NO WEDDINGS by Kat Bastion & Stone Bastion

Author:Kat Bastion & Stone Bastion
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781957025179
Publisher: Kat Bastion and Stone Bastion

15 PARTY CRASHED

All those within earshot of the couch turned to see what made me snarl in rage.

Of course. Madison must’ve bought a ticket through our website. The thought never occurred to me I’d have to blacklist someone from the party. Was she good Madison or bad Madison tonight? Guess we’d find out.

Head held high and shoulders back, she wore a confident smile and strode through the crowd escorted by Vivienne, a longtime family friend and co-organizer of my Mom’s charity.

Mark, our VIP security for the night, grabbed the rope at the base of the steps but glanced my way for guidance. King indeed.

I nodded at Mark, even though I wanted Madison as far away as possible from my family and friends. This was our night. Our celebration. But Madison being led our way by Vivienne perplexed me.

Kristen leaned toward me. “This could be interesting.”

Madison gave us all a warm smile as Vivienne brought her toward my parents. Curious, and needing to make sure everything was cool, I gently moved Hannah off my lap. “Be right back.”

Vivienne gestured between my parents and Madison in what looked to be an introduction.

As I approached within earshot, Madison laughed. “We’ve already met. I wanted to congratulate you. I believe strongly in your charity and donated an additional five thousand dollars.”

Mom’s eyes widened. “That’s very generous of you, Madison.”

My loyal mother shook Madison’s hand, but made no move to go closer. They all knew bad shit had gone down between me and Madison, even though most of them had only sketchy details. But they had witnessed the self-centered angry mess I’d become in the wake of the breakup.

Only Hannah knew the entire painful story, including the memory trash pile loaded onto my driveway, the reason for the meaningless string of women, and the final bonfire ritual in Hannah’s backyard.

An awkward silence followed, no one making any further welcoming move. I sensed they all waited on me.

Vivienne turned, smiling. “I’ll see if I can find any more generous guests.”

“Thank you, Vivienne,” Mom replied.

Madison gave a single nod. “I didn’t mean to interrupt. Enjoy your evening. I’ll go mingle in the crowd and get a refill.” She shook her empty glass, clinking the ice cubes.

Mom sent me a pointed stare, and I inwardly groaned. Yeah, even kings granted mercy. And I would have to deal with Mom’s wrath if I didn’t show gratitude for Madison’s donation. It’s what those in high society did every day. Smile at your enemies and invite them in.

I sighed. “No, stay. Jillian can get you whatever you need. Thank you for the donation.” I lifted a finger to get our waitress’s attention.

Within seconds, Mom engaged Madison into an animated conversation.

But it hadn’t escaped my notice that Hannah had flinched when I’d spoken.

I crossed back to the couch, sat down, and pulled Hannah back onto my lap before whispering, “I’m doing this for Mom.”

She gave me an understanding nod and spoke low, “Plus Kristen made a good point while you were talking with them.

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