Page 14 of Never the Best

“See that you take care of this,” he replied, dismissing me with a jerk of his chin as though I were one of his underlings instead of his son.

Making an excuse, I walked out onto the verandah instead of going to Josie because I needed a fucking breather. The air was thick with the smell of blooming magnolias, and the distant hum of cicadas filled the quiet. I wanted to loosen my bowtie, but I knew someone would admonish me for that. It was fucking hot and humid, and I was in a tux that felt too tight and uncomfortable, even though it was tailormade for me.

CHAPTER 6

Pearl

"Wasn't Josie engaged to Dylan Whatsisname?" Rose Dixon, one of Aunt Hattie's friends and, in fact, Gabe Rhodes' cousin, mused as she sipped champagne.

Rose was a few years older than me, so I didn’t know her well. But since moving to Savannah, I’d seen more of her. She was close to Aurora, who wasn’t at Rhett and Josie’s engagement party. Aurora and her husband, Gabe, were in New York, along with their family, celebrating Gabe’s daughter Sophie’s birthday, combining it with college tours to make the trip extra special.

"Dylan Rafferty," Aunt Hattie provided with a smirk. "He was smart, cheated on her, made sure she dumped him, and then left for Europe, where I hear he's living a charmed life in southern France with a French girl he married."

I arched a brow and offered a sly smile. “Comme c’estcharmant.” I swirled the champagne in my glass.How nice for him!

Hattie tilted her head and replied, “Mais bien sûr,” before taking another delicate sip of her champagne.But of course.

"So, Dylan dodged a bullet, which I see Rhett walked right in front of?" Rose murmured.

I doubted that. They seemed perfect for each other.Narcissist weds asshole—a marriage made in Savannah society heaven.

"Oh, she made sure of that. She got knocked up," Hattie remarked.

I sighed. "Aunt Hattie, stop saying stuff like that and starting unfounded rumors."

"Hush, Pearl, this is good gossip,” Rosie admonished. “I have not heard about this. Hit me, Hattie."

"Christ," I groaned. "Why is it that everyone in Savannah gossips so ferociously?"

"Darlin', it's like breathin' for us." Rose fluttered her eyelashes dramatically.

"No shit," I retorted dryly.

Aunt Hattie smacked my arm playfully. "Now, Pearl, be a good girl and take the gossip with grace."

I gave out an exaggerated sigh. "Fine. Go on, Queen Gossip."

"Well, after her engagement ended, she began hanging out with Rhett for emotional support. They got drunk one night and had sex. Then, they dated for a few weeks. WhenRhett was all but ready to dump her bony, shapeless ass, she told him she was knocked up;bless her heart."

"That timing is suspect," Rose concurred. "But Rhett's a big boy. Wasn't he suited up?"

"She brought the suit," Aunt Hattie said with satisfaction.

"How do you know?" I demanded wryly.

"My nephew talks to me." Aunt Hattie grinned.

"You think she sabotaged the rubbers?" Rose was loving every second of this conversation. She had her own real estate business and obviously didn’t like women like Josie.

From what I could see, there was a stark divide between the women who worked and those who were only interested in getting married in Savannah—either side couldn't stand the other. I saw nothing wrong with a woman who wanted to make an advantageous marriage (like this was a scene fromPride and Prejudice),but I didn’t want to be mocked for my choices, either. So, I stayed out of that discussion, if I could help it.

"Actually, I don't know, and neither does Rhett,butthen she had a miscarriage right after all the announcements were made,” Aunt Hattie explained.

"The poor thing," I exclaimed.

"Please," Aunt Hattie muttered, "if she was even pregnant, I'd eat my favorite fascinator."

"She wouldn't lie about that!" I protested.

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