Page 25 of Never Kiss and Tell

“Did you know Charlie’s hanging around Priscilla, again?” Andi asks, crossing her arms over her chest once Charlie is out of the room.

Charles Senior sits down in the chair Charlie just vacated and wipes his brow with a handkerchief.

“That’s not our business.”

“Oh, yes, it is. She’s a skank.”

“Andrea Coulter,” Charles scolds, but Andi doesn’t miss a beat.

“She’s not good for him. She’ll have him drinking again in no time.”

Charles lets out a deep sigh, staring at the monitor in front of him without really seeing it. I feel like I shouldn’t be a part of this conversation.

“He’s twenty-eight. He’s old enough to make his own choices. Now, if you’ll stop arguing, I need you to help tonight. Dreama called out sick and we’re already slammed.”

Andi groans loudly, shaking her head. “I have to go meet Tom’s mom to pick out her dress.”

“Shit,” Charles sighs.

“I can help,” I volunteer. “I’m not doing anything tonight.”

Charles’ face lights up, but Andi cuts him off.

“You aren’t coming with me?” she pouts.

“I’m here to help. Whether that be picking out flowers or helping here, I’ll do whatever.”

“Have you worked in a restaurant before?” Charles asks.

“I worked at the ice cream shack near our house in highschool.” Andi winces and Charles looks speculative. “But, I’m a quick learner and I’m a willing body.”

Charles smiles, holding out his hand. “You’re hired. I’ll have Marybeth find a shirt for you. You can help her.”

He stands and leaves the room and Andi cocks her hip, arms crossed in front of her chest.

“What the hell, Bails?”

“You and I both know you’ll be worrying all night if you don’t stay and help. And . . . I’m like a clone of you right now, figuratively, so I’ll stay and help here while you go take care of your mother-in-law.”

Her lips quirk at the corners and she untangles her arms.

“You just don’t like Sarah.”

I shrug. “There’s also that.”

Andi laughs, hugging me lightly. “Okay, well I will be in classes all day tomorrow, but I’ll be over first thing Friday to collect you. We have bridesmaids’ dresses to try on.”

The last thing I want to do is sit in a stuffy dress shop and try on heavy gowns, but I’ll be happy to spend time with Andi — even if Sarah is there.

I met Sarah once, the same day I met Tom, and let me tell you, if Cruella De Ville was a real person, she wouldn’t be half as mean and nasty as Sarah Bennet.

I leave my purse in the office and follow Andi out to the kitchen. A pretty woman with fiery red hair smiles as she practically skips up to me.

“Bailey, this is Marybeth. Mary — Bailey,” Andi introduces us. “She doesn’t know what she’s doing, so go easy on her.”

Marybeth waves her hand at Andi, who waves at me as sheexits through the back door. “You’ve got nothing to worry about. Most of the girls who work up front don’t have a clue what they’re doing, either.”

I smile, following her through the double doors that lead to the main part of the restaurant, barely able to keep up with what she’s saying as she chatters away. On my way, I pass the creep from earlier, who winks at me in what I thinkhethinks is flirty. A shiver rolls up my spine and I’m grateful when the doors close behind us, shielding me from his weird, pervy stare.

---