Chapter 536

Judy's POV

I wasn't really sure what to expect, but the dress Irene had created for me was the most gorgeous thing I had ever worn. After Irene finished doing my hair and makeup, I stared at myself in the mirror, and I barely recognized myself. I took my own breath away. Irene stood behind me, a smile lighting up her face as she took me in.

"You look gorgeous," she breathed, folding her arms across her chest. She had a smug smile on her lips, and I knew from that look she was planning something. "My father isn't going to know what hit him when he sees you."

I turned to look at her, a frown marring my lips.

"I'm not going to this thing for Gavin. I'm going for you," I reminded her. "So, please don't try to set up or anything."

She looked almost hurt for a moment.

"What? Me? I'd never," she teased, and then she winked. I just gave her a stern look, making her sigh, and then her face grew serious. "Okay, won't do anything. You have my word."

I nodded.

"Thank you," I told her.

"Besides, I won't have to tell him anything. The second he sees you, he's going to go insane."

I roll my eyes at her.

"You have high hopes," I tell her.

She grins and then shrugs.

"Yes, I do, "she told me. "Because he already likes you. He just needs a reminder of that."

My stomach knots at her words; I didn't want to get my hopes up that Gavin would notice me during this event. But I couldn't help but wonder if he would or not. I had to admit, I did look gorgeous.

"Holy fuck," Nan said as she walked into the room, her eyes wide with wonder. Judy? Is that you? I barely recognize you."

I roll my eyes at her.

"You are being dramatic. I still look like me," I teased.

"No, you don't," Nan chuckled. "You look hot as fuck."

"Gee, thanks,” I said, ignoring her teasing laughter.

"But seriously girl; Gavin is going to lose his mother effing mind."

"I told you," Irene said, beaming. "My stylist knew what she was doing when she

created this dress for you."

I sighed and turned back towards

the mirror. Suddenly, a knot formed in the pit of my belly, and I was nervous about this event. I had to

remind myself that I wasn't there for

Gavin, I was there for Irene. My

family was also going to be there, so

that made things a bit easier.

"I need ot get dressed too," Irene said as she gave my shoulder a squeeze. "Don't mess up your hair or makeup."

"I won't," I assured her. She left a moment later, leaving Nan and me alone. I turned to Nan, a worried expression clear on my face. "I'm terrified, Nan."

Her expression softened as she approached me.

"You are going to be fine. It'll be over before you know it, and then we can spend the entire week taking finals at school like none of this happened. Remember what's important. Your future... if Gavin isn't a part of that future, then that's his loss.

I wrapped my arms around my body like I was desperate to hold myself together.

"Do you think he'll even notice me tonight?" I asked her; a hint of vulnerability in my tone.

She grinned and gave me a once-over.noveldrama

"He'd be stupid not to notice you," she told me. "And if he doesn't, someone else will. It'd probably make him jealous to see you being hit on by other men. Maybe you'll find one you'll like."

I let out a laugh; this was typical Nan.

I wish you could come," I told her, feeling better already.

"I promised Irene I would babysit tonight,” she told me.

I nodded, and then I frowned as I looked around.

"Where is Emalyn anyway?" I asked.

"Napping," she told me. "Chester is keeping an ear on her while he works in the kitchen."

I nodded, relieved that Nan and

Chester were the ones taking care of this baby while we were gone. I couldn't have asked for a better team. Despite their many problems, they've been learning to

communicate and get blems,

with

one another. I'd actually argue to say they were falling in love with each

other, and it was nice to see.

"Thanks for doing this for her," I say.

Nan just shrugged.

"I'm actually excited to take care of a baby. I love babies," Nan admitted. "Plus, it'll

be interesting how Chester handles fatherhood."

I chuckled, knowing she was right. Truth be told, I couldn't imagine Chester as a

dad, so this would definitely be interesting.

I glanced at the clock and sighed; the event would be starting soon. The closer

the time got to the event, the more my stomach would knot up with anticipation. I had no idea what to expect.