While Elva was skipping around nearby, I explained to Susie everything that had happened the past few days with Nicholas and me, up to and including the most recent incident of him telling me he wanted to avoid having penetrative sex so I wouldn’t get pregnant. Of course, I said all of this very q
I was blessed to have actual friends here. People who loved and cared for Elva, for real. Meanwhile, Julian, still watching Bridget and Nicholas interact, continued, “Bridget is a movie star. We can’t think she’d be happy sitting around all day in the palace while Nicholas deals with kingly duties
I set out to show Julian what having a real girlfriend should be like as soon as I could, so early the next morning, I dressed in my cutest sundress and showed up to his door with a basket of fresh bread I plucked straight from the kitchen. It was still warm. I knocked on his door. Brian opened it
“Maybe we should try a different game,” Julian said. “Something easier.” “Like what?” I asked. “Go fish,” he said, and we both laughed. A game for children might have been more fitting, honestly. At least then, I might have stood a chance. I had no proof but I had a feeling, just knowing Julian,
After my date with Julian, I was left confused, unsure if I had clearly made any of the points I had set out to make or not. Nicholas showing up had certainly thrown a wrench into my plans. I wasn’t sure how I could show Julian he deserved love that came easy, when my own heart was so entangled in p
The next day was the dress rehearsal for the performance event. All of the candidates, Nicholas, Julian, Elva, and I were in our costumes in the ballroom at the base of the stage, chatting and getting ready. Everyone’s spirits seemed to be high. In our costumes, we made for a colorful bunch. Many
Bridget made Nicholas and I redo our breakup scene. With his apology fresh between us, I didn’t feel so hurt anymore, and the words from the script bounced right off of me without taking root in my heart. After the scene, Nicholas and I smiled at each other, then I made my way down the stage to re
That night, Nicholas and Julian joined the rest of the candidates and me in the dining room for dinner together. Elva was tired from the day’s events, so I returned her to our room where the nanny was waiting to keep an eye on her. Julian joined me at the door, to walk down to the dining room togeth