Powerful (The Driven World) - Kathleen Kelly Page 0,24
been so bored.”
“Did you hear me say my dad got hurt? I have to get back to him. There’s a nurse with him right now.”
I don’t feel the least bit guilty that I haven’t told her it’s Ashlea.
“What about me?”
When I turn around, she’s undone another button and is pouting.
“Masturbate?” Sophia stands and scowls at me “Besides, we are going out tonight, the press will be there. I thought you’d want to get ready?”
“What time?”
“Yacht club at six.”
“What are you wearing?” I point to a long-sleeved white shirt and light blue pants that I have hanging on a hook. “Fine, I’ll wear that white dress with the low back.”
“Whatever.”
I pull out the clothes from my suitcase that I’m changing into—jeans and a black V-neck t-shirt.
“How long will you be at your father’s?”
“If he’s okay, I’ll leave him at five, come back here and change then go to the chapel. Do you think you can make your way to the yacht club?”
Sophia’s lips turn down, and she fixes me with a stare. “We had a deal. Happy ever after until I say so. How’s it going to look if I go to the yacht club by myself?”
“Sophia, my father is hurt. What do you want me to do?”
Sophia walks toward me, places her perfectly manicured finger on my chest, and drags it down my body. “Keep up your end of the bargain.” Then she tugs on my towel, lets it fall to the floor, and stalks out of the room, slamming the door shut behind her.
Well, at least she left. I change quickly, rap on the door between our rooms, and then open it. Sophia is sitting on the bed glaring at me. I toss the keys to the rental car at her, and she catches them in one hand.
“At least you can turn up in style. I’ll be waiting in the parking lot, so we can walk in together. I’ll tell the press you had errands to run. No one will be any the wiser.”
Sophia licks her lips. “They better not be.”
Chapter Twelve
Athena
I’m wearing a red dress that clings to my body and six-inch black heels that I’m not sure I can walk in. Todd helped pick out my outfit, and from the way Dad’s eyes opened when I arrived, I’m not sure if I look good or slutty.
Walking into the chapel, TB is up talking to the priest. Keeping my eyes glued to him and not my feet, I walk up the aisle. He turns and smiles, then lets out a wolf whistle.
“Dang, sis! You look good.”
“Hush, TB, you’re in church,” admonishes Mom.
The smile that breaks out on my face is so huge it hurts. I do a twirl for him, manage not to break my neck, and continue up the aisle where TB kisses my cheek.
“Thanks, TB. I thought because we were going to the yacht club, I should dress appropriately.”
“Definitely not a church dress, and I think he’ll like it,” responds TB.
“Who?” I ask, feigning innocence.
TB shakes his head and winks. “I guess no one.”
The priest, Father Daniel, clears his voice. “Is the bride far away?”
“No, sir. There was a medical emergency, and she wanted to check on a patient before she came here.”
“Ahh, yes, I heard about Leonard.”
Father Daniel is probably twenty-five, maybe twenty-eight but definitely under thirty, and to hear him call Mr. Livingston by his first name seems strange.
“Poor Mr. Livingston,” I say.
Father Daniel is also the town’s gossip, he knows everything. “Oh, you heard? Just terrible that a container dropped on Leonard’s foot. It’s not broken, but he’ll have to stay off it for a while.”
I look from him to TB, a smirk on my face as I’ve stolen Father Daniel’s thunder by knowing about his juicy piece of gossip. “Mr. Livingston is okay. He’ll be fine in a few weeks.”
“No one’s fault. The rope gave way. Kris was there and took him to Ashlea,” replies TB.
Mom puts an arm around me. “He’s fine. Leonard even asked about you.”
“You’ve been to see him?”
Mom nods. “Ashlea phoned me. I thought Kris could use the help, but he had everything under control. He’s a good lad.”
TB barks out a laugh. “He’s not a lad anymore and not so good either.”
“Kris!” hisses Mom. “Remember where you are.”
Father Daniel looks pleased with himself, no doubt thinking about who he can share this little spat with.
“I’m sorry I’m late,” yells Ashlea as she bustles up the aisle looking flustered.
And running behind her is Kris looking very tanned and