“That was a serious frown for just a bra.Are you sure there isn’t something else?”
Cole continues tying his tie, notanswering me. Uneasiness washes over me, but I let it go. I put some makeup onand tie my hair back in a ponytail. It’s getting hot, and I want to—no needto—be as comfortable as I can, having to deal with the women of my family.
I walk out of the bathroom and Cole’ssitting on the bed, waiting for me. He looks a bit wary. I want to ask himagain what’s wrong, but I hold my tongue, and we walk out of the bedroomtogether.
Everyone but Grandma Alice is down in theliving room. Cole rubs his hands together. “So, what’s the plan this afternoon,ladies?”
“Shopping,” my mother replies. She won’tlook at either of us, and her clipped tone tells me she’s upset.
“Any place in particular?” Cole’s jawtightens and he clenches and unclenches a fist, then shoves his hands in hispant pockets. Something’s going on. It wasn’t the bra he was upset about.
“Aren’t there some great outlet shops atthe end of the strip past the old Mirage Hotel?” Jill asks, coming in from thekitchen with a blue Popsicle in her hand.
Cole shrugs. “There are some great shopshere in the Upper House. There are also the shops at the Crystals.” Cole’sphone beeps and he pulls it out of his pocket. “How about some lunch first? Iarranged for us to eat in one of the private dining rooms, and then we can goto whatever shops you’d like.”
“That isn’t necessary, Mr. Holt. We don’twant to put you out. We are quite capable of getting our own lunch.” Ouch. Mymom’s now referring to Cole as Mr. Holt. Great, just great, this day cannotpossibly get any worse.
“It’s a pleasure, I in no way feelobliged.”
“Well then, please lead the way.” My momstands, ushering us towards the elevator.
“Kate, why don’t you stay behind withLuke and follow us down. We won’t all fit in the elevator comfortably.” Coledoesn’t even glance at me when he says this. His tone makes it clear it wasn’ta suggestion. I feel hurt he doesn’t want to stay with me. Now I know for suresomething’s not right.
My mother, Grandma, Jill, and aunt Kathyget in the elevator with Cole.
I feel a sharp pinch on my arm and spinaround. “Ouch, what the hell, George?” Annie deserves that name for pinchingme.
“What in the Sam Hill did you do to pissmom off?”
“I didn’t do anything.”
“Then why’s she mad?”
“Because she didn’t get her way.” I turnback around and stomp up the stairs to the elevator.
“So you did do something,” Annie berates,following me.
I glance behind Annie to Laura, lookingfor some best friend back up, but apparently she’s become a mute. She gets wideeyed and shrugs. I roll my eyes, and Annie grabs my arm, pinching me again.
“Hells bells, knock it off, Annie. I’mnot a child.”
“Why. Is. She. Mad?”
“Because she asked Cole to sleepsomewhere else, while everyone is here, and I said no.” I turn back to theelevator, pushing the button several times, out of frustration.
“You told mom no?”
“Yes, I told her no. I’ve only beenmarried for two weeks, Annie. Cut me some slack, will you?”
“Fine, Katie, if you’re okay with it.”Annie holds her hands up.
“If I’m okay with what?”
“Everyone knowing you and Cole are havingsex in the bedroom while we’re all on the other side of the door.”
The elevator dings, the doors slidingopen. I get in and turn around, punching in the code. I cross my arms,irritated. “Annie,” I hiss. “Don’t be crude. It’s so unbecoming of you. And foryour information, it didn’t bother me ten minutes ago, and it’s not going tobother me ten hours from now.” I raise my arms, ranting.
Both Annie and Laura stare at meopen-mouthed. It dispels my anger and I laugh. “Are you coming?” I cross myarms again, trying to be all defiant—like.
