Page 92 of Fairy Tale Lies
“Oh, speaking of knowing people,” Lucas said to Jacob. “You remember Tim Jenkins?”
“How could I forget Jenkins? The guy was hilarious.”
“He’s here, running the catering service.” Lucas asked her and Elizabeth, “Do you mind if we say hi to an old friend?”
“Not at all.” Elizabeth took Greta’s arm. “We’ll do the same, and peruse the wine selection.”
The women waved to their men and cut across the banquet room toward the bar. After finding two empty seats, Greta ordered a chardonnay and Elizabeth a cabernet. As they chatted and sipped wine, Trisha Unhoflinch glided over, wearing her usual, one-step-away-from-slutty high-end couture, and a shark-like smirk.
“Hello, ladies. I haven’t seen either of you here in ages,” she said in a saccharin-sweet voice. “Where have you two been hiding?”
Greta’s bubbly mood burst. Trisha was a walking disaster, only happy when causing others pain.
Is she after my blood or Elizabeth’s?
Schooling her features, Greta tried for a pleasant smile. “Hello, Trisha. I’m home for the holidays. I live in Lansing until I finish my masters.”
Elizabeth started to speak, but Trisha cut her off. “You must have left your university sometime or another…”
It was stupid, a mistake, yet Greta asked, “Why is that?”
“I’m willing to wager my closet full of Jimmy Choos you didn’t meet Jacob on campus.”
Greta’s heart plummeted. Yup, she shouldn’t have gone down the rabbit’s hole.
Gripping the side of her stool, she dug her nails into the thick cushion instead of slapping Trisha. “You know Jacob?” Greta was pleased with how indifferent she sounded.
“Yes. We, um dated.” Trisha was evidently trying for coy. She came off smug. “I guess you could call it that.”
Bitch
Elizabeth discreetly excused herself. Greta nodded a vague goodbye, and Trisha ignored her completely, too busy playing with her new prey.
“Guess he’s still trying to make his way into our crowd.” She surveyed the room, giving a loaded sigh.
Following Trisha’s line of sight, Greta found Jacob across the room, talking with his two friends. She looked back at the woman she was growing to dislike even more than she had in high school. The way Trisha was watching Jacob made Greta’s stomach curdle.
Her cruel eyes focused on Greta. “Oh well, he can try…and at least you can have your fun with him in the meantime. Heaven knows, I did. The man is spectacular in bed.”
Greta sucked in a breath as if sucker-punched. Sure, Trisha had hinted at intimacy with Jacob, but stating it in black and white, hurt. Greta would’ve loved to shoot back with a cutting remark, but she couldn’t breathe, let alone speak.
Was this the woman Will had mentioned, the “rich bitch”? Trisha, without a doubt, fit the definition. What Greta couldn’t fathom was why Jacob would go on a single date with such a vile woman, let alone sleep with her.
She hated herself because a small part wondered if there was some truth to Trisha’s cruel words. Had they used each other? Her for a new thrill and Jacob to meet new clients?
No. Don’t be stupid.
Since she’d met him, he’d never once sought her family or friends. The opposite, in fact.
A large hand rested on her back, making Greta jump and guilt crash down on her. Without having to check, she knew it was Jacob. Would he sense her recent, fleeting traitorous thoughts?
He stood at her side and let his hand rest on her waist. A deep frown marred his handsome face. “Hello, Trisha. How are you?”
“I’m good. A little lonely.” Trisha had the audacity to run her finger along his arm.
Jacob’s lips pressed into a thin line, and he stared back, wordless. Trisha didn’t seem to mind the tense silence. “I have to admit I’m shocked you’re here. Have you changed your mind? Decided we are useful to you?”
“Trisha, you’ve never been useful to anyone. I’m here for Greta. She asked me to come, so here I am.”
