Page 68 of Something Old

“Only until the scandal. Then she turned on me like a hyena scenting a dead antelope.”

Ethan leaned against the bar, sipping a glass of whiskey, a smile on his face. “You’re obsessed with African predators.”

“Maybe it’s because I’ve had to watch out for them the last five years.”

He tipped his head to her. “Touché. Now, what did my father have to say last night?”

She ignored his words. “You and Cami looked very friendly last night.”

He gestured with his glass to the room. “Do you see her around?”

Delaney followed his gaze and saw her sitting with Kira, who didn’t look happy. “She’s with your family.”

He took her hand and raised it to his lips. “But not with me. I’m with you. Forever.”

“Ethan!” William gestured to Ethan, who grimaced.

“Duty calls. Try not to be an antelope.” He kissed her quickly on the lips and strode across the ballroom toward where his father stood with several other men, probably discussing financial matters.

She nodded and picked up the second Cosmo, sipping it as she surveyed the room. What was her next move? Where could she go and not have to deal with any stress? That was when she noticed something odd. People were casting sideways glances at her and murmuring. Immediately, she was cast back in time to the first charity event she had attended after the arrest.

Awkwardly enough, it was at the same museum where she now worked. She and her mother had planned the event and, while her mother couldn’t leave the house, she had begged Delaney to represent the family and handle the affair. No one spoke to her the entire evening. Whispers swirled around her as she made her way around the event, coordinating the wait staff and serving crew.

Things hadn’t changed that much.

She moved through the crowd, people parting like the Red Sea for Moses, and the whispers began.

“Can’t believe she would dare show her face here.”

“Did you see her with Ethan? I can’t believe he would be that stupid.”

“I heard Ethan is going back to his father’s firm.”

“We’d better move our investments before anything happens.”

Delaney kept her head high, providing no sign that she had heard the voices. But William’s words haunted her.

Ethan will never be free as long as he is with you. You can only drag him down.

She met Ethan’s questioning look across the room. She smiled reassuringly at him and headed for the bridal party table, where Anna sat.

“Who kicked your dog?” Anna asked as Delaney slumped into the chair. Her eyes followed Delaney’s path. “Well, shit. Nasty gossips. Screw them all.”

Delaney sighed. “Was it too much to hope that things would have changed in five years? What’s your excuse for pouting?”

“Don’t you remember? I’m the original bitch,” Anna grumbled.

“I thought you left Bianca St. John behind for the week. What happened?”

Anna glowered at her. “That fucking news article.”

Delaney froze. “News article?”

“It’s not about you, don’t worry. This one is about me and my bitchiness. One of those damn tabloids wanted to be the one to spill the gossip aboutPassionsnot renewing me. Now I have no job, no real options yet, and no Wyatt. Banner wedding day, isn’t it?”

“At least Caroline and Matthew are happy.” They watched the happy couple circulate the room, beaming in their love.

“Better not let Caroline see you two moping.” Brigid spoke from behind them. She slid into a seat and sipped her scotch.

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