Meredith.
I freshened up first, if only to kill the anticipation stirring in my chest. The kind of anticipation that makes your fingers twitch and your thoughts run five seconds ahead of your body.
After slipping into my dress from this morning and Azul braiding my hair, I padded barefoot back into the room and sank onto the sofa, dragging the small silver bowl of almonds and cashews that Deidra brought for me closer.
I popped one into my mouth and leaned back, savouring the satisfying saltiness on my tongue.
I let Azul and the others move around me like clockwork, feeling a quiet kind of satisfaction bloom in my chest.
Then, finally, one by one, the girls excused themselves, but not without throwing a few glances in my direction.
"Will you be needing anything else, my lady?" Deidra asked, pausing by the door.
"No, thank you." I smiled, and she finally stepped out.
The door clicked softly behind them.
Perfect.
