Chapter 27
Harper
“Just look at you, showing up to this party in a rag version of the designer dress my daughter is wearing. It shouldn’t even come as a surprise because you’ve always lingered behind people who were brighter and better than you. You’re just the quiet girl people remember when they need somebody to screw.”
Her words stung, but I held my head high, refusing to look away.
“I was watching you in the dining room. You make it so obvious that you still want my precious son–in–law. It’s embarrassing. He’s never wanted you, not even my son does. He had his fun with you and that was it.”
Just as I opened my mouth to speak…
Smack!
The palm of her hand landed against my cheek so hard that it echoed in the hallway. My head jerked sideways and the few strands of hair I had perfectly styled turned into a mess. The sting burned through my skin so hard that I just stood there with wide eyes and parted lips.
She took a step back, her chest rising with satisfaction. “I’ve been wanting to do that since the day you slapped my daughter.”
“Harper!”
Ella and Zoey came rushing down the hallway from behind her as fast as they could in their heels Harper.
Margot looked back, like she was amused.
“Oh, hell no!” Zoey growled, shoving Mrs Aldridge to the side so they could get to me.
I only saw her lose her balance with wide eyes, my friends blocking the view of what came afterwards.
“She fucking hit you?” Zoey’s voice trembled with rage as she held onto my right arm.
“I’m fine,” I said quietly even though my cheek was still hot and stinging.
“No, you’re not.” Ella gritted her teeth, standing on my left and holding my other arm.
I could finally see Mrs Aldridge and she was fuming as she fixed her hair. “How dare you? This is what happens when rats are invited where they don’t belong!”
“Oh, yeah?” Ella scowled. “Say that one more time and I’ll-”
“There’s no need for that. I said I’m fine,” I repeated, my voice firmer this time. I caught her wrist before she could get a chance at shoving Mrs Aldridge, too.
If that had been Tiffany, I would have slapped her right back with no hesitation, but it wasn’t a bratty girl from school. It was a grown ass woman and I wasn’t raised to hit my elders no matter what. My mother and Anna always told me that, especially my sister.
“I’ll have the three of you thrown out. Just wait!” she warned us as she stormed off.
Even before she turned at the corner, Ella sighed with an effort. “Harper, I know you would’ve stopped me, but she’s still lucky I didn’t have my shoe in my hand. My heel is so sharp that I would’ve loved to rip through
her dress!”
“Are you seriously okay?” Zoey’s voice was softer now as she neatly positioned the strands on the sides of my face.
“I just needed a change of scenery after what I saw between…” I trailed off, swallowing the lump in my throat. “I just needed a change of scenery. I didn’t know I’d end up with a slap on my cheek.”
“If you want, we can go home.”
“Zoey’s right.”
“I’ll be fine. I just need a distraction.” I gave a half smile.
“You know what?” Ella raised her eyebrow thoughtfully. “There’s so much artwork to look at. That’s totally your thing.”
They had never been as interested as I was in art, but they held me close and led me straight to the second floor, right where I wanted to be.
I stopped in front of a painting and said, “Thanks, you two can go back. I bet Adrian and Aiden are looking for you right now.”
“Yeah, but that can wait.” Ella nudged me softly.
Zoey grinned. “She’s right, but Aiden is so dreamy, damn.”
Those words got a weak laugh out of me. “I’m glad you’re here with me, both of you.”
“You know, I’m still so mad about Mrs Aldridge slapping you. I would’ve tackled her if you hadn’t stopped me.” Ella cracked her knuckles.
My lips curved into a warm smile. “I’m glad you two were ready.”
“Do you think Mrs Aldridge will seriously have us thrown out of this party?” Zoey nervously gritted her teeth.
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