He cupped her face.“And that’s why I won’t ever give you up.You understand.I see it every day on your face.Compassion and empathy are worth more than gold.”
He kissed her lightly on the lips.“Would you like a drink?”
“I’m not overly fond of alcohol.Maybe a Shirley Temple?”
He smiled.“All right.”
“I’ll be right back,” she said.“I have to use the restroom.”
“Would you like for me to escort you?”he asked.
“No, I’m fine,” Adalyn insisted.“I’ll be right back.”
When he nodded, she turned and wove through the crowd heading to the ladies’ room.After using the facilities, she washed her hands and that’s when Adalyn saw Elgene through the mirror.Her stomach sank.She hated confrontation, especially since the last one ended with her best friend dying.Maybe if she ignored her—
“Don’t ignore me, bitch.”The cold voice echoed in the spacious powder room.“You think you’re special?”
Adalyn took a deep breath and squared her shoulders.Then she turned.Elgene was tall, made even taller by the high heels she wore.A beautiful cobra ready to strike.
“May I help you?”
The cold stare looked her up and down, and her nose wrinkled as if she found something disgusting.
“What does he see in you?”she asked, but it really wasn’t something that required answering.“Are you even a woman?You look like a little girl.”
Adalyn had to admit, that stung.“Excuse me.”She went to leave but Elgene moved in front of her.“Please let me leave.”
“Not until you tell me how you managed to snatch his attention looking like a flat-tit wannabe woman.”
She didn’t want to get into a petty fight with her.“Please move aside and let me leave.”
Elgene sneered at her.“You’re pathetic.”
Something snapped inside her.Adalyn was tired of bullies.“What business is it of yours?You wanted him for his money, not his company.”
“Are you any different?”
“I don’t have to answer to you, so move.”
Elgene took a step closer.“And if I don’t?Are you going to hurt me?Good luck on that.”
“I don’t need to hurt you.I think you’ve done that all by yourself by being a greedy shrew.”
“How dare you!”
“I dare a lot,” Adalyn snapped.“He choseme.He wantsme.You’re not even a footnote in the story of his life.”
Just then the door opened and Faye walked in, and she glanced at both of them before pasting on a fake smile.
“There you are, darling,” Faye said, walking over and linking arms with Adalyn.“I’ve been looking for you all over.I need to introduce you to some friends of mine.Sorry, Elgene.You’re not one of them.”
They walked away quickly, but Elgene’s words continued to echo in her head.She knew she had major flaws.However, Gareth had told her she was beautiful on the outside, but it was her beautyinsidethat counted most.That memory managed to push all the negative comments from a jealous woman who traded wealth for companionship.
“Whatever she said, don’t listen to her,” Faye said.
“I’m not,” Adalyn assured.“She has no idea who I am or what I’ve been through.Gareth told me about her, and I can see she found someone willing to give her whatever her heart desires.So, I’m not sure why she’s mad at the bed she made.”
“Some people aren’t happy no matter what.She wants her cake and to eat it too.”
