Rise and Shine (Shine On Series, Book 2) Read Online Free

remember. The feathers of the beautiful peacock dress were starting to dig into her stockings, like little pins poking her skin. This was clearly not supposed to be a dress to sit around in. Emmie stood and stretched her legs, scanning the room for someone to talk to. Ava was now standing with a group of girls about their age. Each costume was more adorned than the next. There was a queen, a deck of cards, and an angel. Ava caught Emmie’s eye and waved her over.
    She greeted her friend with a squeal of excitement and a little hop. Ava spread her fingers wide to show off the diamond on her left hand. The ring was beautiful. Emmie had almost forgotten what it looked like. A large sparkly diamond encased by rows of smaller diamonds, spiraling out from the center. It went almost up to her knuckle. The deck-of-cards lady shrieked so loud Emmie actually jumped a little. The queen watched with jealous grin.
    “Congratulations, Ava. It’s lovely,” Emmie said, wrapping her friend in a hug.
    The queen laughed. “You mean best wishes. It’s bad luck to say congratulations to a bride, dear.”
    Ava rolled her eyes at the queen. “Thanks. Did you know he was going to do this? I know you love your secrets but if you’ve been keeping this from me I will tar and feather you…”
    Emmie laughed. “Nope, I had no idea.”
    Well, that was a half-truth. She had approved the ring choice. But Emmie wasn’t sure Gabe wanted her to know that. It was probably better that this moment just be about the two of them.
    The angel’s eyes widened and she spoke, “Oh, so you are Emmie? I’ve heard a lot about you.”
    Emmie smiled unsure what to say. She really hadn’t heard about them. Ava rarely ever talked about her friends from Chicago. Fashion, shopping, parties, boats, and boys yes. Friends, almost never.
    The deck of cards smiled and looked at the queen. It was the queen who spoke first. “Oh, Emma. You are the seamstress. You make the loveliest clothes. We love her costume.”
    “Yes, it is lovely. I actually need something new for a Christmas party at Pete’s firm. Do you work for hire?” the deck of cards asked.
    Emmie frowned for a moment. Their words were kind but something about their tone was off. It felt mocking. Was she for hire? She was recently without a job. She could easily make dresses for these girls but something about her pride made her pause before she answered.
    Ava put her arm on Emmie’s shoulder and smiled. “No, she is not for hire. She made these for me as my friend, not my seamstress. Emmie is just getting ready to enroll in college. Isn’t that right?”
    She jutted out her chin and grinned as she spoke. That answered Emmie’s earlier question. The queen and deck of cards were being condescending earlier.
    “That’s right. I’m enrolling when I return. Just finished up the paperwork on the train ride here,” Emmie said without reservation. Okay, that was an outright lie. She actually wouldn’t be permitted to enroll until the next year in the fall semester. That was if she could convince them she wasn’t too old. Most girls started right out of high school. But, these girls would never know that. After tonight she would probably never see them again.
    Ava introduced the girls: the queen, Liza; the deck of cards, Hannah; the angel, Jemma. Emmie noticed the angel seemed younger than the others. Maybe not yet twenty.
    She nodded and extended her hand after the introduction. “Nice to meet you, Emmie.”
    “Likewise,” Emmie said.
    “I’d love to hear more about your college. I’m trying to convince my family that’s my path after high school. I’ve already started the preparatory classes. Maybe you could help me with my argument,” Jemma said.
    “Sure, I’d be glad to,” Emmie shrugged, that little white lie nagging at her conscience. Not only was the paperwork not filled out, but she was also unsure if they would even let her in or if she had enough tuition money. She made a silent