Page 44 of Marrying Off My Husband

“Hi, sugar, hope you don’t mind my stopping by, but I wanted to make sure you’re set for your date today.”

“Now’s not a great–”

“You again,” my sister said, leaning against the doorjamb leading to the kitchen.

Louise’s smile slid off her face as she peered over my shoulder, her eyes narrowing at my sister. “Oh, I wasn’t awareshewas here.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Audrey asked.

“Nothing,” I ventured as Louise pushed her way into my apartment, placing herself between me and my sister.

“Oh, I think you know what it means,” Louise answered.

“It sounds like you mean I have no right to be here.”

Louise crossed her arms. “If the cheap shoes fit.”

I winced as the barb flew at my sister.

“Oh, I suppose you’re one of those rich folks who thinks they’re better than us…poor people. I guess you befriended my sister as a charity case.”

“Eve isn’t a charity case—she’s my friend. She’s a sweet, loyal, loving friend who deserves a much better sister than you.”

My sister wrinkled her nose first at me, then Louise. “Did she cry on your shoulder about how terrible I am?”

“She didn’t have to. I know your type. I can smell a viper from a mile away.”

My sister scoffed at her words. “Wow. You’re a real piece of work. You think you can just walk in here and come between me and my sister? Who do you think you are?”

“I’m Louise Montgomery-Whitaker. And I’m Eve’s best friend.” She wrapped an arm around me, pulling me close to her.“And she’s dating my husband. And she’s going to marry him. And then you’ll see.”

My heart sank as Louise spilled the beans about who I was dating. It would be another source of mean-spirited teasing from my sister, and if she ever found out how much money Spencer had, she’d pursue him relentlessly.

I slid my eyes closed, the horrible vision of Audrey lounging by the oceanfront pool and inviting me over to lord it over me floated in my mind.

“What?” Audrey’s voice pulled me back to reality. “What the heck kind of sick stuff are you rich people into?”

“I don’t know what you’re saying,” Louise shot back.

I rubbed my temples.

“She’s dating your husband? Last time I checked, Eve wasn’t into married men.”

Louise rolled her eyes. “You’re a special kind of stupid. We’re getting a divorce.”

Audrey’s features turned incredulous. “My sister stole your husband?”

“No, I gave him to her.” Louise threw a hand in the air. “Never mind, it’s not your business. Just know your sister happens to be dating one of Newport’s most eligible bachelors. So, you just put that in your little pipe and smoke it.”

My sister snatched the purse she’d tossed onto my table when she’d come in with a shake of her head. “Whatever. I’m out of here. Eve, wise up. This is a new low for you. Are you really that desperate?”

I pressed my lips together, guilt raging inside of me over the situation. The door slammed hard, and I flinched. Before I could collect my thoughts, though, Louise plowed into a tirade.

“Ohh, that really grinds my gears.”

“Lou, I…thank you for defending me, but–”

“Of course, sugar. And I’m sorry but…I just get all riled up when someone mistreats one of my friends. It just sets me off. You know, she shouldn’t be your sister. I should be your sister.”

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