Page 157 of Dirty Dylan: Dirty Dusters

“But what if I cry? What if I shoot her in the head? What if I shoot him in the head?”

“I doubt they’ll let anyone in who’s carrying a weapon, Jessie.”

“Good point. Well, what if I throttle her instead?”

“Then you’ll get arrested. The positive? At least you’ve got yourself the best lawyer money can buy.”

“You’d charge me?”

“It’s a business I’m running, not a charity.”

We both chuckle.

“All joking aside, partner.”

“All joking aside, if you’re invited, you put your big girl pants on and you show those O’Connells exactly what you’re made of.”

I pause before I ask.

“What happened, Jaine?”

“What do you mean?”

“I know you’ve had a falling out with them.”

She pauses before she replies. I know she’s wondering how much to reveal.

“Let’s just say they did something they shouldn’t have, more so Eoin. He crossed the line.”

“So, is he going to be made to pay? Are you big girl pantying it when you return to Manhattan?”

“Yes, to the first question, and you bet your bottom dollar I am to the second.”

I close my laptop screen. With a smile on my face, I throw the pom pom in the air once more. Decision made.

“Okay, then do you know what? I’ll do it. I’ll go to the damn engagement party, and I’ll show delectable, despicable, dirty Dylan exactly what he’s missing.”

CHAPTERSIXTY-THREE

JESSIE

The Meeting Rooms, New York

I takein the venue with its vulgar crystal chandeliers and accents finished in marble and gilded gold. It’s like Midas himself paid a visit in advance and touched everything just to make sure it had that over-the-top bling factor.

Only the best for The Hudson Dusters.

I’m expecting the actress fromGone With The Windto make an entrance and glide herself down the sweeping staircase. Then again, it’s more likely to be Grace Ryan. She’s the woman of the hour. This is her night.

Just a small celebration of her engagement to Dylan O’Connell.

I glance at Little Bee, who’s sitting across the table. In the absence of having anyone else, and much to Razr’s delight as it got him off the hook, she agreed to be my plus one to this event. An event I’m still not sure I should have been invited to. An invitation I’m still not sure I should have accepted.

Bee looks stunning in a floor-length baby pink sequin number. She’s just told me in the strictest confidence that she’s two months pregnant. Razr’s little swimmers have finally struck gold. Not that she’s showing yet, but she’s glowing all the same.

I’m pleased for her. Pleased for them. They deserve their happiness. Everyone does. Well, everyone apart from me it would seem.

Perfectly lonely.

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