Total pages in book: 111
Estimated words: 102523 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 513(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102523 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 513(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
Chrissy snorts. “Yeah right. You’ve always been jealous of me.”
Oh, I don’t think my aunt knows what she’s done, but judging by the hard look in Etta’s eyes, it’s game on and she’s got some things she’s been dying to say. Bruises and broken bones heal, but I suspect an insult from Etta will fester in your soul.
“You traded truly living for a life of ease a long time ago, and nobody wants your fancy car and big house, least of all me, because everyone can see how empty and lonely it really is.”
Chrissy pales, looking around at all the faces watching the drama play out before them. This has been a long time coming between the two former best friends. And Etta’s not done. “You got exactly what you deserved. And I got a happy life, with my own business, friends, and family, and without having to get on my knees for a short dick like Jed.”
Chrissy huffs in shock, nervously fluffing her salon-blonde hair, and looking at Jed. “Do something.”
But Jed is completely oblivious to the argument between his wife and former fiancée. All his attention is focused on whatever he’s angrily snarling at Dad.
“Argh!” Chrissy growls, not having a comeback to all that hard truth, and she whirls and stomps out of the room alone.
Etta takes a heaving breath, her hand to her chest as she smiles faintly. “Damn, that felt good to say out loud.”
On some level, I feel bad for Chrissy. She is stuck with Uncle Jed, after all, but on the other hand, she made her bed, reveled in it, and threw it in Etta’s face at every opportunity, so it’s only fair that she gets a bit of that ugliness in return.
I hear my name and look over my shoulder, finding Hazel making her way toward us in the crowd and pulling Avery along behind her. My line of sight is broken for a moment by the suited businesspeople from the front row leaving. Jed is chasing after them, talking hurriedly. I think I hear him say, “This isn’t over.” But the head guy doesn’t look like he believes that for a second.
Turning to Winston, I ask, “Who are the suits?”
Winston grimaces, probably mentally already writing up his résumé. “Investors. Jed’s got a lot tied up in this already. They’re not going to be happy.”
I watch Jed, who for the first time looks uncertain about something. “Is it wrong that I hope they ream him a new one? I want someone to take Jed down a few pegs.”
Winston snorts. “I think you already did.”
I wrap my arm around his shoulders, letting my brother know that he’s still got an ally. “I think we did.”
Hazel clears her throat and I turn to her, hugging her tightly as I admit that “we” is getting bigger by the moment. And she’s definitely part of it. She hugs me back, and I feel more than hear her laugh. “That was awesome. You were like a one-two punch to his ’nads that he didn’t see coming. Blind nut punch.”
I grin, pushing her hair behind her ear and falling a little more in love with her craziness. Next to us, Avery and Winston are also embracing, and she says, “I’m proud of you, honey.”
His wife’s support seems to bolster Winston, because he kisses Avery warmly, stroking her hair. “I promise I’ll make the honeymoon thing up.”
The crowd is milling around, unsure what to do now that we’ve succeeded until Etta yells, “Victory party at Puss N Boots!”
Now that’s a plan.
Chapter 24
HAZEL
As we get to Puss N Boots, Avery gets Grandpa Joe set up at a table with Mom and Etta, who is entertaining him with fiery banter before he can even get his cane out of the way of the crowd. I’m not sure who is going to win if Etta and Joe start telling dirty jokes, but Mom will be a fair and impartial judge if the need arises.
People sit at the various tables, chatting and catching up, and a few people claim the dartboard and pool tables, starting friendly games.
As soon as Charlene sees the crowd, she climbs on the bar. “Listen up!” she yells, waiting for the hum to die down. When it doesn’t happen fast enough, she places her fingers in her mouth and whistles loudly. That gets everyone’s attention instantly.
“Listen! There’re too many people in here for me to run around like a chicken with my head cut off, so there will be no waitressing tonight. If you want something, you’d best bring your happy ass up to the bar to order. And you can take it back to your table yourself. The only place I’m going is Tay Tay’s window, the cash register, and the bathroom because the good Lord knows I can’t go more than an hour without needing to piss after my babies did a number on my bladder. Understand?”