Colton Freakin’ Bishop: Looks good. I’ll see you tomorrow.
Maybe he wasn’t a big fan of red satin and lace? had been my first thought, but then a worse possibility. Maybe he just wasn’t a big fan of me.
“I can’t wait to see his reaction,” Betty laughed, “and Kyle’s, too. They’re going to faint dead away at the first glance.”
“Nah,” I said, “I don’t think so.”
Betty just sighed again, putting the finishing touches on my lips. At length, she stood back, tilted her head this way and that, then nodded.
“Sadie Day, you’re an absolute knockout,” she pronounced, stepping away so I could look in the mirror.
It was my first time getting to see myself since she’d started, and I was truly impressed. My skin looked like porcelain, smooth and flawless. My eyes were smoky, my cheeks high and defined with a rose blush, and she’d accentuated my lips with ruby red. She’d even managed to set my wild hair in smooth waves, falling around my face. I looked like a starlet, a powerful femme fatale with a dash of innocence. It was the perfect look.
“Betty,” I breathed, “you’re a genius.”
“I had a great subject,” she shrugged then rested her hands on my shoulders. “Now, you go out there and believe in your beauty and yourself. Once the video’s up, I can’t wait to watch your dance over and over.”
I nodded then went out in search of the boys—but before I could find them, I ran into Big Tim and Little Tim. They’d both come down to help with the video. With the flood lights and spotlights they’d brought, the studio looked like an actual film set.
“It’s awesome to see you guys,” I said, hugging each of them in turn. “Thank you so much for doing this.”
“How could we not?” Little Tim said with a smile. “You’ve helped us tons of times, Sadie. It’s only right to pay it forward.”
“First,” Big Tim said, “Sadie, you look awesome. Second, that pencil skirt is giving me life. Third, this whole sexy librarian look really works for you. Kudos.”
Little Tim nodded. “The lighting’s all set up. It’s going to frame you and your partners like a dream.”
“Speaking of which, do you know where Colton and Kyle are?” I asked.
Big Tim nodded to the corner of the room. “I think Kyle’s in the bathroom, and Colton’s over there talking to your parents. P.S. They are looking so fine.”
“My parents?” I repeated, following his eyes, spotting Colton on the other side of the studio. Mom and Dad were nodding at whatever he said, but I couldn’t imagine what they were talking about. As I watched, Colton smiled at my mom who smiled back, and then he shook hands with my dad. A moment later, he disappeared into the bathroom, but I definitely wanted in on that conversation.
Making my way across the floor, I stood in front of my parents.
“Hey,” I said, crossing my arms. “So, what was that all about?”
Mom and Dad stared at me, pride shining in their eyes.
“Nothing much, we were just talking with Colton,” Mom said, her smile dreamy. “He really is a nice boy.”
“I wouldn’t go that far,” Dad said and ran a hand along his neck, “but yeah, I guess the kid’s not all bad.”
I nearly swallowed my tongue—Dad wasn’t the biggest fan of teenage boys. He’d taken forever to warm to Kyle, and he’d been my best friend forever. Plus, I knew for a fact Dad had never liked Colton.
“What brought on this change of heart?” I asked him.
“Well, if he’s helping my baby girl, I have to like the kid a little. Right?” Dad said.
“Right,” I said slowly, though I got the distinct feeling I was missing something.
Before I knew it, Mom had grabbed me in a tight hug. “You look stunning, baby.”
“You do look beautiful,” Dad agreed. “It’s kind of scary.”
“Thank you,” I said, smiling at them, “for saying that and for supporting me, even if my dreams are way out there.”
“Always,” Mom said, giving me another squeeze.
Colton and Kyle came out of the bathroom, and my parents left just as the guys stepped up to me. Big Tim had been right. They were looking fine in their t-shirts and jeans. Seriously, how was it that guys could rock such a simple look and make it a girl’s fantasy come to life? One glance at Colton in his fitted black tee, and I was done for. As his eyes skimmed my outfit, I had to fight the urge to fan myself.
