Page 95 of Hell Hath No Fury
He grabs my arms and talks over me, “Fox—”
“No, you don’t get to interrupt me. I’ve waited a long time to tell you this and I’m not stopping now. Do you know I went looking for you?”
When he stays quiet, I continue on with my speech, “Well, I did. I froze for a minute, completely stunned at what was happening to me. Then I ran after you. And do you know what I found? You were in the back ofourlimo fucking Kadey Smith. How could you do that to me? You knew how much she hated me and bullied me. The horrible names she called me. What was I to you? Did we even mean anything? The girl that you used to know is gone. You broke me that day and I became someone else entirely. Someone who it took me a long time to accept and be able to look at in the mirror.”
I turn to walk back inside. I don’t have the stomach to sit down for a meal with him, let alone eat anything right now. Just as my hand touches the doorknob, he yells out from behind me.
“Wait.”
Shaking my head, my voice comes out barely above a whisper. “No, Hunter. I’m done talking. I can’t do this anymore. Please leave.”
I knew coming back here would be hard and might dredge up old memories. But I didn’t expect it to be this exhausting. I want to get through today and run back to my new life where I don’t have any drama. I crave that mundane day to day of work and sleep.
“If that’s what you really want?”
“It is,” I tell him and turn around so he can see that I really mean it this time.
He doesn’t say anything else to me. Just turns and walks away from me. Leaving me feeling colder and more heartbroken than I was that prom night so many years ago. I really hope he doesn’t decide to show up to the wedding later. I don’t think my heart could take it.
CHAPTER THREE
A quick vibration in my hand pulls me out of our conversation. Saved by the cell phone. I don’t even care if it’s a spam call. I’m talking to whoever is on the other end. The ceremony was, of course, gorgeous and many tears were shed. After an hour of photos, I finally could slip away to enjoy the cocktail hour.
Unfortunately for me, Hunter did not stay away like I hoped and accosted me the minute my glass touched my lips. But it appears the universe is on my side. I bring up my phone to glance at the screen as my device continues its rhythm.
Anders.
Even better, a phone call from my boss must mean an emergency. In reality, he probably needs me to tell him where to find something. The speakeasy was an absolute mess with zero organization before I came along. Now it flows like a well-oiled machine, but sadly, he never knows where to find anything.
Hunter looks at me expectantly and I hold my phone up, saying, “Sorry, I’ve got to take this. It’s my boss.”
I turn and start walking away from him and bring the phone to my ear. I answer the call and hear Hunter yell after me as I walk away.
“Fox, you’re on vacation. Let it go to voice mail.”
Rolling my eyes, I keep walking back toward the tasting room, where I might find a little bit of peace and quiet. Hunter is really putting my head through the wringer this weekend, and I don’t know how to deal with it.
“Hey what’s up?” I ask as I open the door and I’m hit with a wave of ice cold air conditioning and also a room loaded with people.
“Who were you talking to? Could that have been a man I overheard?”
Of course. Anders McKay might be my boss, but he’s also one of my best friends. Strictly platonic. He has a model gorgeous wife. Heck, she’s a makeup artist and beauty vlogger on ViewTube. I don’t think she’s ever looked anything less than perfection in her entire life. Before the dude standing next to me snagged her, she was engaged to Wren Danzig.TheWren Danzig. Oscar-winning actor who only has to step foot into a room before all the panties drop.
I’d say I don’t know how Anders did it, but all it takes is one look at the two of them together and it’s obvious that nobody could have come between them. Even her older brother, Marek, who is Anders’ best friend. They’re disgustingly perfect for each other. I’d puke if it wasn’t so sweet.
My stiletto heels click-clack against the concrete floor as I cross the room looking for someplace with fewer people. Along the far wall, I spot the door leading to the basement level and the wine storage rooms. It’s not exactly open to the public, but I’ve found if you act like you belong and are confident in your decisions, people don’t tend to question you.
“What do you need, Anders?” I ask as I continue on my mission and reach the door in question. I twist the knob and it opens with a click as I slip inside.
His laugh echoes over the line when he says, “Ah, avoidance. There’s a story there for sure. If you don’t want to tell me about it now, I’ll get it out of you when you come back home. When is that going to be again?”
“Leave her alone. She hasn’t been on a vacation as long as she’s worked for you. She has well past earned this one.”
“Hi Giselle,” I say and add, “I’ll be back on Monday, Anders. I’m only gone for the weekend.”
Anders releases an exhale of breath and it muffles his voice as he says, “Thank fuck.”
I start to laugh and he interrupts me. “Fox, you might act like a dark and brooding badass most days, but I know deep, very deep down inside of you there’s a heart of gold. Why else would you make sure my business stays afloat?”
