Page 213 of Check & Chase
The statement catches me off guard, emotion tightening my throat. “Yeah?”
“Absolutely. Strong, kind, determined, a bit stubborn.” She smiles at some private memory. “Very much like your dad in those ways.”
It’s the highest praise she could offer, and I find myself blinking back sudden tears.
“Thank you for saying that, Mom.”
I’m still processing the moment when Maya appears at my elbow, looking uncharacteristically tense. “We have a situation,” she whispers. “Carina just tried to come in.”
“What?” The name of Chase’s ex sends a jolt of adrenaline through me. “How did she even know about tonight?”
“Social media, probably,” Maya shrugs. “The bouncer stopped her at the door, but she’s causing a scene in the lobby. Demanding to speak to Chase.”
I glance toward where Chase sits, blissfully unaware of the drama unfolding. The last thing he needs tonight is an emotional confrontation with his toxic ex.
“I’ll handle it,” I decide, setting down my drink. “Where’s Jackson?”
“Already on it.” Maya nods toward the entrance where my brother has stationed himself, arms crossed in his most intimidating captain’s stance.
By the time we reach the lobby, he has the situation well in hand.
“I just want to congratulate him,” she’s saying, words slightly slurred suggesting she’s already been drinking elsewhere. “Five minutes of his time, that’s all I’m asking.”
“Not happening,” Jackson replies firmly, voice calm but authoritative. “Private event. Invitation only. It’s time to leave.”
“I just wanted to wish the happy couple well.”
“Like you wished me well when you filed those complaints?” I snap, moving to stand beside my brother. “Or when you tried to get me fired? That kind of well-wishing?”
Her eyes narrow when she spots me. “The blushing bride herself. Enjoying your victory lap?”
“It’s not a competition, Carina,” I reply, keeping my voice level. “We’re getting married on Sunday. Whatever you think you had with him is long over. Please respect that and leave.”
“You stole him,” she accuses, voice rising. “You and your perfect little figure skating bullshit.”
The words are designed to hurt. A year ago, they might have landed. Now they slide off like water, unable to penetrate the certainty I feel about Chase and myself.
“Nobody stole anyone,” I say calmly. “Chase made his choice. I made mine. We’re happy. That’s all that matters now.”
“That’s enough.” Jackson’s voice cuts through her tirade. “Security is already on the way. You can leave on your own, or be escorted out. Your choice.”
Something in his expression must convince her, because she steps back. “Fine. Enjoy your perfect little wedding.”
With that parting shot, she turns and storms toward the exit—but halfway there, she stops.
“You know what, Emma?” She whirls around. “You’re nothing but a whoring little bitch.”
Maya doesn’t hesitate. One second she’s beside me, the next she’s moving. She grabs a handful of Carina’s hair and yanks her backward.
She yelps, stumbling, arms flailing as her heels skid across the floor. She barely has time to react before Maya’s dragging her straight toward the doors.
“You want to run your mouth?” Maya snaps. “You can do it outside.”
Carina thrashes, trying to break free, but Maya doesn’t so much as flinch. With a final shove, she throws her through the open doors, and she hits the pavement with a loud, graceless thud.
“The only whore here, Carina, is you. Throwing yourself at a man who couldn’t care less. It’s pathetic.”
She dusts off her hands, turns on her heel, and walks back inside like she just took out the trash.