“Library chic,” Kyle said with a grin, rocking his plain white tee, while Colton looked me up and down. “I dig it, Sadie. You look phenomenal.”
“Same to you guys,” I said as Colton’s eyes finally came to rest on mine. Betty must’ve gotten to them, too, I realized, because his ocean eyes were even more pronounced. The guyliner was totally unfair and unnecessary. Colton was already too attractive for his own good. He’d taken in everything from my hair to my white button up, the red corset peeking out, black skirt and stockings to the black high heels, and I couldn’t tell what he was thinking. “Thank you so much again for being a part of this. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“Yeah, you could’ve,” Kyle said, “but it’s cool that you included us.”
Colton remained silent until Kyle nudged him.
“Yeah,” Colton said and cleared his throat. “You look nice.”
My smile fell.
“Better than nice,” he said quickly. “Sadie, you look…damn.”
Damn was a lot better than nice especially when he said it like that, like he couldn’t quite find the words, and my spirits lifted. Heck, I almost floated out of my heels and to the ceiling. One compliment from Colton, and I was ready to take flight.
“I’ll admit it,” Kyle said. “I’m starting to feel more worried about losing the bet.”
“You should be,” Colton said. “Sadie’s been doing a great job on her list.”
“That’s not what I mean, Colt.” Kyle shook his head. “The way you look at Sadie, and the way she looks at you, even I would think there’s something going on. I’m sure an audience is going to eat that up.”
“That’s the point. Right, Sadie?”
“Yeah,” I swallowed. “We’re acting, and we’re just really good at doing it together.”
“Really?” Kyle said. “‘Cause I would’ve sworn it was more.”
“Well, it’s not,” Colton said.
“Will you excuse me?” I said suddenly needing to escape, desperate to get away before I did or said something stupid. “I need to check my makeup before we start.”
“Sure,” Kyle said. “Take your time.”
I made it to the bathroom on fairly steady feet, my mind rushing all around. I couldn’t do this anymore. I was lying to everyone, Betty, my best friend, the guy I’d fallen in love with. Worse, I was lying to myself if I thought it would all blow over, or I could just keep it in for the rest of my life. Something had to give. Even if I only confessed everything to Kyle, I thought, maybe it would make things a little better. Colton could go on and hookup with as many girls as he wanted. I shuddered, heart shriveling at the thought. He would forget me easily, but I would still pine for him long after this bet and my list were complete. I had to tell someone. I had to, or I’d never be able to face either one of the Bishop brothers again.
Colton had been right. I was brave.
Just not brave enough to tell him.
But who knows? I thought, trying to pump myself up. Maybe if I told Kyle, one day down the road—a long, looong way down—I would finally be able to confess my feelings to Colton and be done with this charade.
Pulling up all of my courage, I marched out of the bathroom and spotted the twins. They were taking a selfie in their contrasting tees. Their backs were to me, but I tugged on Kyle’s white shirt and said, “Come with me. I need to tell you something.” Without looking, I dragged him along behind me until we were in the dressing room away from everyone. Dropping Kyle’s sleeve, I put my hands on my hips, still facing away, thinking it would
be easier to get it all out if I didn’t have to look him in the eye. As he started to say something, I held up a hand to cut him off. I needed to get this off my chest and fast.
“I think I’m falling for your brother,” I said in a rush.
He said nothing, so I went on.
“Actually, I know I am.” I started pacing. “Kyle, it was a total accident. I know you warned me not to fall for him, but I couldn’t help it. It all started when Colton stepped up to help with my list, and as we spent more time together and I really got to know him, it was impossible not to like him. Colton’s sarcastic and way too honest—but he’s also smart, funny, loyal and thoughtful. He’s like…one of the best guys I’ve ever known. Besides you, of course.”
Kyle still hadn’t said anything. I couldn’t read his silence, but I couldn’t seem to stop talking.
