Page 158 of Sunshine

We’d set the event up like a maze, each experiment leading to three or four more so there wouldn’t be weird jams of people waiting to get into the next room.

“Sunshine is the mastermind here.” Mrs. Cullen beamed. I looked over at who she was talking to, and it was an older man, his hair salt and pepper, in an expensive suit.

“You’re simply brilliant. The Underwater Experience took my breath away.” He smiled, lighting his whole face up. “I was a dive instructor off the coast of Italy for years. It’s brought back many pleasant memories.”

“I’m so glad.” I smiled, shaking his hand. “It was one of my favorite exhibits to put together.”

“Sunshine, there you are,” a loud, superficially happy voice said.

My entire body froze. I turned to see Becca standing next to Rob.

On the other side of Rob was Talia.

The air whooshed out of my lungs. Luca and Julian both flanked me, Luca’s face never changing expression but his steely resolve came through the bond.

Becca smiled brightly. “We’ve been looking everywhere for the premier event designer.”

I still didn’t know what to say. Becca smiled, but there was a hint of malice on her face, like a cat who had cornered a canary. Cold sweat gathered at the small of my back and I prayed they wouldn’t make a scene.

“Hello, Rob.” Mrs. Cullen nodded at my former lover. “I didn’t know you were acquainted with Sunshine Kahele.”

Becca’s eyes went wide, and Talia only looked grimmer.

“She’s finally found herself a pack.” Becca offered me a poisonous smile.

“She has.” Julian pulled me closer. “I’ve never met a more enchanting beta.”

“She swept us off our feet,” Luca smiled.

“I just bet she did,” Becca giggled, and looked at Rob. “Shedoeslove inserting herself into packs.”

People around us shifted uncomfortably.

Julian cocked his head. I squeezed his waist, willing him not to make a scene.

“That’s funny coming from you, considering you were sleeping with Rob and his pack while they were still dating Sunshine.” Julian smiled, like he was just confused.

Everyone stiffened, and my cheeks got hot. My actual worst nightmare, unfolding before me.

“You can’t help a scent match,” Talia said hotly. “And then she dropped our friendship because she thought she was too good for me.”

My throat closed up and I thought I would cry. All of my hard work to be seen as a professional, wasted. Becca and Talia couldn’t just move on, they had to ruin it.

“You mean the cupcakes you agreed to make and then refused to deliver on the morning of?” Logan asked, appearing from the crowd like a sexy ninja. He nodded at one of the elderly ladies. “Bennie says hi, by the way.”

He looked at Talia. “They loved the Hawaiian flavors I created for them.”

Talia looked at one of the richest women in the room and swallowed hard. “She didn’t give me enough notice?—”

“Cupcake My Day did not handle that professionally,” Logan shook his head, looking grim. “I’m glad I had the time.” He kissed my temple.

“But she…she dropped it in my lap.” Talia looked around at the small crowd.

Everyone looked stony faced, glaring at Becca and Talia.

I swallowed hard. “I hope you enjoy the event. But this is not the time nor place for this.”

“Of course not. Wouldn’t want to ruin your perfect image.” Becca sniffed, grabbed Rob’s forearm. “You’ll just?—”

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