Kenzie holds out her hand, angling it to catch the light and make her ring sparkle. She’s so transparent.
“Are you trying to get our attention or something?” Alex asks.
“I’m just admiring my beautiful ring that Asher gave me. Isn’t it gorgeous?” Kenzie replies, pleased to reclaim the spotlight.
“Isn’t it similar to the one Asher got you, Harper? Only smaller?” Tracy chimes in.
I stifle a laugh, hiding a snort behind a cough as Kenzie glares daggers at me. If this were an animated movie, lasers would be shooting from her eyes right now.
“You know, Harper, I can’t help but notice you didn’t bring a gift. I know it was short notice, but it’s customary to bring something to a bridal shower.”
I was hoping she’d mention that. A wide smile spreads across my face. “I figured paying for your wedding venue was generous enough. Isn’t it a bit greedy to expect more?”
Gasps ripple through the crowd that has filtered into the room. My presence has clearly attracted the busybodies eager for a front-row seat to the unfolding drama.
“What is she talking about?” Dorothy asks. “You paid for the wedding venue?”
“Kenzie and Asher didn’t tell you?” I reply. “I had to cover the Starlight Manor because Asher was short on funds, and then that money was transferred from our wedding to his with Harper.”
Alex raises a hand. “Wait, that means Asher didn’t actually cancel the wedding at the venue. He just swapped out his bride’s name. How long have you two been planning to get married?”
Kenzie’s eye twitch intensifies, and she falls silent. But Dorothy isn’t done yet. “You and Asher took Harper’s money to fund your wedding? I’ll speak with Asher and make sure he pays you back every penny, Harper. That’s beyond disrespectful—from both of them.”
“Kenzie can pay her back with all the money she claims to make as an internet influencer, right?” Tracy adds. “You can just write her a check.”
“I would, but I don’t have my checkbook with me,” Kenzie says, frustration evident in her voice. Her unhappiness brings me a sense of satisfaction. And perhaps a bit vindictive.
“Gina’s getting everything set up for her wedding?” Betsy Johnson suddenly asks.
I have no idea where she came from, but I’m glad to see her. She’ll be sure to spread this whole exchange around town. And Kenzie can finally get the attention she craves.
“She is. Luckily, we had a cheat sheet from my wedding prep, so I’m pretty sure we have everything covered.”
“Oh, that’s right, the wedding on Christmas Eve that I’m now marrying Asher at. Does it sting, Harper? Is it too painful for you to be here? I understand if you need to leave,” Kenzie sneers. “No hard feelings.”
Hard feelings? Is she serious? “That’s not really the impression you’ve given,” Alex counters. “You basically guilted her into coming today.”
I almost laugh. “I think the right people are getting married on Christmas Eve. Two people who truly deserve each other.”
“Amen!” Tracy calls out.
Even Dorothy struggles to suppress a smirk as others join in, while Kenzie looks ready to explode.
The doors swing open, and Ford steps inside, his eyes wide as everyone turns to him. Kenzie seizes the moment to divert attention back to herself. “Did Asher send you to make sure I was behaving? I told him this is just the bridal party, not the bachelorette party. There won’t be strippers here. That I know of.” She flashes a sweet smile at me. “Asher’s so considerate. Always worrying about me. You remember what that’s like, don’t you?”
“That might have something to do with the fact that being engaged doesn’t mean much to you when you’re chasing after men. You being engaged. Him being engaged. It really doesn’t matter to you, does it?” Ford shoots back.
Kenzie stutters, her mouth agape, and I can hardly contain my glee at Ford’s intervention. “Harp, Gina sent me to come get you. She needs help with something,” he says.
“N-now?” Kenzie stammers, her left eye twitching so badly it’s nearly shut. “What could she need help with that can’t wait another two hours?”
“We’re stuck here for two more hours?” Alex groans. “This wasn’t the deal, Mom.”
Screaming, Kenzie stomps her foot. “This is my party!”
“She needs help with decorations. Or maybe it was fabric for the dress? I’m not really sure, but she asked me to get you right away,” Ford explains.
I turn to Kenzie with a wide smile. “Thank you so much for the invitation, Kenzie. This was quite the event. I hope you have the best day.”
