Read Online Beautiful One by Mary Cope - Free Book Online Page A

frizz, leaving behind soft loose curls that fell midway down my back. After I slipped in a pair of silver hoop earrings, I turned to look at my back in the mirror. I loved how this dress fit me and loved the crisscross design. But most of all, I loved that I had lost the weight.
    Melissa came over to drive with us to the party. She and Mason were in the family room, standing by the stone fireplace. Mason was wearing dark jeans, an un-tucked white-collared shirt, and a charcoal blazer. Melissa wore a strapless teal party dress with a glittery-tulle skirt. Anyone else wearing it would have looked ridiculous, but sassy Melissa could pull it off. She was the perfect combination of cute and sexy.
    My parents were seated on the couch as I walked into the room. All eyes focused on me. I would think I’d be fine standing in front of my family, but the attention still made me uncomfortable.
    Mason smiled while Melissa scurried toward me. “Liz! I knew that dress was perfect. Spin around so I can see the back.”
    I obeyed Melissa’s command as my parents approached me together. They both hugged me. My mom stepped back, then my father kissed my forehead.
    â€œYou look beautiful.” My dad handed me a small box wrapped in pink paper with a white bow.
    After I opened it, I locked eyes with my father. “I wanted to be the first man in your life to give you diamonds.” They were beautiful, petite, diamond-stud earrings. Classic.
    With tears in my eyes, I hugged my father. “Thank you, Daddy.” I glanced over at my mom and watched a tear roll down her cheek.
    â€œHappy birthday, sweetie.” She walked over and gave me another hug.
    Mason lifted his arm and shook his wrist at me. “Look what I got!” He sounded like he was ten. My parents had given him a beautiful set of silver cufflinks.
    After I exchanged my hoop earrings with my diamond studs, we headed out the door to the party.
    ****
    The parking on Beach Road was already packed. Space was limited, so most kids had to park far away and hoof it up to Kyle’s. After driving up the street twice with no luck, Mason pulled up to the front of the house.
    â€œOkay, girls. Out.”
    â€œOh, Mason, I could walk.” I pouted.
    â€œI don’t think so, Liz.” Mason glanced down at my heels. “I’ll be right back. I don’t want to spend our eighteenth birthday in the emergency room.” Mason drove away, leaving Melissa and I huddled together in the driveway.
    Even in my four-inch heels, Melissa towered over me. I was starting to get nervous.
    Melissa must have sensed my anxiety. She reached around and gave me a side hug. “It’s gonna be fun. Try not to worry.”
    â€œI know. I think I just need to get in there and get this over with.”
    â€œHere comes Mason.” Melissa smiled . Mason jogged up and kissed her on the lips. Then he reached for my arm and escorted us both into the party.
    Entering Kyle’s house, we were met with roaring applause, shouts of “Happy Birthday”, whistles, and howling. Mason and Melissa walked in with ease and grace. Knowing my face was beet-red, I continued to clutch Mason’s arm to keep me from wobbling. Kyle and Derek were the first to greet us.
    I released Mason’s arm as Kyle gave me a warm hug. “You look beautiful, Liz.”
    â€œThanks, Kyle,” I whispered.
    The next thing I knew, I was being spun around. Derek’s dirty laugh echoed in my ear.
    â€œLizzie, you’re smokin’.” He chuckled and slapped me on the butt. I glanced toward Melissa. She giggled and rolled her eyes.
    Walking through the crowded family room, I saw several familiar faces from school. About sixty people were milling around. I only knew a few of them. No sign of Aidan.
    This wasn’t the first time I had been in Kyle’s home, but the beauty of it had always taken my breath away. The family room had floor-to-ceiling windows that