The Book of Havoc by Melissa McShane

Author:Melissa McShane [McShane, Melissa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Night Harbor Publishing

11

Judy and I said goodbye to Jeremiah and Viv at the door. I was sure Malcolm was already gone, which left me feeling bereft even though that was stupid. He’d be back, or he’d call, and either way I’d know what would happen next.

I wandered through the living room, picking up abandoned glasses and paper napkins. When I returned from disposing of them in the kitchen, I ran into my parents. “We’re heading out,” Dad said, “just wanted to say goodbye.”

“Thanks for coming,” I said, hugging them both.

“It’s a very nice apartment,” Mom said. “Though you look like you’re bouncing around in it like a pea in a cup.”

“It’s only been a week. I’ll get used to it.”

“And, Helena?” Dad said. “You know we’d never criticize your choices, right? We like Malcolm, he makes you happy, and that’s really all we care about.”

“I know,” I said. “I’m so glad I have you for parents, and not—” There wasn’t any point finishing that sentence when we both knew who we were talking about.

I felt grateful Madeleine was nowhere to be seen when I’d seen my parents off, because I was increasingly filled with unfocused anger and she seemed like a good target to vent it on. Why on earth had she decided to attack me by attacking my parents? And how could anyone think so little of her own son that she wanted to choose his romantic relationships for him, whatever he might think to the contrary? Well, I wasn’t going to be fooled again. Anything Madeleine Campbell offered me, I’d refuse, no matter how innocent it looked. Then I’d run the other way. Malcolm might believe she’d come around, but I wasn’t going to count on it.

It felt like forever before the last guest left and the servants began clearing away the party detritus. Madeleine emerged from the dining room and approached me, smiling slightly. “It is a good party, non?” she said. “Everyone enjoys himself, and you, too, have fun?”

“Until you insulted my parents,” I said. “How dare you speak to them that way?”

Madeleine raised one penciled-on eyebrow. “It is simply truth. Parents should teach their children right behavior. You should not live with someone you do not intend to marry.”

“That’s none of your business. Or is it just that I’m not Andria? Because I’m sure you weren’t this nasty about it when Andria was living here.”

Madeleine shrugged, a gesture that said I am too polite to argue with you. “That was different.”

Anger once again bubbled to the top. “That’s ridiculous. It’s absolutely the same. You need to stop pushing your antiquated attitudes on other people, and don’t you dare ever talk to my parents like that again.”

“Perhaps if you were more ladylike, I would not need to criticize.”

I sucked in a breath and managed not to slap her. “Get out. Now.”

Madeleine turned and left without another word. Breathing heavily, I sank down on the ottoman in front of the fireplace and seethed. Unladylike, was I? I’d show her unladylike.

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