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A few tears slip down my cheeks. “Home, probably. He left after hearing something that I said, but didn’t mean.”
Celia guides me to a bench under the tent. “Tell me everything.”
“There was a reporter who started asking me questions when I came to get a few waters for you. I got suspicious of her when she quickly started asking about Bentley, and I panicked thinking she wasn’t just one of the locals, but someone from that online magazine. I lied to her, trying to make Bentley sound uninteresting, in hopes she would go away, but before she could, Bentley showed up and heard me possibly saying he was nothing more than a suit with a big bank account.”
Repeating my early words now, it truly sets in how fucked up they were, even if I was trying to keep my and Bentley’s personal information out of that reporter’s mouth. In my defense, my lack of sleep and the nerves that slammed into me when I thought I was talking to a paparazzi-type reporter made me panic. I felt cornered and just wanted her to go away. Though, that sounds like a pathetic excuse even to me.
Celia rubs her hand over my back. “It’s okay. Once you explain, I’m sure Bentley will understand.”
My head shakes. “I don’t think he will. You didn’t see the look in his eyes, Celia. He hated me in that moment.”
She offers me a small smile. “You can’t really hate someone without loving them first. Just give him some time to cool off and you can explain.”
I want to believe she’s right, but every time I close my eyes, all I see is the hurt on Bentley’s face.
His money is his least favorite thing about himself, and I’d chosen the exact wrong words to use. Fuck, that was so stupid. I should have just pushed that woman out of my way when she kept on with the questions. I should have told her to kiss my ass. I should have just kept my damn mouth shut instead of thinking I could outsmart a reporter.
I glance around the carnival, trying to find that woman so I can tell her what I really think about her questions, but she’s nowhere to be found.
“If I ever see that dark-haired bitch and her ridiculous heels again, she’ll never forget meeting me,” I say to Celia as I swipe at my cheeks again.
Everything in my chest aches, and I don’t know how I’m going to survive the night without setting things right with Bentley.
“I should go to his house, right? He’ll have to go home eventually,” I say to Celia, but she’s not looking at me.
“You said the reporter had dark hair and was wearing heels? What else?” Celia asks, eyes continuing to search the crowd.
I’m confused on why she’s asking but indulge her anyway. “Umm, a black shirt and red button up top. Why?”
Celia turns back to me and grabs my hand tightly. “That wasn’t a reporter, Kenzie.”
My head is swirling with confusion. “Yes, she was. She had a recorder and pen and paper… Okay, that was it, but still. She said she was and looked the part.”
“I think it was Selene. Did Bentley tell you about her?” Celia bites her bottom lip.
Her sudden nerves make my stomach roll. “No. Who is that?”
“She’s my friend. Or she was, until this moment. I hooked her up with Bentley, but she wasn’t what he wanted, and they broke up for the final time before he went to Peru this summer. She’s wanted him back ever since he returned, but I brushed her off, thinking she was harmless. I swore I saw her earlier, but I was so busy I couldn’t be sure. I think she was trying to set you up. I told her the paparazzi were looking into us. I thought I could trust her still, especially when it seemed like she was backing off my brother.”
My chest feels empty. “Bentley was going to hear what I said even if he hadn’t come to find me.”
Celia nods. “If you said she had a recorder, I have no doubt. Sounds like she was goading you into saying exactly what she knew Bentley wouldn’t want to hear.”
“That fucking bitch.” I’m seething, and I want to beat the hell out of a woman I don’t even know.
Celia grabs my hand. “Let me handle Selene. I know where to hurt her the most. I might not live for the higher society lifestyle like she does, but I still know plenty of people.”
“I’d rather give her a couple black eyes and a broken nose,” I growl.
She laughs. “I know, but that would only garner her more sympathy. Something she doesn’t deserve and is rather good at getting. I only wish I’d seen her true colors sooner.”
I meet Celia’s blue eyes. Seeing them reminds me of Bentley and only makes my heart shatter more. “I can’t lose him.”
Her arm wraps around me. “And you’re not going to. I’m going to help you make this right, but first, tell me what you need.”
“Ella and Piper would help. They’ve been supervising the ring toss all day.” Celia has been great, but I need my two best friends as well. I need their hugs and love and words.
Celia nods in that direction. “Go find them, then I’ll tell Joyce we’re all leaving. I doubt she’ll mind since most of the guests are gone and takedown isn’t until tomorrow, anyway.”
