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Oh

"Fucking grown-ups" She shakes her head and takes a sip "You're all terrible Your generation didn't invent masturbation!"

"Aren't we the saeneration?"

"Whatever! The point stands"

A wo wine-colored dress looks our way She stands tall and proud, the way Sieous

She stands out Not just because she’s wearing that dress And not just because she's the only Black wonetically attracts attention

The way Simon does

Her dark eyes meet mine and she looks away to Opal

Opal notices "Vanessa, hey! How are you?"

"Busy" She offers her hand

Opal pulls her into a tight hug "You look a"

"You do," I say

She turns to ht?"

I nod and offer my hand We've met before, but only in professional circumstances Never family events

I've seen her around She's Lee's step-sister, but they're as close as any biological sisters She's at most family events

But she's usually with Lee

And Lee is…

Well, Lee is Lee

She shakes with a friendly nod Looks to the bar, where Si an air of civility

There's so, curiosity, or hatred She's rocking an excellent poker face As good as Simon's

"Did you say hi? He'd love to hear from you," Opal says

"I don't think he would" She looks to me

"He would He talks about you all the time," Opal says

Her laugh is knowing "I can iine"

Can she?

She's staring at him like she wants to tear his clothes off Does she hate him as much as Liam claims?

Or is there so else there?

"What's it like, being the sister of the bride?" Opal asks

"Exhausting But good exhausting," she says

"You'll be relieved to?" Opal asks