Out Of Place (Face the Music Book 2) Read Free Page A

didn’t suit her. “It’s only a scar.”
    Two years ago those words would’ve never left her mouth. A year ago they’d have been too hard to say—especially when she’d realised firsthand how off-putting they were to guys. Since then she’d kept her ring on to keep them away. It was safer for everyone.
    Julie pulled a face. “At least the other one is barely visible.”
    Olivia turned away and pretended to study her reflection with the same concern Julie was showing. The other scar was mostly hidden by her hair and a little makeup. If someone looked closely they’d realise that not all of her right eyebrow was real and was actually clever pencil work.
    “You could’ve picked different dresses if you were really worried about the scar.” Something in a softer colour? Perhaps something less…just less. But then she’d never been a lace and frills girl. Julie had been pink this and orange that all through their childhood like she lived in some kind of glorious sunrise.
    “I’m not planning my day around you.” Julie stalked off muttering something else.
    Olivia knew she shouldn’t have said anything. She didn’t need to hear the words to feel the resentment. By having the visible scar she was drawing attention from the bride to herself—like that was a deliberate plan. Julie didn’t realise how much Olivia would change if she could. She closed her eyes.
    She could do this. Play nice and keep the peace so that the day went smoothly. The wedding would be here in a few weeks. Then it would be over in a blink.
    The other bridesmaids were Julie’s friends, and while she’d known a few of them during high school, they weren’t her friends. She was a bridesmaid simply because she was related. She was sure that if Julie could’ve managed to get out of having her in the bridal party without drawing the wrath of their parents she would’ve. If Olivia could’ve got out of it she would’ve. Being on display and the centre of attention wasn’t her thing at all, even before the accident.
    “Are you done? Shall I help you get out of it? Gorgeous colour, isn’t it?” The shop assistant prattled as she undid the zip.
    Olivia let her remove the dress, leaving her standing in what looked like a sausage skin, and was like a medieval torture device minus the whale bones. Everyone had to wear shapewear to make sure there were no unsightly bumps in the photos. She hated the stuff. And it was going to be hot wearing it under the dress for the wedding. If she didn’t wear it, would Julie notice on the day; surely there’d be other things to think about?
    The idea of having that argument on the day, of being labelled the one who spoilt the wedding, was enough to make her shiver. She’d wear it. She knew she would because that would create the least amount of tension.
    If she’d been the one getting married it would’ve been summer dresses and a barbeque. Done. Julie was spending a small fortune on one day, but she already had the house and had made no secret of the fact her fiancé was well off.
    “Oh, let me see your ring?” The shop assistant lifted Olivia’s hand. “Very pretty and practical. Big rings get caught everything. I wanted something smaller, but he wouldn’t hear a word of it.” She showed Olivia her ring, as if she gave a damn.
    I’m sure you wanted something smaller.
    When could she get out of here?
    “So when is the big day?” The sales assistant obviously thought she could get another client.
    Olivia heard Julie gasp. Oh no, the conversation was no longer about Julie!
    She swallowed. She’d answered the question many times before; it hadn’t got any easier, only weirder. “He’s dead. There will be no wedding.”
    The woman blinked several times. “Oh. I see. I’m sorry.” Then she bustled away to make a fuss over the other bridesmaids.
    Julie grabbed her arm. “Why did you have to do that?”
    “She asked.” Olivia tried to pull away but Julie used her nails, the same as when