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Cole hadn’t found the news nearly as funny as I had when he’d told me yesterday. More so, he’d mentioned and then threatened me by once again reminding me that I promised to be on my best behavior.
I reminded him I wouldn’t be the one to cause a scene and that I wanted nothing to do with her. One of those at least the whole truth…
He wasn’t intentionally being mean—I know the difference—he was only looking out for Rory. He didn’t want me to mess this up for either of them, but mostly her.
I snort to myself, remembering. I doubt Rory’d be upset. This type of stuff has never been her vibe. While everyone sips on champagne and caviar, she’d prefer milkshakes and cheeseburgers.
Still, I agree to play nice, and I have, so far.
The engagement party is a complete drag. It’s so lame I could take a nap, so I bet Lil Sis is having the time of her life.
For the last half hour, she’s been at a bar-top table chatting up the enemy. A big-ass garland balloon arch behind them in colors of white and gold.
I haven’t been spying either, more like keeping an eye out. Surveilling since I have the opportunity. No one cares about the brother of the bride—annoying, but I allow the convenience today. It’s given me a chance to observe without being provoked.
Her dark eyes, the color of oak, flick back over in my direction, and my heart does that pitter-patter thing once more. Speeding up and slowing down at the same time. It’s irritating as fuck and I rub at it, pretending like I’m wiping away a spot of dirt.
Hailey is that stain.
It’s been happening all evening; I’ve felt each of them right down to my soul. She thinks she’s being calculating, sly, but I’ve felt every flicker of interest. This time Hailey tries to hide her inquiring behind the flute of her champagne as she takes a sip.
Unlike her, I’ve never averted my glaring once.
I know I look good in my pastel-pink button-down, navy slacks, and brown leather loafers. I’m fucking thriving outside here, and this time next year, I’ll be accessible and ready to be signed with a pro team.
Can she say the same?
I suck, running my tongue over my teeth before downing the last of my drink. Doubtful.
Hailey’s eyes do that thing again, finding me, and I swear it’s like clockwork. If I were to give her anything other than a blank face, my smile would be malicious and filled with nothing but disgust. It’s not, though, because she doesn’t even deserve that.
Still, tonight has been a captivating development. Before, when she’d come back for the proposal, she couldn’t look at me. Now, this? Something’s shifted in her mindset, but I couldn’t care less about what it is. Remember, she’s the one who leftme.
My gawking has stayed unbashful, and it gives me some sort of twisted power play, knowing it’s starting to make her uncomfortable. The bottom hem of her long yellowish-green dress swishes as the tiers sway when she shifts her feet.
Her outfit is very…coastal. How fitting.
It’s as if she’s intentionally chosen this to mock me.
She toys with the gold multichain necklace around her neck before that, too, is forgotten. It drops, coming back down to the center of her collarbone.
“How much longer do you think these people will want to stick around?” Cole complains, coming up beside me on a matching bar-top table. “Think they’ll want to leave soon?”
Not soon enough.
“Truthfully, C, what’s the point? I mean, honestly?” I agree, not understanding why these are necessary.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve never been one to turn down the opportunity for a good party, but something about this one hits differently. Maybe it’s the guests…
Hailey’s head tilts and something different flashes under those thick lashes of hers. I can’t put my finger on what it is, but it’s there. Guilt…regret…agitation?
It’s gone.
I clear my throat, reminding myself it doesn’t matter either way. She may be feet from me, alive and breathing, but inside? She’s dead to me.
“You talk to her yet?” Cole asks, following my line of sight.
My tongue flattens to the roof of my mouth. “Nope.”
