She pointed out the restaurant window, white as a ghost. “It’s Chris. And his new girlfriend.”
We all looked where she was pointing, even the waiter and McGraw. Sure enough, strolling outside our window was Alexis’s snake of an ex, Chris Tuttle, his arm around a petite, dark-haired woman. As we watched, he leaned over and kissed her forehead.
Alexis made a shuddering sound, her eyes welling with tears.
And that wasit. Even though Chris was just doing what all people in relationships did—straying, messing up—and Alexis would be better off steeling her heart and giving up on the idea of happily-ever-after, that didn’t matter right now. It was clear by the look on her face that she was devastated. Chris was hurting my little sister.
Not on my watch.
I launched out of my chair and darted from the table, dodging fast-moving waiters carrying plates from the kitchen. I was vaguely aware that Ben had stood up the instant he saw me moving, and now he was only a few steps behind; but my anger at Chris and what he’d done to Alexis’s stupid, fragile heart was giving me tunnel vision.
I swung open the entrance to Bitter Honey and ran down the sidewalk, shouting,“Chris Tuttle.”
Chris spun around. The woman beside him looked at me like I was about to mug them.
“Lee? Is that you?”
“How dare you?” I raged. Anger was welling inside me, fast and hot, much more than I’d expected. “It’s been a few weeks and you’re already out in public with the woman you cheated on Alexis with?”
The woman drew a sharp breath.
Chris blanched. “I didn’t think—”
“What?” I interrupted. “That Alexis would catch you? Well, she’s in that restaurant, trying to recover from the misery of you cheating on her, and who does she have to see?You, you lying, good-for-nothing asshole.”
I waved at the window of Bitter Honey, but unfortunately, Alexis was no longer sitting at our table, staring, which would have made my point much stronger. Only McGraw was, and the waiter. And the rest of the dining room.
Ben rushed up to my side and put a hand on my elbow. “Lee, I know you’re angry, but now’s not the time.”
“Then when is?”
Chris recovered from his shock and glared at me, crossing his arms over his chest. “I’m allowed to walk down the street with anyone I choose. Mind your own business, Lee. Actually, why don’t you tend to your own business? If anyone needs a lecture about their love life, it’s you.”
The anger flared inside me. My chest heaved. “I have no idea why Alexis put up with you for four years, but good riddance.” I glanced at the dark-haired woman. “You’re in for a world of mediocre sex, from what I’ve heard. If I were you, I’d jump ship.”
“Lee.”It was my sister’s voice, sharp and horrified.
I turned to Alexis, who was now standing a step from Ben, her Disney-princess lashes wet with tears. Sarah stood a few feet behind her, wide eyes glued to Ben.
“Did you put her up to this?” Chris looked at Alexis. “You don’t talk to me for weeks and then you sic your crazy sister on me? If you have something to say, say it.”
Alexis’s mouth dropped open. She was at a loss for words, clearly not expecting Chris to turn his bite on her.
“Grow a spine,” Chris said, and Alexis’s face shuttered.
Nope. I balled my hand into a fist and punched Chris in his smug, snake face.
“Holy shit,”everyone cried, even the people behind the window at Bitter Honey, though it was barely audible through the glass. Even me, because I was pretty sure I’d just broken my hand on Chris’s cheekbone.
Chris took a staggering step back and clutched his face. “You hit me, you crazy bitch!”
“Lee, how could you?” Alexis’s hands flew to her mouth. She spun and fled down the street.
Ben seized my shoulders and practically dragged me backward. “Come on. We need to leave before he has you arrested for assault.”
“You’re insane!” Chris shouted after me.
“You’re insanely punchable,” I yelled back, twisting in Ben’s grip.