“And I know what you’re thinking,” I said. “Colton already told me I’m not his type. He thinks I’m uptight and prissy, all the things he’d never go for in a girl. But like I said, I couldn’t help it. It isn’t even how attractive he is or his confidence, although those are definite turn-ons.”
I waited to see if Kyle would gag or say something then, but he didn’t.
“I love Colton because he makes me feel like I could be anything. Do anything.” I paused, finally taking a moment to exhale. “He makes me feel beautiful and brave, exactly like the person I want to be. And when he kisses me, sometimes even when he looks at me, I feel it.” My hand drifted up to my chest. “Right here, in my heart.”
A beat passed.
“Please say something,” I begged. “You’re my best friend, Kyle. I know this will make it strange between us, but I just couldn’t keep it from you anymore. There’s nothing to worry about because I’ll probably never tell Colton anyway.”
“I think you just did.”
The voice that spoke definitely didn’t belong to my best friend, and as I spun around, my eyes widened. Colton stood there, piercings and all, hands in his pockets—and he was wearing Kyle’s white shirt.
“But I thought…” I stopped, voice disappearing as I took in the fact that Colton was here, not a figment of my imagination.
“That I was Kyle?” Colton shrugged. “We switched shirts. Kyle said he wanted a picture to see who looked better in each color, so we changed shirts while you were in the bathroom.”
My mind was reeling, still taking in the full ramifications of his being here. I’d never mistaken one twin for the other. Ever. Then the one time I did, it was the biggest, most colossal mistake of my life. If I’d looked at him or heard his voice, I definitely would’ve known, but like an idiot, I’d pulled him in here without checking.
“So…you heard everything?” I asked, voice little more than a whisper.
“Yeah,” Colton said. “It was kind of hard not to. You were rambling for a while.”
I wanted to die.
“Listen Colton,” I said, “I didn’t mean—”
“You sounded like you meant it,” he said and took a step closer.
Shaking my head, tears of shame pooling in my eyes, I said, “Why couldn’t you just be gay?”
“What was that?” Colton stopped short, looking confused by the question, but it made perfect sense to me.
“If you were,” I said, “at least then I’d know there was a reason you couldn’t feel the same.”
Colton exhaled then took another step and another until he was right in front of me.
“If you were, then maybe it would hurt less, knowing you can never love me back,” I said, my breath coming short because of his nearness. “God, I wish you were gay.”
“Sorry,” he said, hands coming up to cup my cheeks. “Definitely not gay.”
Colton leaned down until I could feel his breath fanning against my lips.
“But who said I could never love you back?” he said before taking my mouth in a kiss. This one was soul-deep, his mouth moving with a purpose against mine, trying to tell me something I couldn’t even begin to fathom, his hands slipping into my hair.
“Wait,” I said, breaking away and breathing fast. “I thought you said I wasn’t your type.”
Colton shook his head and kissed me again. “That was bullshit, Sadie. I’ve wanted you ever since we met, ever since my brother claimed you as his best friend and got all your attention before I could even say a word. God, I was so jealous of him back then.”
“You were?” I asked in surprise.
“Yeah,” he said, pressing his forehead against mine. “You’re so smart, beautiful, freaking fearless. You know, twin or not, I could kill Kyle for telling you to stay away from me.”
“But you did too, remember?” I said. “In the contract before you agreed to be my coach?”
Colton laughed. “That was more for my protection than yours. I knew if you showed the slightest interest, I’d be done for. I’ve always been gone over you, Sadie. I’m surprised you never knew.”
“I didn’t,” I said, smiling so much my face hurt. “It was too hard to believe. You’re Colton Bishop, for goodness sake. Every girl’s dream and my best friend’s brother.”
“Yeah,” he said, pulling back enough so he could look me in the eye. “And you’re Sadie Day, the one girl I always wanted but never thought I could have.”
“Until now,” I said.
“Until now,” he repeated.
Before he could kiss me again, there was a knock at the door. It was Tim telling us we had five minutes to get to the set. Everyone was ready; they were just waiting on us.
