Page 24 of The Lucky Heart (Jamison Valley 3)
“She’s a bitch to Georgia and Maisy and not welcome here. Whip out that famous lashing tongue of yours and get her the fuck out of here.”
“Jess—” Gigi said but I interrupted her.
“I’m not going to be rude just because you don’t like her. She was my friend.”
“Do yourself a favor and cut her out of your life. The sooner the better. And she’s not sitting here.”
“Look,” I said, “I don’t want Gigi and Maisy to be uncomfortable but I’m also not going to blow off Andrea when I just told her I’d stay. I’ll just move to a different table.”
“You’re sitting with us,” he insisted.
“Not anymore.”
Jess was dreaming if he thought he could dictate my actions. I stood from my chair, but before I could leave, Andrea appeared at my side.
Oh, hell.
She smiled at me and then turned to the table. “Hi, Silas,” she purred before narrowing her eyes at Maisy. When her gaze wandered over Jess and Gigi, her entire face twisted in disgust. “I can’t imagine how horrible it must be for you to have to hang out with them just because you’re related. Thank god I came here tonight so I could rescue you.”
“Watch yourself, Andrea,” I snapped. “That’s my family you’re insulting.”
My attitude locked into place. She had just proved Jess right and made me look like a dope for arguing with him. There wasn’t anything I could do to save face now, but I wouldn’t let her make it worse. Jess would get to see my lashing tongue after all.
“What?” Andrea asked, playing innocent.
“You know what. Don’t forget who you’re talking to.” I hardened my g
lare, daring her to keep pushing me.
“You’d actually pick them over me?”
“How is that shocking? Don’t be stupid. Think that through for one second and answer your own question.”
“I guess the rumors are true,” she sneered. “You are just as big of a bitch as you were in high school.”
That hurt but I didn’t let my expression falter. I’d expected the rumors but had foolishly hoped I could prove them wrong. Too late for that. Andrea would twist my words into something malicious, and tomorrow, the whole town would think that I had viciously attacked her.
I should walk away and let it go, I didn’t need to give her any more fuel for the fire, but I wasn’t going to.
I looked down my nose, using the three inches I had on her as intimidation. “I’ve spent years sharpening my claws. The woman I am now would rip the old me to shreds. Care to keep going and see how you stand up?”
She held my stare for a moment before crumbling under its pressure. “My friends are probably waiting for me.”
“Bye.” I dismissed her and, as her heels clicked away, spun around to grab my purse. “Happy, Brother?”
“Lissy—”
“Good night.” I walked out the door, ignoring Gigi’s call and Andrea’s glare.
I hadn’t succeeded in making any friends tonight and had shoved Andrea firmly into the enemy category. On top of it all, Silas had been front and center to witness my complete lack of self-control.
Way to go, Felicity.
One step forward, two steps back.
Silas
“Why did you do that?” Gigi scolded Jess.
