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Zach had left hours ago. They must’ve shown themselves in.
Still, the idea of Eileen in his proximity—in hishouse—made my skin crawl. So much for safeguarding my heart.
I plastered on a carefree smile. “Yes?”
Constance poured herself another cup of tea. “Could you be an absolute doll and help us out?”
“Sure.” My teeth slammed together, but I kept my smile intact. “How can I be of service?”
“My vision isn’t what it used to be. Could you help me organize these wedding venues in alphabetical order?”
My eyes darted to the reading glasses on her nose. A frown creased my brows.
Her intentions were obvious. She wanted me to see what the future had in store for her son, Eileen, and most importantly—notme.
If I let her get to me, her claws would sink straight into my bones.
As subtle as I could, I coiled every muscle in my body, aware they both watched me like hyenas.
Eileen sucked in a quick breath. “Constance…”
She, too, couldn’t believe the pettiness.
But I could.
I jeopardized the most important thing in the world to Constance—her son’s future. Nothing mattered more to her than keeping Zach safe under her watchful eye.
She refused to introduce dangerous, unknown elements into his life, lest he end up like his father. I understood it, but I didn’t have to like it.
“Oh, not you, too, Eileen.” Constance emphasized the wordtoo. “These people are here to help.”
“These people?” Eileen nearly shrank into her seat to the point of disappearance.
Constance snapped her fingers at me. “Dear, do hurry, please. We have a cake tasting in an hour.”
Screw this.
I refused to let her see me break.
I flashed her my brightest, happiest smile. “Coming right up.”
As I gathered the brochures, I decided not to tell Zach about this.What was the point? She would stay after I left.
As much as I hated Constance, I couldn’t deny the fact that she adored her son in her own warped way.
She dropped off batches of his favorite cucumber salad every three days, celebrated his every professional win, and (according to Dallas) even pulled strings to have the strip of road her husband had died on redone, so Zach wouldn’t recognize it.
I didn’t question her devotion to him.
Eileen shot me an embarrassed smile without meeting my eyes, helping me sort through a stack of brochures. A reluctant pang of respect dragged through me.
The Maldives.
The Amalfi Coast.
Southamptons.
The destinations didn’t matter. Neither did the wedding itself.
