Page 30 of Second Chances
“So…?” Patrick prodded gently, his tone suggesting part humor and part concern for her distraction.
“I’m sorry - so, things are going well, just changing a bit, but for the better, I hope,” she laughed apologetically, hoping that he didn’t notice that her eyes were trained directly past him and on Darcy.
Who was he talking to? Why is he so angry?She could see his jaw clenching from here.
“One of these days, I’ll hire you to throw me a party; once I get over the trauma each year of getting older,” Patrick joked lightheartedly, laughing at himself.
His laughter drew Beth’s gaze back to him just for a moment.What did Patrick just say?Her brain took a pregnant pause to register his comment.
“You say that every year, Pat. I know better than to expect a call from you,” she responded to his joke as her eyes moved back to Darcy.
He is yelling at someone. Ok, maybe not yelling loudly, but he was definitely arguing heatedly with someone.
Thankfully, there were speakers in that corner of the room to prevent the conversation from traveling. She wished she could hear what was being said because whatever was going on, it was certainly emotional.
He’s never looked that mad before. Well, except maybe that one time when he punched George.
This was different, even with his mask on, there was a hatred in his eyes, the likes of which Beth had up until now assumed was reserved for George Wickham.
“Earth to Beth…”
Suddenly, a hand was waving in front of her face, bringing her back to the man standing perplexed in front of her.
“I’m so sorry, Pat, I’ve been so rudely distracted,” Beth apologized sincerely as her face flushed and she brought a hand up to her forehead.
“It’s ok, this is a bit larger of an event than you are usually dealing with,” Patrick graciously tried to rationalize her rudeness, his body turning with his words to emphasize the size of the party. As he turned to his left, he astutely followed Beth’s line of vision and noticed the unknown, well-dressed gentleman, angrily conversing with a mystery person. “Unless there is something a bit more personal going on…” he trailed off suggestively.
Her face was probably turning beet red. Patrick was always giving her a hard time about not bringing a date.
“Well, I might have brought someone with me this year,” she laughed nervously, but as her eyes darted back to Darcy, he was no longer there. Instead, he was walking purposefully right toward her.
With barely a nod to Patrick, Darcy grabbed her arm and pulled her against him.
“We are leaving now,” he said harshly.
The tautness of his voice, the determinedness of the words - he was on the edge of losing control of his anger.
Beth swallowed as she glanced back to Patrick who was staring at the two of them with genuine concern for her on his face. She gave him a weak smile, not wanting to worry him.
“What? What’s wrong? Are you ok? Darcy, this is my job, I can’t leave now,” Beth replied, shocked and confused, not wanting to upset him further but needing him to understand that he couldn’t keep jeopardizing her professional life.
Darcy turned toward Patrick, his eyes assessing the other man as to how much of a potential threat that he was.
Dear Lord. Men and their jealousy.
“Darcy, this is my friend, Patrick. He starred with Renée in the film,” Beth stammered. Trying to sound reassuring as she placed her hand on his arm.
Darcy turned to face Patrick, stepping partially in front of Beth, to shake Patrick’s hand in greeting.
“Miss Bennet isn’t feeling well, so I’m going to take her home. I’m sure everything is under control here but please convey her condolences to Miss Zellweger,” Darcy stated firmly, his face cold and unyielding.
“Darcy!” Beth exclaimed, grabbing his arm and pulling him to face her. “I can’t leave, I just told you.”
“We are leaving now. I will carry you out of here if necessary so, unless you want to make a scene, I suggest that you follow my story.”
He’s not kidding.His eyes were completely black with sincerity. She was leaving now; how she chose to make her exit he left up to her.
With a weak smile at Patrick, she followed his story, “I’m sorry, Patrick. I have to go. If anyone needs me tell them they can reach me on my cell. Thank you,” she said firmly before Darcy could prevent her from even offering that lifeline to her staff.
