“Yeah, I could have, but…”
“But you want Amber to know.”
I nod reluctantly. “She deserves to know the truth.”
“Even if it hurts her?”
A long silence passes between us. “Unfortunately.”
“I hope you know what you’re doing, Poppy.”
Everything imploded in an instant. The second I sent Eddie back there, I regretted it. He showed up so happy, the smile on his face almost contagious.
That’s when I snapped. He didn’t deserve to be happy. Not when he was messing with my sister and best friend. You could hear the shouting from the front of the chapel, and I did my best to look inconspicuous, but the guilt was eating me alive.
Rich glances over at me and puts a friendly arm around my shoulder. “It’s gonna be okay, Poppy.”
Shrugging him off, I wipe the tears from my eyes. “It’s not though, Rich. Pippa’s back there.”
“Oh, fuck,” he mumbles, eyes going wide.
“And she’s drunk.”
“And you sent him back there?” Now he just looks angry.
“I had to, Rich. Amber deserved to know the truth.”
He shakes his head. “But at what cost? Who are you to make that decision for her?”
It sounds like he’s blaming me for this. This isn’t my fault.
“Don’t look at me like that. Eddie’s the one who did this. Not me.”
“Oh, and your sister and best friend are just sweet angels, huh?”
My eyes snap up to meet his. He’s wearing that stupid mask again. I’ve noticed he barely takes it off now. “No, both of them are just as guilty with things, but Amber still deserves to know the truth before the wedding.”
Eddie’s Mom and Dad come waltzing up, both of them looking angry and pissed. “What’s going on?”
“Poppy thought it was a great idea for Pippa to confront Amber and then send Eddie back there into the firing range.”
“Do not make this my fault, Rich! I’m only looking out for my friend.”
“And I’m looking out for mine, Poppy. I swear, if something happens and Amber walks away from this…”
“You’ll what? Blame me? Go ahead. Do whatever makes you sleep at night.”
Something breaks out back, and Eddie’s father immediately takes off, followed closely behind by Rich.
Pippa appears a few minutes later, tears streaking down her face, that’s bruised, forming a bump, and slightly bleeding.
“Pippa, what happened?” I ask, rushing to her side.
“Don’t you dare fucking touch me, right now!” she growls throwing me to the ground. “Not after what you’ve done.”
“Me? What the hell did I do?”
Her glare severs something inside me. The way she looks at me like I’m nothing to her anymore.
