Page 57 of Broken Princess

“Never have.”

“Then why does she act like Jordy stole you away or something? Or did she steal somebody else the bitch queen used to fuck with?”

“Nope. It’s all what Jordy represents.”

“Class, sexiness, intelligence and charm?”

“Don’t forget sweet, kind, virtuous, and middle class.”

“So basically everything Bella’s not.”

“Bingo. Besides, it was you that got too close to one of those Ridgeland Prep girls and got burned.” I say, reminding him of that fiasco from high school.

His eyes glint like cold steel. “Don’t remind me.”

It was years ago, around the same time he and Tabby first started butting heads. I never got the full details about what happened, because he never wanted to talk about it. I just know whatever it was involved someone from Bella’s high school.

The mood quickly passes, and he goes back to pounding out code on his keyboard. “What time are we meeting up with the old man?”

“Around one I think.”

“You bringing a date?”

“Why would I do that? It’s just drinks with my dad.”

“It’s a pre-celebration for your twenty-first birthday, and it’s never just drinks with your dad.”

Simon was right. The minute we cross the threshold of the country club, I know we’ve walked into an ambush. I was hoping the fact that my birthday is still some weeks away, and the last minute decision for Simon to come to town would mean that our parents wouldn’t have had time to plot anything. I underestimated the coordination and delegation skills of a Kingsley Hollow wife.

I scan the crowd, noting the town’s wealthiest families and dad’s closest business associates are here, and they’ve brought their kids.

“Damn.” Simon sputters his drink, eyes focused ahead as he shakes the excess moisture off his hand. I spin around in time to see Tabitha, Kassidy, and Jordanna step through the door.Together.I swallow dust as my eyes drink her in. She’s wearing one of the dresses I brought for her last semester. It looks amazing, but all I can think about is how much I want to peel it off of her with my teeth.

Tabby, being one of my closest friends, would have gotten a personal invite from my dad, and Kassidy’s parents are in town so there’s little chance she would’ve declined to be here. But Jordanna? Her presence is unexpected and nerve inducing. My eyes flick over to Kassidy. Did she ask her to come? I put on my most gracious smile, crossing the room with Simon to greet our guests.

“Wow ladies, you look good enough to eat.” Simon says, biting down on his lower lip and walking around them to get a better look. “Kitty cat, are you wearing panties?”

Instead of the compliment swirling in my head, I ask, “What are you doing here?”

Tabitha rolls her eyes, walking away, and Kassidy frowns at me. Jordanna holds up her press pass and points to Drew, who’s standing behind her with the camera equipment. “Covering this event for The Guild. Don’t worry, I’ll stay out of everyone’s way.”

“Good luck with that,” Simon says, clasping me on my shoulder. He walks off leaving me alone with the person I’m supposed to be keeping my distance from. My dad’s always looking to expand his reach. Of course he’d ask the faculty advisor to send media personnel, to cover the party. The article will probably get picked up as a guest column in our paper. But how did Jordanna get assigned to cover it without me hearing about it?

“Isn’t this your father’s country club?”

“How did you know?”

“I remember you mentioning it, when you couldn’t meet me for lunch last semester. You were upset about having to dine with old men eating smoked caviar.”

“I was upset I had to leave you. The truth is there are plenty of people our age who eat here and the lunch buffet is actually pretty good.” Scanning the tables, I say, “Although for this event I’m not sure what the food options are. Could be standard fare, or our folks could’ve ordered a chef from Paris.”

“Is your mom here?” She asks, holding up her notebook as if preparing to write a quote.

“No. I’ll probably talk to her later and tell her all about it, if my dad doesn’t beat me to it.”

“Well, enjoy your party.”

I watch as she walks to the corner of the room to help Drew set up his video equipment before my attention is pulled away by someone calling my name. Stifling a sigh, I greet a woman I supposedly shared ice cream with as a kid. I don’t remember her, but then again, I seldom remember any of the daughters when their father’s mention them.

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