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COLETTE
I thought tonight would be different. That I could be different, but nothing has changed. Under the stage lights, I come alive, but out here in the real world, I’m still the meek, awkward girl that can’t talk to the guy she likes.
Watching Nathan smile and talk to other women is excruciating. The fact that I simply tried to say hi to him and he didn’t even notice me standing there is the nail in the coffin containing my hopes for a chance with him.
If that wasn’t bad enough, there was the painfully awkward dance with Rhys.
I knew he might be here. Hannah had sent him an invitation when she heard he was back in the city, but I hadn’t expected to have to dance with him. Hadn’t expected to stare into the hazel eyes of my childhood friend and find an offensive, aloof man.
It’s true, I’ve heard about Rhys’ escapades, been kept up to date on his whereabouts and activities through his grandparents, and his reputation through the press. Sometimes it’s hard to know what is real and what are rumors, but after talking to him for four minutes, it’s clear everything I’ve heard is true. The partying. The raucous behavior. Thewomen.
I take a drink of my charged water. I’m not even drinking at this wedding. I can enjoy a drink or two, but my years of training and going without have conditioned me to not even bother with alcohol. I move to set my empty glass on the table when a waiter appears by my side and starts to fill it with champagne.
“Oh, I’m good, thank you.” I motion my hand, indicating I don’t need a drink. But when I look up, it’s not a waiter, it’s Rhys.
“You’re not good. This whole thing you’re doing.” He motions a hand in my direction. “Pathetic.”
I take my previous thought back. More than being ignored by Nathan, talking to Rhys is the most annoying thing about this night.
My brows lift. “Excuse me?”
“I just witnessed the saddest scene. You, desperate to talk to Nathan King, and he walked right by you.”
We’re adults now, so I shouldn’t give Rhys the satisfaction of riling me up. When we were younger, the five-year age difference felt significant, but now, I refuse to let him treat me like I’m a child. To baby me like he used to.
I’m irritated with Rhys, but his words penetrate my annoyance. If he saw me make a fool of myself trying to talk to Nathan King,did anyone else?
The mere thought makes warmth bloom across my cheeks.
I can dance in front of thousands of people but the idea of putting myself out there in a personal relationship is terrifying.
Rhys continues. “I’m not familiar with this whole unrequited thing. When I want to fuck a woman, she’s in my bed.”
The way he says the F word makes me flinch.
I can’t believe we used to be friends. Yes, he’d tease me and Hannah sometimes, but it also felt like that was his way of saying he cared. He could be really sweet.
This version of Rhys, the man he’s become, is downright unlikable. And, he’s making a humiliating situation even worse. But still, I should take the high road. Not engage with him.
“I’m aware of all your conquests, Rhys. I don’t need a body count.”
“Good. I’ve lost track.”
My nose scrunches up in disgust. “That’s not something to be proud of.”
“You and my grandfather agree on that.”
I sigh, suddenly tired of this conversation, of the disappointment that tonight was. “What do you want?”
“To make you an offer you can’t refuse.”
“You’re notThe Godfather, Rhys.”
“No, I’m your Fairy Godmother here to turn this pumpkin,” he motions to me, “into a gold carriage.”
“What the heck are you talking about?” I ask.
He makes a tsking sound. “Language, Miss Davenport.”
