Page 39 of Passion and Privilege

“Or do we?” I said with a grin.

“If you want to be fashionably late, I’m down with it.”

“No.” I shook my head as we walked out of the apartment. “I don’t want all eyes on me. That’s way too much pressure. People are already going to be looking at me, wondering why his ex is at the wedding.”

“Tell them the truth. That you were invited.”

He opened the passenger door for me. I climbed into the luxury car, the plush leather seat cool beneath my dress. Timothy slid into the driver’s seat and the car roared to life.

Scott was going to die when he saw me roll up in the classic car that would make any man drool. It was a beautiful car, restored to pristine condition. I was a big fan of anything classic being restored.

“So, are you moving?” he asked.

“Yes and no,” I said, sighing. “Apparently there is some mold or something. I have to move out while they take care of it.”

“Where are you going to go?”

“I plan on staying with my dad, even though he only has one bedroom,” I said. “It’ll be cramped living but I’m hoping it’s only temporary. Thankfully, me and my dad get along pretty well. I’ll just crash on his couch for a bit.”

He nodded but said nothing. It wasn’t long before we were pulling up to the venue. The sight before me took my breath away. The place was obviously very expensive with a beautiful view of the lake. It was an outdoor ceremony. There were huge tents set up.

The white canvas tents were bustling with activity. Chairs set up in perfect rows were under one. Another tent appeared to be serving various refreshments. The place was already teeming with people. My heart picked up its pace as the reality of the situation hit me.

He pulled up to the valet. I was helped out of the car and felt like I was in a fairytale. Timothy joined me, placing his hand on the small of my back.

“Relax,” he whispered as his car was driven away. “You look stunning.”

“Thank you. I’m just not sure this is a good idea. I don’t know if revenge is worth it.”

“Trust me, this isn’t about revenge,” Timothy said, guiding me toward the entrance. “This is about showing him what he’s missing and ensuring that he’ll never forget. This is about you taking back control of the situation. You’re getting the last word.”

“Did you go to Regina’s wedding?” I asked.

He chuckled. “Fuck no.”

His vehement answer caught me off guard. He had always been so stoic. It was nice to see he did have some emotion.

“Were you invited?”

He gave me a dry look. “No. Trust me, they didn’t want me there. You, on the other hand, got an invitation. You know he thinks this is supposed to be a stick in your eye. He wants to try and show off, show you what you missed out on. We’re here to show him you don’t give a shit that he’s getting married.”

I swallowed hard, adjusted the diamonds around my neck, and took a deep breath. I had to admit it was a beautiful venue.

“I’m so nervous,” I whispered.

“Don’t be,” he said. “You look good. Don’t even think about him. I’m right by your side. I’ve got you.”

“Thank you. I really appreciate you doing all of this. The dress and the hair and your time. I know this is above and beyond our working relationship.”

“I think I can live vicariously through you,” he said. “I didn’t get the fuck you you’re going to get. I want to see the expression on his face when he sees how amazing you look.”

“Let’s do this then,” I said, steeling myself.

Timothy gave me a reassuring smile. He took my hand. The warmth and strength I got from him was exactly what I needed to face Scott.

As predicted, there were gasps and hushed whispers when we walked in. The black-tie affair was very lavish. Clearly, it was her parents paying for all of it. I knew Scott didn’t have the kind of money this place cost.

“Take a breath,” Timothy whispered close to my ear. “You’re the hottest chick in here. You don’t need to be nervous. You were invited. Stop acting like you’re crashing the party.”