Page 147 of Hale Yes
After greeting Paul and the kids, I stride toward the ballroom. As soon as I near the corner, I hear Rory and Angelica, who seem to be in some kind of argument.
“You’re being ridiculous, Angelica.”
“Oh, shut the fuck up, Rory. I’m tired of listening to your shit.”
I plaster myself against the wall and eavesdrop without shame as Rory replies.
“I’m serious. You know this is wrong, and you’re doing it anyway.”
“Read my lips. I. Don’t. Care. And who’s going to stop me?”
“You should be stopping yourself. You’re acting like a spoiled little brat.”
I’d like to yell, “Amen, dude,” even though I have no idea what they’re arguing about. It’s pretty much a given that Nicolette’s sister is acting like an asshole in any given situation. But I keep my mouth shut and listen.
“Whatever, Rory. My sister thinks she’s so goddamn special marrying into some rich family. It should be me who has fancy houses and private planes. And she’s going to Greece for her honeymoon. Greece! You took me to fucking Mexico.”
Aw hell, I wish I had some popcorn for this show. I can hear the hurt and anger in Rory’s voice when he lowers his voice.
“That’s it. I’m done with you and your entitled ass. I’ve tried and I’ve tried, but nothing is ever enough for you. Expect to hear from my lawyer first thing Monday morning.”
“Fine, I didn’t want to be married to you anyway. I only went after you because I didn’t want Nicolette to have you,” she shoots back. “You can’t even buy me a decent house, Rory. Maybe I’ll hook up with one of the other Hale brothers. I bet they would buy me anything I wanted, especially if one of them knocks me up.”
Yikes!Making a mental note to warn Remi and Phoenix to steer far, far away from this crazy bitch, I step around the corner. Rory is storming off in the other direction while Angelica stands there looking after him, her face reddened with anger.
But what catches my attention is what she’s wearing. It’s a long white formal gown with lace and beading all over the bodice, very obviously a wedding dress. Rage boils up my chest and onto my neck, heating the skin there.
Oh no she fucking didn’t.
“Angelica,” I say, and she whirls around, her eyes widening with surprise before her lips morph into a flirty smile.
“Hi, Helix. You look handsome.”
I don’t crack so much as a grin in return. “You should really go get changed. The wedding will be starting soon.”
She giggles and smacks my chest. “I’ve already changed, silly. This is what I’m wearing. Do you like it?” she coos, batting her eyelashes at me.
I know she’s used to getting her way when she uses that baby voice, but I only feel disgust toward her. Coldness coats my voice even though my anger is red hot.
“Was audacity on sale the day you bought that dress?”
Angelica looks taken aback. “Wh-what are you talking about?”
My eyes narrow into slits as I repeat the exact words she said to her sister at the engagement party in New Jersey. “You know it’s against wedding etiquette to wear white, right? Only the bride is supposed to wear white.”
She has the nerve to roll her eyes. “Pshht, that’s such an outdated concept. I think guests should wear what looks best on them, and I look amazing in this dress.”
Without a second thought, I tip my hand forward and pour the entire glass of red wine down the front of her dress. Then I sling it by the stem until every single crimson drop stains the shiny fabric.
Angelica lets out a shriek I’m surprised doesn’t shatter the glass in my hand. “What the hell is wrong with you?”
I hear footsteps running toward us, and turn to find Albert Bell approaching, a glass of what looks like whiskey sloshing in one hand. “What is all this yelling?”
Angelica points an accusing finger at me. “Daddy, he poured wine all over my dress,” she whines.
“My hand slipped,” I lie, flexing my fingers for effect. “I’m going to have to get that looked at.”
Nicolette’s father seethes, and I’m afraid it’s directed at me until he surprises the shit out of me and whirls on his oldest daughter. “What the hell are you wearing, Angelica?”