“You ready to do this thing and complete your list?” Colton asked, taking my hand, laying a kiss on the daisy inside my wrist as we walked to the door. It made my breath catch—but who was I kidding? Everything Colton did affected me.
“Yeah,” I said, “I’m ready. But what if we don’t get accepted to Dancer’s Edge or get a million views? Will you be disappointed if you lose the bet?”
“Screw the bet,” Colton said. “I’ve already won.”
And I could tell by the look he gave me that he meant it.
Betty didn’t react when she saw the state of my lipstick, just touched me up without comment. But I could tell she wanted to say something by the knowing smile she wore. We shot the dance in a few takes. Colton, Kyle and I moved like we’d been dancing together for years—at least that’s what my parents said. Big Tim asked for my account info so he could upload the video when it was ready. He said he and Little Tim wanted to make some edits to make sure the video was the best it could be, so I gave it to them with my thanks. They also promised to submit it to Dancer’s Edge.
I didn’t know if anything would come of it.
Definitely didn’t know if we’d hit a million views.
But Colton was right, I thought as I gazed at him across the dance floor. He’d been talking to Big Tim, but as if he could feel my eyes on him, Colton looked up, caught my gaze and gave me a slow smile.
I’d already won.
“What’s it at now?” Kyle called from the living room.
“999,824 views,” my mom said back, “and I’m not answering that question again until at least five minutes have passed.”
“That’s cool, Mrs. Day. Just checking.”
It had been three days since the video posted, and we were already at almost a million views. And it was all because of Colton.
Thinking back, I remembered him talking to people at the video shoot, but I hadn’t realized why until later. Betty was the first to break. When I started getting a ton of new followers, many over the age of 50, I’d asked if she knew anything about it, and she sang like a canary.
“It was Colton,” she said. “He asked me to use my connections, and I was more than happy to follow through. I got the word out to all my friends and told them how talented you are. Plus, he came to Shady Grove and gave everyone a crash course in social media.”
“He did?” I asked.
Betty nodded. “I knew you’d never ask me yourself
, dear, but what good is having connections if you can’t use them now and again?”
She told me she’d shared my video with everyone she knew in Hollywood. Once they realized she’d done the makeup, it made the views soar.
But Colton had also gotten to my parents.
“When he told us about your goal,” Mom said, “your father and I were more than happy to spread the word.”
Though my parents owned a studio now, back in the day, they’d been close to ballroom royalty. I knew they’d held world titles for several years in the Latin division, but I didn’t want to use that, had never wanted to bring them down if I failed. Ballroom was notoriously attached to the status quo. Sometimes being different or outside the box could get you ostracized.
Mom had scoffed at this.
“Sadie,” she said, “your dances are amazing, creative and everything ballroom needs right now. I’ve always wanted to share your pieces but wasn’t sure you’d let me. I was glad Colton asked for my help. I couldn’t wait to show everyone and tell them that’s my daughter.”
It was everything I should’ve already known but needed to hear.
From what she told me, all she and my dad had done was share the video to their contacts, letting them know I was their kid. That had led to more sharing and more sharing until the video made the rounds of the ballroom world.
And Colton had gone one step further, asking for Big Tim and Little Tim’s help in tagging the video, making it searchable and SEO-optimized (whatever that meant). All I knew was the dance showed up on the first few pages of every search with a term or phrase possibly related to the video—which, thanks to Big Tim had one of the best titles ever.
“Taylor Swift Look-Alike dances Tango with Hot Twins?” I’d asked him over the phone. “Really, Tim?”
“Yeah,” Big Tim said. “You like? I thought it had a certain flare.”
“Oh, it’s definitely inspired,” I laughed. “Not sure how accurate it is, but I’d totally click on that video.”
“Exactly, Sadie. Colton told me to pull out all the stops, so I did. Plus, I want those Dancers Edge people to regret ever turning you down,” he said. “They’ll be begging you to be on their site in no time.”
The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad Page 22
