Page 79 of SNOB

My shoulders drop but looking around makes them come right back to my ears. Everyone stares at me. Whispering.

“Ember was with Beau before he died?”

“You think she killed him?”

“I knew we couldn’t trust Valley Vermin.”

“She wants to kill Mac.”

I shouldn’t be here.

I was an idiot thinking I should.

It was only a matter of time before I came face-to-face with Beau’s disappearance. What I notice though, is that the part right up until Mac comes into the car played. Nothing else.

You’re collateral damage.

Is that why I haven’t seen him? Is this why he wanted me here?

Hannah stands nearby, laughing with her posse. Turning back and looking for Gerri, she winces, walking away.

The whispers get louder and louder, the room tilting as my legs wobble.

“Murderer.”

“Psychopath.”

“Maniac.”

All words I’ve called Mac.

A golden tray of drinks rolls by. “A signature cocktail, murderer?” I blink at the server, realizing they’ve said madame and not the word in my head. My eyes land on a full bottle of clear liquid. Gin, vodka, rum? I really don’t care.

Taking it off the cart, the server blinks back at me. “Thank you,” I say, unscrewing it and bringing it to my lips. Gin. And that only reminds me of that night some more.

The server wheels the cart away, leaving me with the bottle. But I’ll need much more than a sip for relief.

“Rough night?” Gray approaches me in a shiny green suit, a silky beige shirt underneath to match, all the buttons undone. He really knows how to flaunt his sculpted figure. He has a drink, amber liquid in a small glass. His black eye looks more healed, those butterfly bandages gone. He clinks his glass to mine. “I heard it. Everyone did.”

I respond by taking another long drink from the bottle before I ask “Where the fuck is Mac?”

Gray shrugs. “Haven’t seen him.”

And now I know why.

“I’m leaving.”

“Fuck that,” Gray retorts like I’ve said something more insane than what’s on the video. “Then everyone will know you're guilty. Don’t run away. You’ll make it worse. Trust me. Besides, you look amazing tonight.” He swings my long bubble ponytail, my thick hair complimenting the style.

“So what do you suggest? I stand here and listen to everyone call me a murderer?”

“You’re supposed to be here. So act like it.” Gray smirks, holding out a hand.

Stay away from Gray Whitney.

Fuck that. I’m not facing this alone.

I take his hand and he grips mine, guiding me through the gardens as people move out of our way. When I'm beside him, people still treat me like royalty, despite what Mac tried to do. We get to the garden bar by the pool, the moon shining on the water.

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