Page 46 of Lime Tree Hill

My Mitchie?“I haven’t really seen that side of him.”

“I have to say, the news shocked me.” Prue cocked an artistic brow. “But I know why he did it. Married you, I mean.”

Tayla remained silent. Had Mitch and Prue had the same agreement? Maybe theirs hadn’t been a love match after all.

Prue reached into her clutch purse and pulled out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. Cigarette clenched between her lips, she flicked the flame. Her first inhale was deep and dramatic. “I don’t normally smoke, only when I’ve had a few drinks. Helps calm the nerves.” She offered Tayla the packet.

“No, I’m good.”

Prue looked Tayla in the eye, hers bloodshot and heavily rimmed with kohl. “I guess you are. That’s why he married you and not me. I’d been a naughty girl. Too naughty for Mitchie.”

Tayla stood. She had no intention of getting into a catfight with Prue, the ex. “I should go. It’s been a long day.”

“Sit down. I’ve not finished talking yet. And if you want me to play nice, you’d better listen to what I have to say. Because Mitchie hates scenes. And when it comes to scenes, I’m an expert.” She lifted her beer bottle as if in a toast. “Especially with the help of this.”

As Tayla sat back in her chair, she felt Prue’s gaze crawl over her skin.

“He’ll never love you like he did me, understand?” Prue continued. “Said so the last time we talked…that he’d always love me, no matter what. Thismarriagehas spite written all over it. Boys are silly sometimes, aren’t they?”

Prue flicked cigarette ash onto the tongue and groove deck of the veranda. “So, don’t be a bitch about it, TaylaWhitman. Walk away. Give the guy a chance at happiness, because he sure as hell can’t be happy with you.” She took a drag and blew the smoke out of the corner of her mouth. “Shit, you’ve only known each other five minutes. What do you even talk about? What prep school you attended? How rich he is?”

Silence stretched between them while Tayla mustered hercourage. “Actually, I’ve known Mitch for years, and my relationship with him is none of your business.”

Prue took another drag of her cigarette then swigged her beer. “Maybe, but you’re not his type. Not even close. If you were, you’d be in there”—she cocked her head toward the living room—“feeding him cake and stroking his ego.”

Feeling sick to her stomach, Tayla held Prue’s gaze with steady eyes. She thought she’d learned how to deal with confrontational bullies a long time ago. Then again, it was easy to tell guys to get lost, your husband’s ex-fiancée, not so much.

“So, one piece of advice.” Prue pointed at Tayla. “No matter how well you think you’re doing around his friends and family, you will always be the bitch who stole my fiancé. You think you’re so clever turning up inmytown, withmyman, rubbingmynose in your shit, but you don’t belong here.”

For the second time, Tayla stood. “This conversation is over. And do yourself a favor. In future, learn to keep your mouth shut.”

“Prue, what the hell’s going on?” Mitch’s voice boomed across the veranda before Tayla had even noticed he was there.

“You did this,” Prue yelled, her finger stabbing the air in his direction. “You expect me to sit here and listen to her bullshit without defending myself? Not going to happen.”

“Tayla, go inside.” The words were uttered without even a glance in her direction as Mitch focused on Prue.

As she entered the house through the kitchen door, Prue’s words followed her every step:spineless bastard…how could you?I will never forgive you…ever!

Tayla walked down the hall and into their room. Fighting the rush of humiliation and close to tears, she sat on the edge of the bed.

CeCe knocked on the open door. “Are you okay? You’re white as a ghost.”

Tayla sucked in several rapid breaths as CeCe sat beside her. “I just need a minute.”

“What happened?”

Waiting tears spilled onto her cheeks with no shame. “I’m sorry. My dad’s unwell, I’ve spent weeks packing up our family home, and wine makes me a little fragile. I’m sorry you had to see me like this.”

“Let me guess. Prue? What did she say?”

“Nothing complimentary. And Mitch walked in on the tail end of it. I shouldn’t have come.”

“For what it’s worth, I never thought they’d last the distance. She’s just pissed because he married you and not her.” Tayla sniffed as CeCe handed her a box of tissues. “Here. Shall I go get you some cake?”

Tayla smiled through her tears, trying to calm her racing heart as Mitch entered the room. “No, thanks. I’m good.”

He addressed CeCe. “Give us a moment, would you?”

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