of me don’t spare her a glance. Dani tried pulling the I’m pregnant, don’t leave me card when Charles caught her cheating, and even back then I was shocked how easy it was to purchase positive pregnancy tests online. But Charles is a smart man, and after insisting on a visit to his personal doctor, the lie was uncovered and he walked away.
“Congrats!” I hug Brooke a second time, truly happy for them. She isn’t showing yet, but that doesn’t keep her hands from roaming to her lower belly protectively.
We chat for a few moments longer before they say their goodbyes.
I don’t move a muscle, knowing what’s coming next. Regardless of our conversation last month at the martini bar, Dani can’t resist the urge to gossip, and she’s so self-centered she can’t operate in a life where I’m not stuck right by her side. I honestly don’t think she believes that we’re no longer friends even though I haven’t spoken to or seen her since I walked out of the bar until tonight. I’m not missing from her life. I’m sure she thinks I’m still in her corner because she hasn’t needed me at all this month.
“She’s going to look like a cow in a couple of months.”
Right on cue.
“Her face is already bloated.”
It’s not, but even if it was, Brooke would still look amazing.
“She’s absolutely gorgeous. She and Charles are going to have beautiful kids.” I lift my champagne glass to my lips, finding it drained. Instead of flagging down a waitress, I set the flute down on the table beside me and clasp my hands. So much for my goal to drink more this evening. I can’t lose my wits around the vile woman standing beside me.
“What is wrong with you?”
I smile, giving a quick wave to another couple as they walk past, and I can practically feel Dani growing even more agitated beside me. It’s the little things in life, the cheap thrills that I live for these days.
“Seriously?” she spits when I continue to ignore her. “Is this still about Deacon?”
My heart gallops with his name. Although I’ve been unsuccessful with keeping him from my mind, I’m not in the same circles as he is. I haven’t heard his name spoken once since the night I walked away from Dani, and it hits me square in the chest.
Dani must register my reaction, as a little laugh slips past her overpainted lips.
“Is he here?”
My spine stiffens, shoulders rolling back as I do my best to build my defenses. I’m a strong woman, but there are still a few things that can bring me to my knees. Unfortunately, Dani just honed in on the easiest one. I hate being so vulnerable around her.
Dropping her as a friend has been the best thing I could’ve ever done, and after tonight, I won’t have to see her ever again. Her father was arrested last week by the feds, and I know she’s only here as a last-ditch effort to snag a rich man who can take care of her. She must not have many options, however, since she’s been stuck by my side for the last hour.
“I’m talking about Deacon,” she clarifies when I don’t verbally respond. “He isn’t, is he?”
My eyes scan the crowd, and I refuse to feel guilty when I locate a server and get his attention. I’ll give myself one more hour of being here before I fake a headache to my parents and leave. The server approaches, extending his tray, and I thank him as I grab a flute. Dani rudely drops her empty glass on it, nearly toppling the full ones, but the server steadies the tray as she lifts two flutes.
Double fisting her drinks right now is more telling of her downfall than the recycled dress, and I don’t even hide the smirk when I reposition my body so I can see her better. I wouldn’t put it past this woman to pour a drink down my dress. Pettiness has always been her go-to when she feels bested.
“So, you decided to stop being my friend for a man who doesn’t want you? Classic, Anna.” Her eyes sparkle with venom as she lifts one of the flutes to her lips. “You must be so lonely.”
“I’m not—”
Her gasp stops me short, and I take a step back defensively, waiting for her to splash the front of my dress with her drink, but I see her eyes focused over my shoulder.
My heart pounds. The only person