Page 98 of Camera Shy

The woman whose name is apparently Emma, snorts heavily. An obnoxious, condescending cackle that makes my skin crawl. “Who? Ms. Piggy? Yeah, I’m not so worried.”

My intestines twist. I draw in a deep, silent breath through my nose to hold back my tears. My bank account could swallow up this waitress whole. I am vying for a multimillion-dollar contract with one of the biggest luxury resort companies in the world. I am one of the most sought-after brand strategists on the West Coast. I know I’m better than this. But I allow myself a single tear, because nothing stings worse when a snarky bitch calls you fat.

“Wow, mean girl,” Penny says. I can’t see her face, but her tone is incredulous.

Thank you, Penny.

“Not cool. I bet his girlfriend and I could share a closet. If she’s fat, what am I?”

“You,” Emma coos, “are curvy and voluptuous and a total showstopper. She…is in my way.”

“You’re ruthless. And I can promise you, he’s not interested. His eyes were locked on his date all night.”

Emma’s laugh is villainous, causing my hurt to morph into red-hot, putrid anger. “Look, just slip him my number and tell him it’s from the waitress with the great ass, and I’m willing to let him play in it.”

“You mean with it,” Penny replies.

“Nope,” she says, popping the P.

And with that, I’ve heard enough. I yank up my thong and smooth my dress before I flush. I all but kick open my door, enjoying the look of the shocked faces in the bathroom mirror as they see me emerge. Penny flushes scarlet red and I finally get a good look at Emma.

Maybe she’s pretty. I’m not sure. I think her light blond hair and dark eyes would be considered striking to some. Yes, she’s probably at least three dress sizes smaller than I am. But it’s hard to process beauty when it’s sheathed in such an ugly personality.

They are completely still, frozen in place as I wash my hands with my head held high. I glance at myself in the mirror, ensuring there’s no evidence of the single tear I set free and my makeup is still perfectly set.

After I’ve dried my hands with the cloth towel and dropped it into the laundry bin, I turn to face the two women. I nod at Penny reassuringly. My fight is not with you.

I look at Emma, but she avoids my gaze. If Palmer were here, she’d take a swing. She’s defended me my entire life from mean girl energy. But Palmer’s not here, and it’s time to stand my own ground.

“Emma,” I say with my voice unwavering and smooth as silk, “I’ll make sure to let Finn know you’re interested, but if he contacts you, I sincerely hope you have more to offer him than your asshole.” I flash her a smart smile. “Good evening, ladies.”

Twice. Twice now, I’ve had to make a green-eyed bitch look silly in a restaurant. It seems every time I’m out in public with Finn, there’s a fight brewing. A fight for my pride. A fight to prove I’m worthy. If I don’t have the looks, I sure as hell have the wits. But how long can I do this? I never asked for this battle.

I ride the high of adrenaline as I float back to my table. I was hoping by now, Finn and Mr. Harvey have had plenty of time to discuss their family affairs. But as I near the booth, I see Mr. Harvey huddled into the table, the look in his eyes aggravated. He’s so invested in their conversation he doesn’t see me approach and his words ring loudly over the sea of murmurs and clanking silverware hitting porcelain plates.

“Champ, what are you doing? You can pull a much hotter woman than Avery.”

My knees go weak and I immediately slump into the empty booth behind Finn and his dad. I bury my head in my hand. This part I wasn’t ready for.

Emma was a small battle won.

I have a feeling I’m about to lose the war.

* * *

“What did you just say?” I snarl at my dad across the table, feeling my blood pressure rise.

“Avery,” Dad repeats. “I mean, she’s sweet and very smart. That’s kind of sexy. And she’s got a great set of tits. But come on…compared to your last girlfriend? Nora was a fucking ten. Avery’s a steep fall from grace, Champ.”

“Well, have at it. Nora’s available now.” Sort of. Maybe she’s cheating on Morgan, maybe she’s not. “Go ahead and give her a call. You have my blessing,” I practically spit at him.

“And take your sloppy seconds? I don’t think so.” He bellows in laughter, misreading my tone. There’s nothing funny about this conversation or about disrespecting Avery. We don’t see the world the same way. All I see with Nora is pain. All I see in Avery is hope. Hope is beautiful and sexy and seductive. Dad hasn’t had hope for a day in his life.

My eyes narrow before I throw back the last sip of my whiskey. Dad finally notices my scowl.

“Oh, come on, kid, I’m just saying. If you’re with this woman to appease Senior, I can tell you right now, there’s a way to sidestep that mess.”

“What mess?”

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