“How many times do I have to tell you to watch yourself in public,” he hissed, careful not to yell. “If you insist on having an affair, do it in private. And with someone who doesn’t work at a garage. Jesus, Stella, what is wrong with you?”
“Don’t talk to me like that,” I snapped, my voice loud. I was angry at Mason for just walking out on me. I was even angrier at myself for not having stood up to David before now. I’d let him walk all over me. But it stopped now.
“I’ll talk to you however I want to.” He said and turned around. “And we’re leaving.”
I stayed where I was, crossing my arms over my chest. “You can go home, but I’m staying. I’m not leaving my best friend’s wedding before the reception has even started.”
He left the bathroom, and I didn’t care if he drove away. I’d find a lift into town from someone else and just stay at a hotel.
I locked the door and splashed some water on my face. I fixed my makeup and once I felt halfway human again, I went back outside.
There was no sign of David anywhere and I sighed in relief. Willa was standing near the dance floor, her front pressed to Jameson’s side, looking happier than I’d ever seen her.
I walked over and she threw herself at me when she saw me. “I’m married,” she cried and we hugged and laughed and hugged some more.
“Congratulations. You are the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.”
We released each other and I hugged Jameson. “Congratulations, Jameson. I’m so happy for you both. Just don’t ever break her heart or I’ll have to kill you.”
He let go and Willa stepped right back into her spot by his side.
“You don’t have to worry about that,” he said and pressed a kiss to Willa’s lips.
“Good, because my plan doesn’t yet include a way to get rid of the body. Still weighing up the options.”
He shook his head and grinned. “No wonder you two are friends. Could have been sisters.”
“Might be best not to talk about murder in public, don’t you think, Stella,” David said, suddenly appearing next to me. Guess he hadn’t left without me. Shame, really.
I looked at Willa and we both rolled our eyes.
“Won’t happen again,” I mumbled and searched for the waiter that was carrying the champagne. I spotted him three people over and excused myself. Hopefully David would follow me—better yet, go home—because the last thing Willa needed on her wedding day was a conversation with Mr. Personality.
I grabbed a glass off the tray and drank half of it on the first sip. Damn, Jameson didn’t skimp on anything. The food was amazing, the champagne delicious, and the backyard a fairytale come to life.
David had followed me over and was eyeing the glass in my hand. “Don’t you think you’ve had enough to drink for tonight?”
“I plan on drinking a lot more,” I said, feeling rebellious. My eyes wandered around the party, hoping he would get the hint and leave me in peace.
I was mid-sip when I saw the busty blonde who’d been to the garage a few times. She was holding on to Mason, her head tilted up at him and her boobs brushed against his arm. He didn’t seem to mind and was talking to her. I inhaled sharply at the pain that squeezed my ribcage and the champagne went down the wrong way causing me to start coughing uncontrollably. I was afraid I was going to spit up my lung if I didn’t stop soon.
“Get a hold of yourself,” David chastised from beside me.
“Sorry for choking, I’ll try not to do it again,” I wheezed and continued coughing. What an asshole.
“Stella. Are you okay?”
I turned away from the voice, stupidly hoping that it wasn’t Mason, who was now witnessing my coughing fit. Maybe if I ignored him he would go away and I could pretend this never happened.
“Here, drink some water,” Mason said and a glass appeared in my line of sight.
I grabbed it and chucked the contents down my throat. Thankfully the water helped, and after a few more coughs I finally stopped.
“Do you always have to make a spectacle?” David complained next to me.
I turned furious eyes on him and he stepped back. At least he wasn’t totally stupid. “Do you think I planned this? If I wanted attention I would get up on stage and sing. Or start dancing.”
“Maybe you did. And I think we’ve stayed long enough.” He took my arm. “Let’s go,” he commanded and pulled.
