Page 57 of Entrapped
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. The evening stretched out before us, full of potential, but also of danger. There were so many eyes on us, so many expectations. And there was Vaughn, lurking somewhere in the shadows of my mind, his words still ringing in my ears.
“Let’s go,” Colson said, his tone shifting back to business. He took my hand and led me downstairs, where the sounds of music and laughter were already filling the air. He carefully led me down the stairs.
“I wish you didn’t wear those heels,” he said.
“Colson, it’s fine.”
He brought my hand to his mouth, kissing the back of it. “I just worry.”
“I might not have been brought up in this life, but I do know how to balance on high heels.”
“I need you to be careful,” he said softly.
“I promise.”
As we entered the ballroom, I took a deep breath, pushing down the nausea that threatened to rise. The room was breathtaking, the colors of the season blending together in a perfect harmony of elegance and warmth. Guests were already arriving, a sea of black ties and shimmering gowns, their faces turning toward us as we made our entrance. I felt their eyes on me, judging, assessing, but I lifted my chin and smiled, leaning into Colson’s strength.
This was my world now, for better or worse. And tonight, I would play my part perfectly.
Chapter 23
I broke away from Colson, feeling the need to check on the kitchen despite knowing that the caterer had everything under control. It was a nervous habit I couldn’t shake—making sure every detail was perfect, especially when so much was at stake. The ballroom was bustling with guests by the time I returned, but before I could slip back to Colson’s side, I was ambushed by Lillian Windsor and Colette Nelson, two women who had made high school a living hell for me.
They cornered me with the same predatory smiles they’d worn back then, their eyes sharp and assessing. My gaze darted across the room, searching for Colson, but he was engrossed in conversation with two business associates, completely unaware of my distress. I swallowed hard, steeling myself for whatever they had planned.
“We want to invite you to join the Garden Club,” Lillian began, her tone sweet but dripping with condescension. “We have tea every Tuesday at noon.”
The offer hung in the air like a trap. I hesitated, searching for the right words. “I appreciate the invite,” I said carefully, “but I must decline. I’m usually at Ashworth Financial at that time.”
They wrinkled their noses in unison, as if the very idea of work was offensive. “Why are you working?” Colette asked, her voice tinged with genuine confusion.
I stroked the diamond necklace that rested against my chest, the coolness of the gems grounding me. “I like working,” I replied, keeping my tone even. “I attended college to do just that.”
They both laughed, a practiced, hollow sound. “We went to college too,” Lillian said dismissively, “but it’s not necessary for us to work.”
I forced a smile, my patience wearing thin. “I enjoy knowing I can see Colson during the day. We’re newlyweds, after all.”
Their smiles tightened, and I could see them recalculating, trying to find another angle of attack. “That’s sweet,” Colette said, her tone patronizing. “But you need to be out in society. You’ve been married several months and haven’t joined any of the committees.”
I knew all about their committees—thinly veiled excuses for the women of Windmere Haven to drink and gossip under the guise of charity work. They’d spend twenty minutes discussing a coat drive or a fundraiser for a women’s shelter, then lose themselves in hours of trivial chatter. The thought of it bored me to tears.
“I’m aware of the committees,” I said, keeping my voice steady. “But I find my work more fulfilling. Colson supports me in that.”
Their expressions faltered for a split second, a chink in their perfectly polished armor. They weren’t used to being refused, especially not by someone they once considered beneath them.
“That’s… admirable,” Lillian finally said, though her eyes told a different story. “But don’t forget, Joey, you’re part of this community now. We have certain expectations.”
I inwardly cringed at the use of my nickname but nodded, not trusting myself to say more. My stomach churned, a mix of nausea and the tension of the moment. I desperately wanted to escape their scrutiny, to find Colson and let him shield me from the subtle venom they were spitting.
“I appreciate your concern,” I said, forcing a final smile. “But I have to get back. There are still a few things I need to check on.”
I turned away before they could respond, making a beeline for Colson. As I reached him, his arm slipped around my waist, and I felt the tension in my shoulders start to ease. He looked down at me, concern flickering in his eyes.
“Everything okay?” he asked quietly.
I nodded, leaning into him. “Just another day in paradise,” I murmured, trying to push the encounter from my mind.
But their words lingered, a reminder that I was still seen as an outsider, no matter how many diamonds I wore or how seamlessly I navigated their world. They were right about one thing—I was in this now, and there were expectations I’d have to meet. The question was, how far was I willing to go to keep up appearances?
