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“Stay out of it!” Hale barked.
“You’re out of line,” Barrett snapped, storming off and purposefully knocking into his brother’s shoulder.
I glared up at Hale. “Nice. You just insulted me and your brother. Apologize to your guests.” I turned to leave, needing a minute to cool off, and Hale caught my arm.
“Don’t you dare go after him.”
I shook off his hold and scoffed. “I wasn’t, you big jerk. I was getting away from you.” Mortification burned through me as everyone stared.
“Pardon me,” the server appeared at absolutely the worst moment and Hale snapped.
“What?”
“Sir, there seems to be an issue with the bill.”
I could feel the earth shifting beneath me.
“Your credit card has been declined.”
My stomach plummeted.
“That’s impossible,” Hale snapped and I took a step back as the room grew further and further away. “Run it again.”
“I did. Several times, sir. There seems to be a hold on the account. Perhaps you’d like to try a different card or make a call?”
Remington approached. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing that concerns you. I have everything under control.” But things were spiraling. This was it. He’d already pulled his phone out of his pocket and started to dial the number on the back of the card. It was going to happen here, in front of everyone.
Remington turned to the server. “Where’s the manager? Do you know who we are?”
“Stay out of it,” Hale growled.
“Here. Use my card.”
“Do I look like I need your help?”
“Yes!”
The two broke into a pissing match that only drew more attention to the situation, the volume of their voices climbing until everyone knew something was wrong. When Naomi approached, I backed away.
This wasn’t how this night was supposed to go.
Hale was acting like a possessive jackass.
Barrett had run off.
Elle was gone.
My mother was drunk.
Remington was yelling.
And now Elara was crying.
Someone spilled a glass of wine and chaos broke out among the guests who noticeably tried to eavesdrop. The bill wasn’t paid and my dad was to blame.
Hale spoke into the phone and frowned. Time slowed down. I couldn’t breathe. I needed to get out of there.
