charity event this weekend and I was wondering if you’d like to be my plus one.”

I sit back. “Is it like a fancy dinner?”

“Yeah.”

“I’d have to wear a pretty dress?”

“Yeah. But you don’t have to worry about that. I’ll send you a few dresses you can try on and you can pick whatever you want.”

My jaw hangs open. “You’ll send me a dress? I mean, I’m sure I can whip something up from my closet.”

He laughs as he wraps an arm around me and presses another kiss to my temple. “It kind of calls for formal wear. You’ll need a super expensive gown.”

“Oh.” I frown.

“I told you I’ll send you a few options. I’ll make sure they’re your style.”

“Do you even know her style?” Charlie asks.

“I remember what she wore to the homecoming dance.”

I blink at him. “You paid attention to me back then?”

He chuckles as he nuzzles his nose in my hair. “You’d be surprised how often I’ve noticed you.”

“Oh my gosh, this is so much better than a book!” Ally says.

“What do you say, Dani?” he asks, eyes searching mine. “Would you like to be my date?”

“Uh…I don’t know. There’s going to be tons of rich people there who are so poised and put together…”

“Who cares?” Easton says. “I always ignore them unless I need to interact with them. My eyes will only be on you.”

“I guess I’ve always wondered what it would be like to go to a fancy dinner and wear a beautiful gown,” I admit.

“Okay. Great.”

“I’m so nervous,” I say with a shaky laugh.

“Don’t be. Those dinners are always so boring, but it won’t be with you there.”

I smile as we continue eating my mom’s delicious food. Even though I’m extremely nervous, I’m super excited as well. Now that Easton and I are together, there will be more of these kinds of events. Someone pinch me because I know this can’t be real.

I pinch myself. Nope, it’s real!

***

Easton must be out of his mind. He said he’d send over a few dresses, but he freaking sent ten! And each one is even more beautiful than the last. How is a girl supposed to choose?

I grab my phone and send him a text.

Dani: You trying to make my life more difficult than it already is?

Easton: No. My mission is to make your life as easy as possible.

Dani: Then why did you send me ten dresses? You expect me to choose one out of all ten?

Easton: No, they’re yours to keep. But you can only wear one to the dinner. Unless you can somehow pile them all on top of you?

Dani: Easton, you’re not funny! And I’m not keeping the dresses.

Easton: It would be practical to, since you’ll probably attend more events. My mom has a thing about wearing the same dress twice.

Dani: So now I have to remember what dress I wore when?

Easton: You see how difficult my life is?

Dani: You pick a dress. I can’t decide.

Easton: You look great in all.

Dani: How do you know that? Oh my gosh, you ARE stalking me.

Easton: Lol. Nah, I just know you’d look great in all of them. If you really can’t decide, maybe ask your friends?

Dani: Okay. See you in a bit.

I ask advice from my friends and they vote for the emerald dress with sequins. That was my first choice too. Then I call Mom to my room to help me finish up. As soon as she steps inside, her eyes widen and she nearly stumbles back. “Dani,” she breathes. “You look…you look like a princess.”

I stand and twirl around. “I feel like one.”

She wraps me in her arms and kisses my cheek. “You’re stunning, honey.”

“Thanks. Can you help me with my hair and makeup?”

“Sure.”

Mom’s not a makeup expert, but she does a pretty good job. And she styles my hair in a gorgeous updo. When I look in the mirror, I barely recognize myself. I don’t look like the awkward invisible girl I’ve been all my life. The girl staring back at me looks so confident and put together, and visible.

“I have to send pics to your dad,” Mom says as she snaps photos. Now I feel like a model. Mom sends the photos to Dad, but he probably won’t have a chance to look at them until he’s on break.

“Do I look like I belong in their rich world, Mom?” I ask.

She cups my cheek. “You belong wherever you want, Dani.”

I video chat with my friends so they could see the end result. They tell me I look amazing and wish me luck. Because I’m so nervous, I’m ready way too early. Every part of me itches to pace my room, but I don’t want to ruin my hair or makeup. So I sit on my bed and read.

Until the doorbell rings and I nearly shoot to the roof.

“Dani, your handsome date is here!” Mom calls.

After checking myself in the mirror one last time, I grab my bag and make my way out of my room, my stomach clenching. As soon as Easton’s face comes into my view, I relax a little. With him by my side, I have nothing to be nervous about.

“Dani,” he says as he walks over and presses a kiss on my cheek. “You look beautiful.”

“Thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself.”

He’s dressed in a suit that looks like it was bought thirty seconds ago, and it fits him perfectly. His hair sits neatly on his head, not a strand out of place. And his new shoes are the shiniest I’ve ever seen.

“The perfect couple,” Mom says with tears in her eyes. “I need to send a picture to your father.”

Easton and I pose for Mom, then he holds out his hand. “May I escort you to the car?”

I place my hand in his. “Please lead the way.”

“Have fun!” Mom calls after us.

Joe is waiting outside with the car. He opens the door for us and we slide in, my hands immediately wringing in my lap. As Joe steps on the gas, Easton slips his hand into mine and squeezes it, giving me a reassuring smile. I snuggle up to him, resting my head on his chest. He kisses the top of my head.

