Justice by Piper Davenport Page B

“Mom’s convinced I’m going to move home any day.”
    “That’s kind of sweet.”
    “Sure, we’ll go with that,” Payton said. “Okay, let’s see what we have.”
    Two garment bags lay flat on her queen-sized bed and their names were pinned to their allotted costumes.
    Macey unzipped her bag and let out a curse. “You didn’t say I had to wear her wedding outfit.”
    Payton laughed. “Oh my god, Anna’s such a shit-stirrer.”
    “Your sister’s going to die.” Macey held up a corset.
    Payton opened her bag and groaned. “Yes, she is. Slowly. I’ll help.”
    She pulled out Pocahontas’s costume. Macey lost it, dissolving into giggles and sitting on the edge of the bed.
    “Bitch,” Payton snapped.
    “Why did she pick that one?” Macey waved her hand. “Wait… is this left over from the time you had an obsession with tanning? Oh my god, that’s awesome.”
    “Shut up, Macey… no it’s not.”
    “But Pocahontas is beautiful.”
    “She’s also much tanner than me.”
    “Not so much back then, but I do see what you’re saying now.” Macey grinned. “I love your sister. I mean, I hate her for my costume, but I love her for yours.”
    “It’s fine,” Payton said. “I have a contingency.”
    Payton sidled to the back of her closet and pulled out a see-through garment bag.
    Macey gasped. “You cannot wear that! Slutty Snow White is not appropriate for Molly’s party.”
    “I’ll leave off the thigh-highs and wear panties this time. It’ll be fine.”
    “Your mother’s going to kill you.”
    “I don’t care,” Payton said.
    “It’s your funeral,” Macey said.
    Macey tried to talk Payton out of wearing her costume again, but Payton was determined, so Macey gave up and focused on putting her monstrosity of a gown on.
    Payton had just tightened Macey’s corset when her phone buzzed. “Hello?”
    “Hey babe. You okay?”
    “Hi, honey.” Macey smiled, her stomach fluttering at the sound of his voice. “Yep, I’m fine. Payton’s just helping me with my costume.” Payton yanked on the corset string and Macey gasped. “Not so tight, huh?”
    Payton giggled.
    “What’s up?” Macey asked. “Aren’t you on an overnight?”
    “Yep. Just missed you.”
    “When did you get so sweet?”
    Dallas chuckled. “Ages ago. You just didn’t notice.”
    She sighed. “I miss you too. Although, I must say, I’m glad you’re not seeing me in this ridiculous dress.”
    “Dress?”
    “I’m wearing Ariel’s wedding dress.”
    Dallas laughed. “You’re not.”
    “I am. I really, really am.”
    “Oh, babe, I’m sorry,” he said, still laughing. “Did Molly say no to Cinderella?”
    “Yes, mini Hitler picked Bailey for that honor.”
    “She’s five, honey. She picked everyone’s costume based on hair color.”
    “Oh, I’m aware, but Anna’s the one who ultimately made all the final decisions.”
    Dallas hummed in agreement. “Yeah that’s true, but since it’s her baby’s birthday, give her a break.”
    “Like as in, break her legs?”
    Dallas laughed again. “Drama aside, I bet you look beautiful.”
    “I wish you were here.”
    “No thanks.”
    “Traitor.”
    “I do love you though.” She could hear the smile in his voice. “In all honesty, I do wish I was there. There ain’t no party like a Williams’ party, even with kids.”
    “That’s so true. It’s nice of you to take the shift so Brock could be here.”
    “We’ll just hope and pray the sickos stay put tonight. Would hate for him to have to leave the party… especially dressed as Prince Charming.”
    Macey snorted. “Could you imagine?”
    “Yes, yes I could. Which makes me kind of want to call him in.”
    “Don’t you dare,” she admonished.
    “What will you give me?”
    “My undying love and affection?”
    “I already have that,” he pointed out.
    “Well, then I won’t kill you in your sleep.”
    “Killjoy.”
    Macey giggled. “Love you.”
    “Love you too. Okay, better go. Will I