“We’ll see about that.”
Pulling into the church parking lot, I find a spot next to my parents’ car. Glancing around, it looks like we may be the last to arrive. I take that back when I watch Anthony pull his car into the lot and slip into the spot next to us. Vicky is with him when we step out. I don’t know what I expect from her, but the fact that she’s ignoring Matilda isn’t it. It pisses me off, but I keep it to myself, for now.
Matilda’s door opens. I extend my hand. “You ready for this?”
“No.” She half laughs. It’s more a scoff than anything else.
“It’s gonna be fine.” When the hell did I become Little Miss Sunshine? I’m usually the one that sees dark clouds.
“It’ll be over soon, that’s what I keep telling myself.” She places her small hand in mine. She uses it to pull herself out of the car. “This sucks,” she grumbles as she starts to limp toward the church. “Do you need your stuff?” I point to the trunk.
“Oh. Yeah, I guess.”
While I don’t know Matilda all that well, I know her enough to tell she’s not her usual happy self. Maybe if she talks about something else…. “Your dad said you got a new dog?” Stepping up next to her, I lift my elbow. Matilda slides her arm through as we walk slowly up the steps of the church.
Her head jerks to the side, but then a smile slides across her lips. “Yeah, a German shepherd this time.”
“This time?”
“He didn’t tell you?”
“Tell me what?”
She shrugs. “Just that I train dogs on the side.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“I keep it to myself, mostly.”
“You said, on the side. What else do you do?” I’m not sure why I know nothing about this woman. It seems as though I’ve spent more time with her than anyone else this week.
“I work as a telemarketer.”
“Do you like it?”
She shrugs. “Not so much, but it pays the bills, sort of.” In other words, it’s a job.
“There you are.” Vicky’s voice is loud; she sounds exasperated. “We’ve been waiting forever.”
Vicky’s mom steps up and takes Matilda by the hand. “Come along, Matilda. Hair and makeup first.”
Glaring at Vicky, I snap, “Youjust got here yourself. You pulled in next to us.” Jesus, I can’t believe Anthony is signing up for this bullshit with that woman.
Once again, I bite my fucking tongue. It’s starting to get to me. I stare at Vicky’s back as she follows her mom and Matilda into the bowels of this giant church.
As for my brother, I feel a little sorry for him about his choice of bride until he steps in front of me and piles on. He’s glaring at Matilda’s back as she’s led further into the church. “What took you so long to get inside? Why is she limping? Jesus, what did she do now?”
I’m not having it. “She sprained her ankle last night trying to help your bride. She’s moving a little slow.” I lean in. “Knock it off about Matilda, or I’ll literally kick your ass.” I pause. For emphasis. “I mean it this time.”
Anthony’s eyes meet mine. It’s a stare down. “She—”
“She’s got a cut on her face from one of their fingernails. Her ribs are bruised because those bitches punched her, and she twisted her ankle in the melee. I’m telling you. Knock. It. Off. about Matilda.”
Anthony runs his hand through his hair. “I’m sorry. I had no idea.”
“Now you do.”
“Yeah. I’ll relay that to Victoria.”
