“I will.” Normally, I don’t sing in public, but my father specifically requested it.
“Well, that will be lovely. It’s been ages since I’ve heard that angel voice of yours. Now where is that gorgeous new sister of yours?”
“Stepsister,” I correct automatically. “I think she went to get ready, which I really should go and do too.”
“Alright, love. But save a dance for an old lady later.”
“I will,” I promise, finding the entrance to the suites where I can change.
We have only a few hours to get ready before the ceremony starts and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to spend that time getting piss drunk. Every corner of the place holds a memory. Grief of my mom’s passing and anger over the private investigator’s message is rearing its ugly head, threatening to drown me. With how happy everyone is acting; you’d think her body wasn’t found just feet away from the club a little more than a year and a half ago. Her life ended but everyone moved on with their lives, forgetting her as if she never existed. My dad most of all.
Holding the wedding here seems like a disgrace to her memory. This was their place. And now he’s brought a new woman here. Replacing my mother as easily as if he were choosing a new shirt.
I change into my tux, ready to get this over with. When I exit the room though, I find Melody leaving at the same time. She’s dressed in a pale blue floor length dress that cascades over every curve of her body. It shimmers as she moves, resembling water rippling along the shore. My breath catches in my throat with how stunning she looks.
“Does it look alright?” She asks.
“G-gorgeous,” I stumble over my words, my tongue feeling heavy in my mouth.
“Can you help me zip this up though? I couldn’t reach it.”
It’s embarrassing how quickly I move at the chance to touch her. She turns around and I reach for the zipper that sits dangerously low on her back.
I can hardly breathe as the material glides beneath my fingers with one agonizingly slow movement. She inhales and my hands linger. It takes an enormous effort to step away from her and not to keep touching her like I ache to.
“Thanks,” she murmurs.
“Yep. It’s this way,” I gesture, and we walk silently together to where the ceremony is being held.
People filter into the space, row after row packed full of well-wishers here for the free food and to revel in the proximity to power. Money is a funny thing like that. Offering a sense of power to people who have access to it.
Melody walks down the aisle, and I unashamedly take that moment to stare at her ass as she does. It’s a moment of weakness but staying away from her like I’ve been, has proved near impossible. Even though she’s pushed me away, I still want her.
The music cues up as my new stepmother begins her walk down the aisle, but as she does, I’m caught missing my mark because that woman is the one I remember from a few years ago. The one threatening to get rid of my mom, and it looks like she got exactly what she wanted. I’m keenly aware of several people staring at me, waiting for me to start singing. When I do though, it’s guttural and full of rage, not the soft version I’m sure they were expecting.
My dad glares at me, but I don’t give a shit. I’m more convinced now than ever, that the two of them cooked up my mom’s demise to get to this moment.
The song comes to an end, and I drop the microphone, creating a high-pitched sound that pierces the air. Several people cover their ears I walk out of the room, needing to catch my breath.
Those fuckers killed her. I know it. I just have to figure out how I can prove it.
23
MELODY
I’ve had one too many drinks at the reception, wanting to dull away the awkwardness that’s settled between me and Chase. Seeing him perform Hallelujah with such passion gave me goosebumps.
I can’t be trusted to be anywhere near him tonight, especially if he does that annoyingly hot wink that he does when he’s getting on my nerves. The way he sang is all anyone can talk about at dinner, and I just know it’s pissing my mom off. She can’t stand not being the center of attention. And at her own wedding? Watch out.
Chase is bombarded by a mired of people, getting dragged off to dance by the cutest flower girl. I wonder who she’s related to and guess it must be from Chase’s side of the family. Seeing how sweet he is with her is doing funny things to my already muddled insides.
My head swims as I watch couples spin on the dance floor. The happily wedded couple we’re here to celebrate are mysteriously missing though.
Chase swings the flower girl around and my heart skips a beat over how cute it is.
Stop it. Stop it. Stop it.
He’s not cute, he’s annoying. And off limits!
