Page 67 of Lush

How the fuck did they get to her? She was hurt. Hurt, and I couldn’t do a damn thing about it. Whoever the fucking coward was who laid a hand on her, they were gonna pay. Nobody’s gonna get away with hurting Laurene.

Sudden change of heart?

“Something held me up,” I grumbled, and Jennie hooked her arm in mine as we walked in.

Her expression softened, but I could tell she wasn’t happy. She lifted the hem of her gown with one hand and held a champagne glass in the other that she held it out to me.

“Drink. You’re going to need it,” she said.

I snatched the glass without thinking. Everyone lovedAshbourne parties; they were legendary. With my surprise engagement, I knew the gossip mill would go crazy.

“What’s wrong?”

I looked at Jennie. “Hm?”

“Mrs. Haddington just pinched your butt, and you didn’t react.”

I turned, looking over my shoulder to see the older woman grinning at me and giving a little wave.

“I can’t believe we still do this every year.” I scanned the familiar faces.

“It’s what Conrad loved,” she replied softly. “He always looked forward to these parties.”

He had been the life of the party, the one who loved being in the spotlight. I could almost hear his laughter mingling with the clinking glasses and soft jazz playing in the background.

“This is how we keep his memory alive. We have to celebrate the good times.”

I turned to her. “You think he’d want us to do this? To pretend everything’s fine?”

“I think he’d want us to be together. To remember him.”

“Reese!” Mom called out.

I instinctively straightened and looked to see her approaching with Nina close on her heels. “Shouldn’t you be with your fiancée, Reese?” she asked. “Why have I been chatting with her by myself for the past thirty minutes?”

Laurene walked in as I was about to respond. The crystal chandeliers lit up her sequined red dress, which shimmered as she walked.

Makeup and hairspray covered the bump on her head. I knew it was hidden, just like everything else she kept secret. I wondered if she was still hung up on our kiss last night—a kiss we shouldn’t have had.

The moment I climbed into that bed next to her, I knew I was making a mistake. I shouldn’t have been there. Shouldn’t have let myself get so close to her again. But I couldn’t walk away.

My life was all black and white, no in between. It felt like a switch had flipped so quickly with a phone call, and now I wasn’t sure how to act around her.

“You made it.” Laurene looked from Mom to Nina to Jennie, then at me. She smiled, a little unsure but sincere.

For so long, thoughts of revenge, of confronting her had fueled me, but here we were. No flare of anger, no bitter words. Just a strange feeling of acceptance.

I reached out my hand and Laurene took it, and I felt something within me slide back into place.

“You look incredible,” I murmured. “Absolutely stunning.”

She smiled softly. I stared at her, trying to find the girl I used to know, the one who broke my heart so beautifully.

Was she really a monster?

“You two look great together!” Mom said. “The guests are quite eager to see the two of you. I’ve had twenty people inviting me to afternoon tea this week.”

Jennie chimed in, “I’m so excited for the bridal shower! You’re gonna love it, Laurene. We have it planned for this weekend at the resort.”

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