Page 34 of Wild Card

“Our classes, our schedule. She looked like I struck her when mentioning upcoming graduation.”

“Not sure why she seemed stricken. My graduate school calendar hasn’t changed.”

“Yeah.”

There’s a melancholy tone that falls between us.

“Is there something else?”

“Stacy lost all my respect. But yesterday, I felt sorry for her. Just hearing about you seemed like it was slicing her up. Then your sister, the attention whore that she is, threw a tantrum.”

“Do tell.”

“She declared you have no regard for manners or tradition. Called you bitter and childish. This set me off and I may or may not have unleashed some of my own inner-bitch.”

“Bex, what did you do?”

“I explained that people don’trespondto save-the-dates. Then explained that in case she was waiting—Chase, Wyatt, Grandma, and Grandpa also wouldn’t be wasting their energy or time on a silly response for the nuptials. Basically, she could take her announcements, invitations, responses, and entire wedding and shove it up her ass because she is a conniving, raunchy, backstabbing bitch that deserves the two-timing slick dick. She turned purple, screamed bloody murder, and stormed off.”

“God, please tell me you weren’t kicked out of the store.”

“It was Nordstroms, security came running, then took off after her.”

I can’t help the smile, picturing the scene. “Damn, sorry I missed it.”

“Stacy ended up chasing after them, but not before she looked at me with pure devastation. It’s like she wanted to say more.”

My smile fades. “She’s had plenty of chances, Rebecca. Don’t let her manipulate you.”

“I’m not manipulated, I’m hopeful.”

“I haven’t changed my number or my address. She knows where to find me.”

“You’re right. Maybe she’s finally coming around. She lost the best things in her life. I can’t imagine.”

Her words warm me throughout. Bex may be full of wit and sarcasm, but she’s loyal and loving to her bones.

“I have some news of my own. I called Dad. We’re having dinner tonight.”

Her face lights up. “That’s great.”

“Would you like to join us?”

“Isn’t that kinda strange? You have a lot to talk about.”

“We’re going to Grandma’s. All of us, including Chase and Wyatt. Grandma declared it’s Mexican night. Chase is the DD. You and I can indulge in margaritas.”

The mention of margaritas brings a spark to her eyes.

“I can’t miss Mexican night.”

“Didn’t think so.”

“Speaking of food…” her words hang.

“Nice segway.”

“Come on, Wills, I’ve been sooooo patient. It’s been two days since Talon went over the top.”

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