Page 80 of Malicious Wedding

“Want me to come along?” Bernie asks.

“Yes,” I say. “Please.”

“Too bad.” She tosses me a spare key. “I won’t wait up.”

I groan as Jamila and Keely drag me away. It’s like being pulled into a pit of despair, except this pit is filled with loud music and cheap alcohol.

“Don’t look like you want to kill everyone!” Jamila shouts over the music, shoving a tequila shot into my hand. “Drink!”

We all slam them back. The pleasant bite glows into my stomach. “I’m not looking around like that,” I protest, leaning in so Jamila can hear me.

“You totally are. You’re doing it right now!”

“That’s because Idowant to killyou.” I grin at her and she laughs.

“Come on, let’s dance.” Keely squares her shoulders, pointing toward the rough patch of wood that serves as a dance floor. A couple dozen people are swaying, moving, gyrating to the intense club music pounding through the speakers.

There’s no arguing at this point and after a little while, I begin to let go. Another tequila shot helps. I dance with Keely and Jamila, having fun despite myself, and I’m surprised when they team up to keep every single man away from us with a combination of dirty looks, scathing comments, and outright physical violence.

“I thought you twolikeddancing with guys!” I shout at Keely.

“Yeah, sometimes, but you’re not there yet.” She hugs me as we move together. “I know it sucks. You’re gonna be okay.”

Is that real emotional support from Keely? I never would’ve believed it.

Maybe Jamila’s right and I am falling apart. Maybe my chakras really are visible or whatever she said.

The problem is I don’t feel like I’m going to be okay.

But for some reason, hearing her say that, and knowing she’s really looking out for me helps a whole hell of a ton.

I stay for a couple more songs before excusing myself back to the high top we claimed earlier. Lucky for me, it’s still empty, despite the crowd. I pause there to gather myself, watching as Keely and Jamila keep dancing together, laughing about something as they hug and spin around.

I don’t even notice the envelope until I’m about to head out.

It’s sitting right in front of me. I don’t know when it showed up, but it couldn’t have been there when I found the table. I squint, frowning, before holding it up like someone might be on the search for whatever it is. I scan the crowd, looking for anyone I might know, or anyone that might be looking for this thing. But after a moment of nobody paying me any attention, I slowly lower it, squeezing one side—

Only to feel something small and hard.

Terror fills my guts. The music disappears.

All I can hear is the pounding of my heart in my ears as I open the envelope.

My ring sits inside.

The ring I threw into the street.

Behind it is a note.

This is yours. I miss you. Carson.

I look around wildly. He’s here—he’s got to be here. He must’ve scoured the street for hours to find the stupid thing, and now he’s really stalking me, hunting me down to force this ring down my throat.

Rage fuels me. I storm to the bar, grab the bartender’s attention, and shove the ring into the surprised-looking young guy’s hand.

“Sell this! It’s worth more than this entire club. Or throw it away! I don’t care what you do with it, but make sure I never see that again.”

He sputters. “Uh, lady, this is really weird. I can’t just—”

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