Destiny Undone: The Complete Series Box Set by Amanda Heartley Page A

going to college in a couple of months.”
    I couldn’t help but laugh, “Pepper? Mills? What were your parents thinking? I guess you get picked on about that a lot.”
    She gave me a serious look and said, “Actually, no we don’t. You’re the first.”
    “Really? Sorry.” I blushed.
    Pepper laughed and took a sip from her drink, “Of course we did—all the time when we were little. Honestly, I don’t know what they were thinking, but it was Mom who named us. She’s a bit of a crazy person. If you come to Mills’ party you’ll get to see the crazy first-hand.”
    “Wow, that makes me not want to come. I tend to avoid craziness if at all possible.”
    “She makes us crazy, but I don’t think she bothers anyone else. I hope you do come.”
    “Sure, I’d like that.” What am I doing with this girl?
    She raised her eyebrow and smiled. “I hope you like helicopters.”
    “Not really. Believe it or not, I hate flying. Almost got into a crash when I was a kid and I haven’t flown since. My parents love it though. They fly all the time.”
    “That stinks. I was hoping you’d take a helicopter ride with me. I love them.”
    “I think I’ll stay on the ground, thanks. What time is the party?”
    “Starts at eight. Have you ever been to the Golden Flames? That big white building on Cherry Hill Drive?”
    “No, but I can find it.”
    “That’s where we’re having it. They have a helicopter pad and a massive pool.” She smiled again and it brightened her beautiful face. I noticed that she wasn’t wearing any lip gloss and I wondered what it would be like to kiss those naturally pink lips.
    I took a bite of my wrap just to resist the urge and said, “I’ll be there.”

Chapter Nine — Pepper
    Mills’ dress was beautiful, but it revealed quite a bit. I couldn’t talk her out of the gown with the plunging back and front but nevertheless, she looked beautiful in it. I had a sneaking suspicion that her friend, Victoria, was filling her with champagne, but I didn’t bother busting her. I made a mental note to keep an eye on her throughout the party. I wasn’t about to get drunk, I didn’t want to act out in front of Gabe.
    Just thirty minutes later, we rolled up in a stretch Hummer limousine, all white of course. We’d blown Dad’s twenty-thousand dollar budget by another twenty thousand, but he seemed okay with it since I’d taken the time to explain each of the big purchases to him and my sister liked the fact that we’d both been treated equally in the end. For some reason, Mills had always complained about being in my shadow, but she couldn’t say that about this birthday party!
    Naturally, she had to be the last to the party and pretend to be surprised, despite the fact that she was already wearing a flashy silver, sequined gown, expensive shoes and intricate updo. We all played along and she loved every minute of it. After we’d sang happy birthday and the cake was cut, Dad and Charlotte got ready to make their exit and hugged and kissed Mills goodbye, but I knew he was about to present her with a huge birthday gift. As they were about to leave, Dad whispered something in her ear then he covered her eyes and we all walked out to the driveway. Everybody knew that it would be a car of some type and when she opened her eyes, her face lit up like a Christmas tree. Daddy had purchased her a sleek Mercedes SLR in shiny silver—her go-to color. Mills squealed and jumped up and down then she ran over and wrapped her arms around his neck.
    “It’s so beautiful!…and in my favorite color too! Thank you, Daddy. Thank you so much. I’m speechless!”
    He smiled, “That’s not all. Look in the front seat.” Truly surprised that there was another gift, Mills and her bazillion friends walked over to the car, as fast as their dresses would let them, and opened the door. There, sitting on the seat and looking completely helpless, was a white miniature Maltese. He yapped at her and she scooped him up