Page 122 of Wicked Little Secret
He returns my smile but punctuates it with a soft kiss to my lips. “How about we head on up?”
I let him lead me as we get up off the sofa, turn off the movie, and head toward the stairs, Atticus on our heels.
What I saw could mean something or it could be insignificant.
For now, I’m willing to pretend it’s the latter.
Half an hour into the Fairchild’s winter solstice dinner party, I’m itching to go home. Diamond-like Christmas lights gleam from every direction as I stand among the rich and fabulous. The hall the party’s being hosted in is bathed in white and gold, from the tasteful but enormous Christmas trees lining the room to the golden wreaths and ribbons hung as decor.
I’m dressed in a shimmery emerald dress and heels with my curls cascading around my face. I’ve come solo despite the fact that almost every other woman my age dragged along a date.
Heather breaks apart from Claude Wesley and cuts a path straight toward me between mingling party guests. She’s golden from head to toe, her long blonde hair blending a little too perfectly with the metallic gold dress and bangles she wears.
“Nyssie, you came! And you’re stag. So bold.” She gives me a quick hug I don’t return. Before she pulls back, she whispers with a giggle, “But I’m surehewould’ve loved to be your date if he could.”
“Samson?” I ask loudly.
Several people nearby glance over curiously.
“No,” I continue, “remember, we broke up because you slept with hi?—”
“I was kidding, Nyssie!” she hisses. She smiles politely at the people staring, as if she hopes they haven’t figured out what I was about to say. “I didn’t realize Adler’s such a touchy topic for you.”
“I didn’t realize you were going to bring it up every time I see you. What happened to the secret’s safe?”
“It’s safe,” she says poutily. “But, speaking of secrets, have you heard about Macey and Paul Templeton? Nowthat’sa scandal.”
I’m only half listening as Heather launches into the latest gossip about Macey sleeping with pimply-faced, overweight Paul Templeton.
Others in the room have caught my attention more.
Ms. Wicker seems to be in good spirits considering she lost her husband only weeks ago. It seems she’s able to schmooze with the Cummings over champagne and luxury vacations.
My gaze swings from her to Dean Rothenberg in the middle of a deep discussion with Pamela Williamson, the faculty head at school. Lucas and some of his fellow rugby pals are loitering at the refreshments table.
WithoutSamson.
After being kicked off the rugby team and recently losing his father, he must’ve skipped tonight’s event altogether. Katie isn’t here tonight either.
I move on to other familiar faces, even spotting none other than Theron’s ex-fiancée. Veronica Fairchild lets out a poised laugh as she chats up one of the board members for the school.
If only Theron were here to mock how insufferable they all are with me…
He’s texted me a few times tonight to see if I’m okay. Texts I’ve left on read. I had decided I couldn’t mix any more of my feelings into these situations where I have to be on my best game.
But as I stand in the middle of this party, I can’t deny where Ireallywant to be.
“Nyssie,” Heather says, waving a hand in front of my face. “Did you hear what I said? I was asking about the attorney you’ve referred me to. They won’t answer my calls?—”
“I’m exhausted,” I say. “I think I’ll leave now.”
“What? But the party just started.”
I push my flute of champagne into her hand. “At least I showed up. Say hello to the others for me.”
Heather calls after me several more times to no success.
I stride from the hall to a few more stares and some muttered gossip, but I don’t give a damn. Any social damage, I’ll worry about later.