“I know—“
“Knowing that, you know I’ve seen you without your sweaters and baggy jeans,” I reminded her. “You have curves that could put Ashley Graham to shame.”
“That’s not true,” she sniffled.
“And your hair!” I touched the tips that popped out of the bun she wore religiously, “It’s amazing. Silky and thick. I wish I had your hair.”
“Cora—”
“I’m serious.”
“You’re a good sister. Thanks.” She sighed
“Who is he?” I asked because I couldn’t help myself. I wanted to punch the guy in the nose.
“Not important. He thinks I’m an ugly duckling,” she shared, and I tried not to react. Whoever the guy was, was obviously not worth her time.
“He said that?” Anger bubbled up inside of me, wanting to protect my best friend.
“Not to me, not directly. He didn’t know I was around.”
“Honey…”
“I mean, why would he, right? I’m just part of the background,” she mumbled the last bit, and I wrapped my arms around her.
“He’s not worth your time, Cat.” She looked up at me. Blinking quickly, she shook her head, a lone tear running down her face.
“I thought he was different,” she admitted softly and wiped away the lone tear. “I was so stupid. You know how Allie suggested we get out of our comfort zones?”
“Yeah?”
“I tried, but… maybe, maybe I just need to jump in. Full on. Like you and Milo.”
“Cat—”
“He wasn’t completely wrong.”
“Cat, you’re perfect as you are.”
“I’m okay. But maybe… I don’t know. Maybe I need to change something up. Put myself out there. For reals.”
“Okay…”
“I’m horrible with clothes and accessories and makeup. I mean, I know my strengths and weaknesses. Those are not my strong suit. Maybe you could help me with a makeover?”
“There is nothing wrong with you.”
“Did someone say makeover?” Allie said from the doorway and stepped in with a huge smile on her face. Allie lived for shopping and girl time. After one look at Cat, Allie’s smile fell off her face and worry took over. “Cat, what’s the matter?”
“Oh.” Allie looked at me with surprise questions in her eyes, but I didn’t know what to say, especially when Catalina kept talking.
“Who does he think he is, anyhow!” she said, and Allie sat down on the other side of her.
“Who?” Allie asked, trying to catch up on what was going on, but Cat was on a roll. I had never seen her like this.
“Joke’s on him! The ugly ducking turns into a swan!” she huffed.
“Cat—“
“I’m done being in the background of my own story,” she said, looking at both of us, her gaze now hopeful. “Will you guys help me?”
SNEAK PEEK TO HOT TAMALE
The soccer god had talked to me.
For no reason.
He didn’t need help with anything, that I knew of. I hadn’t meant to strike up a conversation with him—that had all been some weird fate sorta thing—but I had. Then, when he said something and I responded in my usual dry way, he’d laughed. Then he’d stuck around the entire party. Even when girls had stopped by and tried to grab his eye, his attention had been completely on me. At the end of the night, he even asked for my number, and we had been texting.
He was funny in a quirky way and a great listener.
That was why I was at Sigma’s house a couple of days later. I was going to step out of my comfort zone, like the president of my sorority, Kappa Sweets, had suggested. I was going to ask him to be my date for the Halloween party.
The door was open, and I walked in. About to enter the living room, I heard them. The guys talking and laughing, obviously oblivious to anyone else in the house or their open door.
“I’ve been meaning to ask, man,” some deep voice asked. “What was up with you at the party after the win?
“What do you mean?” I quickly recognized his voice.
“Come on, you know what I mean.”
“I don’t.”
“Talking to that nobody.” My stomach sank.
“She’s not a nobody,” he defended, and hope sprung even higher.
“Look, dude, I know Kennedy broke your heart and all, but that’s not a reason to lower your standard. I mean, she was Insta-model hot and way out of your league.”
“Fuck you,” he mumbled, and the others around laughed.
“But to drop that low? Don’t do that, man.”
“She’s not a nobody… She’s… an ugly duckling.” His words a painful punch in the gut, I stepped back and bumped into a hard wall.
I turned around and looked into Milo, my best friend and sorority sister Cora’s boyfriend’s eyes. I shook my head and put my fingers over my lips, silently asking to keep quiet before I moved around him and ran out of the Sigma house.
More to come October 2019
BOOKS BY MAYRA STATHAM
KAPPA SWEET SISTERS
His Smarty Pants
His Hot Tamale- Coming October 2019
RIGHT MEN SERIES
LIE
STEAL
CHEAT
DRINK- Coming soon
BEECH GROVE SERIES
Burning Bridges
Donut Tucker Out
Knoxed Up
More than a Knight
Quite Frankly
Kissing Gabe
Little Black Dress
Mamacita Needs a Margarita
Kissing Ruby- coming soon
NEVER TOO LATE SERIES
Longing For You
Wishing For You
Lucky For You
Crown’s Chance at Love
Etched in Stone
Carried Away
Davenport Harbor
STANDALONES
Already Home
Cookies & Kismet
Mistletoe Wishes
Something Worth Saving
Zaiden- A Scrooged Christmas
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
When a book is created it’s not just an author in front of a computer. It’s a team of people that help make it come to life.
I love my people.
Julia, Teeny, Kelly: Thank you for everything you do. We are scattered around the globe, but I want you to know our friendship, support, and love mean the world to me. Love you!
My babies and hubs: Thank you for your patience and support. Thank you for being my number one cheerleaders.
You, the beautiful reader: Thank you for taking a chance on this story. You have no idea what it means to me. If possible, please leave a review.
ABOUT MAYRA STATHAM
Mayra Statham resides in southern California with her three kids and husband. When she isn’t writing or hanging with family, you can find her hidden behind a romance novel while enjoying a highly caffeinated drink.
She loves hearing from readers. Connect with her on social media platforms @mystathamwrites or email her at mayrastatham@gmail.com