Massie Read Online Free PDF Page B

against Galwaugh.
    “Ready to break hearts?” Massie lifted Bean and scratched the pug underneath her matching emerald silk collar, sending her hind legs into happy spasms as they began their descent.
    Massie’s dad, William, was standing at the foot of the staircase, looking up at her—his bald head buffed to a shine. He wore a tan linen tuxedo with a hemp bow tie. It would have seemed ridiculous if Bono hadn’t worn the same one to the Emmys.
    “You look beautiful, sweetheart.” He took Massie’s hand, escorting her down the final two steps. She kissed her dad on the cheek. His face smelled like mentholated shaving cream.
    “Enjoy the party,” he whispered in her Bailey Banks & Biddle diamond-studded ear, “because these are your last moments of freedom.”
    Massie pulled away and grinned, pretending she hadn’t heard him. Her parents had never followed through on a punishment before. Why would they start now? She was practically a grown-up.
    Bean let out a gentle yap. “She says you look very handsome,” Massie cooed, trying to charm her easily charmed father, just in case he was serious.
    “Well, Bean . . .” William smiled, giving the puppy’s head a scratch. “You don’t look so bad yourself.” And then, just like Massie had figured, he winked and hugged her close. “It’s good to have you back.”
    “Thanks, Daddy.”
    Problem solved.
    “And then I said, ‘Puffy or Puff Daddy, or P. Diddy, or
whatever
your name is, why don’t you just admit it?’” Massie could hear Trini Neufeld’s high-pitched voice and Gertie Shelly’s snort-laugh long before her mother’s two summer best friends came teetering into view. “You did nawt invent the White Party! Kendra has been hosting a color-themed party in South-ampton for . . .” She put her free hand on her hip and leaned against the banister. “How many years?” She waved Massie over urgently, her shockingly orange curly bob remained surprisingly still.
    “Five.” Massie smiled politely, trying her hardest not to stare at Gertie, whose strapless green gown was inching its way down her Post-it-thin torso like a snake shedding its skin.
    Trini took a huge gulp of fruit-filled sangria, then gripped Massie’s arm. “You’re just as gorgeous as ever. You simply
must
find my Ellie and say hello. She’s been going on and on about hanging out with Massie Block all night.” She plucked a grape out of her cocktail and deposited it on a passing tray of caramelized scallops. “You won’t believe she’s two years younger than you when you see the size of her chest. Poor old Roz Simmons almost popped an implant when she saw her earlier. I’m telling you, if jealousy was a penny, she’d Trump.”
    Gertie burst into hysterics.
    “Um, where did you say she was?” Massie asked, rubbing her arm. Trini’s coral talons were sharp, and Bean was starting to quiver in her presence.
    “Last I saw, she was by the—”
    “Great, thanks.” Massie hurried away, hugging her puppy close to her chest.
    Weaving through the heavily perfumed crowd toward the open French doors, Massie set off to find some Hamptons GLUs in need of a summer alpha.
    The night air was humid and still. It hugged Massie’s moisturized skin like a cashmere wrap. Giant leafy oaks twinkled with flickering star-shaped lights, and the thick pillars that flanked the patio were wrapped in fragrant green orchids. A dozen silver Priuses stood waiting along the circular driveway, their hired chauffeurs ready to drive tipsy guests home. Soothing sonatas played by a renowned Italian flautist drifted gently across the expansive lawn like a soft breeze.
    “Massie!”
A freckle-faced redheaded girl leapt out from behind a pillar. It was the ever-annoying Ellie Neufeld, her big boobs accentuated by her limeade-colored elastic-top sundress.
    Massie was so startled she dropped Bean, who landed with a squeak.
    “You should see the look on your
face
!” Ellie cackled, hopping from foot to foot with