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“We’re all friends, Mia. And it’s the most natural thing in the world.”
I snatch up my crystal flute and gulp the champagne down.
“I agree, Mia,” Brook drawls. “Sex is healthy. And you’re Cade Kingsley’s prosapia. He’s like—”
The server appears, silencing Brook. Thank God. This is turning into my worst nightmare, which is something considering my life is one constant bad dream lately.
We reel off our orders, then Mom clinks her glass, smiling at me. “I would just like to say a few words. Mia, darling, I know this isn’t what you wanted for your life, but to be prosapia is a blessing. May you walk into your new life with humility, grace, and poise. I just know you and Cade are going to live a long and happy life together.”
She’s brainwashed.
My own mother is completely and utterly brainwashed.
I don’t know whether to laugh or cry, so I opt for a muted thanks and help myself to another glass of champagne. Sasha squeezes my hand under the table, but it does little to ease the knot in my stomach.
“Excuse me, I need a girl’s minute.” Brook excuses herself and struts across the room as if she owns the place. Men track her every move, especially her ass, and women watch with envy in their eyes.
Brook is made for this world. Cut from the heart of Gravestone. Nothing would have to be forced on her; she’d accept it all willingly with open arms.
Annabel’s purse begins vibrating. She digs out her cell phone and checks the screen. “It’s my mom. I’ll be right back.” Hurrying from the table, she exits the restaurant. A strange sensation trickles down my spine, but I can’t quite put my finger on what’s wrong.
I glance over at the doors again but can’t see Annabel.
“What is it?” Sasha asks.
“I don’t know. I’ll be right back, okay?” I push from the table and stand. My mom calls after me, but I take off toward the doors Annabel left through.
I don’t know what I expect to find, but when I spill into the foyer there’s no sign of her. It’s like the pieces of the puzzle are slotting against each other but all wrong.
What am I missing?
“Excuse me.” I approach the check-in desk. “Did you see a girl come out here a second ago?”
“Yes, she just left.”
I glance back to the main doors and take off, catching sight of Annabel disappearing around the side of the building. My brows furrow. What the hell is she doing?
Heart racing, I follow her but keep a safe distance. She’s around the back of the country club now, near the kitchen. A door swings open and I duck behind a stack of crates. Brook appears, and my heart drops.
No.
No!
They start arguing about something, but I can’t hear them over the whir of the fans. Annabel jabs her finger at Brook who cackles, a wicked glint in her eye. She shoos Annabel away and slips back inside the building.
The second Annabel reaches me, I step out into her path.
“Mia? My God, you startled me. What is it? What’s wrong?”
My brow arches. “I saw you.”
“S-saw me? What do you mean? I came out here to talk to my mom.” She waves her cell at me.
“I saw you with Brook.”
The blood drains from her face. “I-I can explain, it’s not what you think.”
“I don’t know what I think right now. Are you two… friends?”