We ride in silence, the two of us seeking comfort from each other. This right here? Perfect.

“This is nice,” he murmurs as he rubs his hand up and down my arm. “Just sitting here with you. I can’t think of anything more perfect.”

“I was just thinking the same thing.”

“I can’t imagine being with anyone other than you.”

It takes everything I have not to squeal. I can’t believe I actually have a boyfriend, and it’s Easton Knight! Things have definitely taken an interesting turn since that first day of school.

We talk a bit throughout the rest of the ride, but mostly we sit in silence, loving each other’s company. Joe stops the car in front of the venue a little while later and opens the door. “We have reached our destination.”

“Thank you, Joe,” Easton says as his driver helps me out of the car.

“Do I look okay?” I ask as I desperately search my bag for a small mirror. Darn, I forgot to put it in there.

“You look perfect,” Easton reassures me.

I notice other people heading into the hall, each of them looking just as put-together as Easton. Now that we’re actually here, I’m freaking out. I’m used to being on the other side, but now I’ll be part of them. Am I ready for this? Am I ready to join Easton’s world?

“You okay?” he asks, eyes searching my face. “I know it looks daunting, but it’ll be okay. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“I know, thanks.” I nod resolutely. “I’m ready.”

He holds out his arm and I tuck mine inside. After I take a deep breath and let it out, he leads me into the hall. I can’t even begin to describe how stunning this place is. From the beautiful chandeliers to the fancy tables and chairs, to how impeccably dressed everyone is? This doesn’t seem real.

“Ready?” Easton asks. I can see it in his eyes—I can back out any minute. But that doesn’t mean I’ll be backing out of his life.

I nod. “Let’s do this.”

We walk inside, and Easton nods and says hello to many people we pass. Every single one of them curiously gawks at me, their eyes sweeping over my body, some scrutinizing my face intently like they’re trying to figure out who I am.

“There are my parents,” Easton says as he leads me toward them. They’re holding champagne glasses and are chatting to an elderly man and woman. I immediately tense up. I’ve met his parents before, but that was under totally different circumstances. Will they like me? I can’t forget how cold his mom was toward me.

Celine is the first to notice us approach. Her face fills with a smile, but when her eyes trek to me, the smile slowly vanishes from her face and her eyes hold nothing but confusion. “Darcy?”

“It’s Dani. Hi.” I hold out my hand.

She glances at it before moving her eyes to Easton. “What is she doing here?”

“She’s my date, Mother. Actually, she’s my girlfriend.”

One way to describe the look on her face? Appalled. And my hand just hangs there.

Mr. Knight reaches over to shake it. “Hello, Dani.”

“What do you mean she’s your date?” Mrs. Knight hisses at her son.

“I said girlfriend, Mother.”

The elderly couple watches the exchange with baffled expressions.

Mrs. Knight smiles apologetically. “Excuse us, please. Easton, can we talk to you in private?”

That was more of an order than a request. The three of them walk to the side, and it’s not long before they’re in a heated discussion.

I realize I’m still standing before the elderly man and woman. “Some party, huh?” I say with a nervous laugh.

They give me pleasant smiles before walking off and mingling with other people. I hug myself at the sudden cold.

“Who are you exactly?” a voice demands from behind me.

Whirling around, I come face to face with Bianca Burrell. Man, does she look incredible. Her dress is breathtaking and fits her like a glove. Her hair and makeup are flawless.

“I’m Danielle Wood,” I inform her with a nervous laugh. “Dani. Pleased to meet you.” I hold out my hand.

“And what are you to my Easton?”

Her Easton. I swallow. “Um, I’m his friend.”

She raises her brows. “You’re his friend?”

“I’m the d-daughter of his chef,” I stammer.

Her eyebrows rise even more. “He brought his chef’s daughter to the dinner?” She snickers. “He brought a charity case to the charity dinner?”

“I’m not only his chef’s d-daughter. I’m his—” The words get stuck in my throat. This is the girl Easton was promised to when they were babies. Does she think they’re still engaged? Are they still engaged? He told me she means nothing to him, but….

Will she bite my head off if I claim I’m his girlfriend? Can I even be his girlfriend when he’s engaged to someone else?

She narrows her eyes and steps closer. “Watch it.” She bumps my shoulder as she passes me.

When I search for Easton, I find him still arguing with his parents. His mother keeps throwing glares at me and his dad keeps taking small sips from his champagne. The room has gotten so cold, I think I might turn into a popsicle.

Easton tears himself from his parents and marches over to me, a large smile on his face. “Sorry about that.” He holds out his arm. “Want some food?”

“She…she talked to me.”

Easton’s eyebrow rises. “My mother? Don’t worry about her. She—”

“No. Your fiancée.”

His face clouds over. “Please don’t call her that.”

“But that’s what she is, isn’t she?”

“Dani, didn’t we talk about this already?”

“Yeah, but…”

He steps closer and looks deeply into my eyes. “I told you. I don’t care about Bianca or the silly promise our parents made when we were babies. I want you. Only you.”

