Cassie’s eyes fall on the next photo, which is a group picture that looks like it was taken at a recent Halloween party. Lydia looks stunning as Rapunzel, which seems to suit her just as well as Elsa—there’s something about Lydia that screams out beautiful blond princess. Pete is dressed as Han Solo—definitely a Star Wars theme with this guy.
And then there’s Joel, grinning at the camera, dressed as a policeman. He looks as happy as she’s ever seen him. And his arm is around a beautiful brunette who is dressed as…
Cleopatra.
Cassie’s mouth falls open as she studies the Cleopatra in the photo. The woman in the costume is absolutely stunning. Really, really beautiful. Dark hair cascading down her shoulders. An absolutely perfect body. Even her teeth are perfect as she smiles for the camera. She’s the most beautiful Cleopatra who ever was. Elizabeth Taylor, eat your heart out.
“That’s Francesca.”
Cassie backs away from the photo, her cheeks growing warm. Of course, Lydia would catch her ogling this photo, which she suspects may have been put here for her to see. Lydia has a tiny smile playing on her lips.
“Have you never seen a photo of her?” Lydia asks.
“I…” Cassie tries to swallow but her mouth is too dry. “I haven’t…”
Lydia shrugs. “Well, that’s not surprising. I’m sure he put them away.”
Cassie looks from the photo to her own costume. No wonder everyone was so shocked by what she was wearing. Who shows up to a costume party dressed identical to the way your boyfriend’s ex dressed? She can’t even imagine what was going through Joel’s head when he saw her.
She raises her eyes to glare at Lydia. “You told me to dress as Cleopatra.”
Lydia lifts an eyebrow. “Did I? I don’t recall that.”
“I asked you what costume I should wear…” Cassie’s trying to sound angry, but to her own ears, her voice sounds pitiful. “And you told me Cleopatra!”
“Perhaps I did.” She shrugs. “Well, you have to admit, it’s a good idea. Francesca looked so stunning, didn’t she?”
Cassie doesn’t know what to say to that.
“But then again, she’s so gorgeous.” A smile plays on Lydia’s lips. “She could have been a model if she wanted, but she said cooking just called to her. I must have subconsciously been thinking about how stunning she looked in that costume. Such a great choice.”
Cassie tugs at the slit in her dress, feeling more and more self-conscious. She glances around the room and everyone seems to be staring at her. And whispering. She’s dressed up just like Francesca, Joel’s ex. Two women she doesn’t recognize are staring at her, and they simultaneously burst into laughter. Anna and Con are sitting on the couch, and Anna shakes her head in disbelief as she stares at Cassie.
They all think she’s crazy.
“Where did you get that dress anyway?” Lydia’s lips twist into a smirk. “It’s… interesting.”
As Cassie looks into Lydia’s face, she realizes the truth. The suggestion of the Cleopatra costume was no accident or oversight. Lydia doesn’t want Cassie here. She wishes Francesca was here instead. Cassie’s not good enough for Joel, and she’s not good enough to be in their circle. This act was meant to sabotage her relationship and possibly remind Joel of his last girlfriend, who looked—let’s face it—a million times better in her Cleopatra costume.
Cassie’s eyes fill with tears. She is done looking for Joel. Before Lydia can get the satisfaction of seeing her cry, she spins around and marches out of the apartment, slamming the door behind her.
It’s only when she gets downstairs that she realizes how weak her exit was. She left without Joel, who is still up there, probably drunk, and will now only hear Lydia’s side of things—the crazy girlfriend who inexplicably dressed as his ex-girlfriend, started crying randomly, and left the party for no reason. Moreover, she forgot her coat. And it’s far too cold to be traipsing around the city in a sleeveless dress that may as well be made from tissue paper.