“But I’m scared for my health and safety.”

He steps even closer. “I won’t let anything happen to you. Come, let’s get some food.”

We pile our plates with an assortment of goodies and talk, but I can’t ignore the way Bianca watches me with murder in her eyes. But you know something? I’m done feeling intimidated by her. She has no right to dictate Easton’s happiness. I might not understand a lot about his world, but I do know one thing—every person deserves to be with someone they love.

N-not that I’m claiming Easton loves me or anything…

“You good?” Easton asks.

I smile. “I’m great. This food is delicious.”

It’s not long before the guests are asked to settle down at their tables. Easton’s parents are already seated, and when he and I come closer, his mom bristles like she senses a foul commoner in the vicinity. I feel her sharp eyes on me as I settle down on the chair next to Easton.

“There will be many speeches now,” he whispers to me. “Basically everyone kissing each other’s butts. Just focus on the food and you’ll survive.”

“Thanks for the tip.”

Bianca marches up to our table with her parents. Wow, she’s a carbon copy of her mom—they could be sisters. They both have this perpetual scowl on their faces. Even so, they still look beautiful.

“Who is this?” Mrs. Burrell asks as she and her husband sit down near Mr. and Mrs. Knight. Bianca takes the empty chair next to Easton.

Mrs. Knight waves her hand. “Oh nobody. You know my son, always trying to assist the helpless.”

Easton sits forward like he’s about to defend me, but his mom shoots him a look that could kill a demon.

“How lovely,” Mrs. Burrell says as she glances at me. “Treating the less fortunate to dinner. Good for you, Easton.”

“She’s not—”

“How was your trip to Paris?” Mrs. Knight asks the Burrells.

They launch into a detailed discussion about their amazing trip. Easton leans forward to whisper, “Sorry.”

“It’s okay,” I say, though I’m not sure it is. I get that his parents wouldn’t be so thrilled about me, especially if they still think he’s engaged to Bianca. So…what exactly am I supposed to do? I’ve wanted some more drama in my life, but this is a bit too much.

“Ignore them,” Easton continues to whisper. “The only thing they care about is our image and reputation. And the only thing we should care about is each other.”

“And the food,” I whisper back.

He chuckles softly. “And the food.”

Except, every time I try to talk to Easton, Bianca steals his attention. Talking about useless crap that makes him look like he wants to pluck out his eyeballs. But he smiles pleasantly and gives her his full attention, which hurts a lot. I get it, though. Their reputation means everything to them. I knew this dinner would be hard, but I never imagined it would hurt this much.

***

“I don’t fit in their world,” I tell my friends through video chat. “You should have seen the way they all looked at me. Especially Easton’s mom and Bianca.”

“Screw Bianca,” Charlie says.

“I can’t just say screw her, Charlie. She and her parents and Easton’s parents still think they’re engaged.”

“Which they technically are,” Kara reminds me.

“What did Easton say?” Ally asks.

“That he doesn’t care about any of that and wants to be with me.”

“Then there you have it,” Ally says as she sits back on her bed.

I shake my head. “It’s not that simple. Easton’s not free to make his own decisions like we are. What if…” A lump forms in my throat.

“What if you fall for him and he’s forced to break up with you?” Kara finishes for me in a gentle tone.

I nod, the lump growing bigger.

“Hmm,” Charlie rubs the back of her pencil against her chin. “Maybe it’s best you end things with him.”

“Charlie!” Ally scolds.

“What? I’m trying to protect Dani. You want her heart to break?”

“Of course not! But I believe in the love they have.”

“Love?” I practically choke on my spit.

“You know what I mean. I think you need to give this a chance, Dani. You never know what could come out of it.”

“Even if I might get hurt?”

“Do you want to be with Easton?” Ally asks.

I don’t have to think twice about that. “Yes! That’s all I want.”

“Then you have to risk your heart,” Ally says. “If Easton feels about you the way he claims, he’ll fight for you.”

I take a deep breath and let the air seep out of my nose. Wow, I never imagined I’d be dealing with this at sixteen years old.

“No one said we’ll even work out,” I say with a silly laugh. “I’m talking as though we’ll be together forever.”

“You might be,” Ally says.

“You have to decide if you want to explore this with Easton,” Kara says. “He’s a good guy and he’s crazy about you. Do you want to throw all that away because you’re scared of his mom and fiancée?”

“He told you he wants to be with you,” Charlie muses. “Like Ally said, you have to believe he’ll fight for you, if it comes to that.”

“And Bianca?” I ask.

Ally shrugs. “Tough.”

I slowly nod as their words sink in. “You’re right. Easton and I have something special. If things get serious and we um…” My face burns. “…fall in love, I have to believe he’ll fight for me.”

“Exactly!” Ally says.

I breathe a sigh of relief. “Thanks for the talk, guys. I feel so much better.”

“Talk to him, Dani,” Charlie says. “Tell him how you feel.”

“What if I push him away?”

“Then maybe he’s not the right one for you.”

I thank them again and hang up. Then I curl into bed with my stuffed gorilla and spend the night tossing and turning.