Page 134

Story: Pretty Poison

My aunt agreed and Colleen seemed a bit happier about it. My brother's hand slipped into the blonde's and that was confirmation of too many things in our small town.

We walked away and my uncle said he would greet a few more people, Derek and Colleen went with them because, according to Bryant, she could help them escape boring conversations. I leaned on one of the high tables in a part of the room and considered drinking, but, as I was driving, I knew that I couldn't do it even if I wanted to. I ended up sticking to water and snacks.

Alone, I had the chance to observe who was there and it was easy to identify that only the most important people in the city were present, from the mayor to the reverend, everyone was present.

“Wow, what a bored look you have...” The voice echoed from behind me. I turned around, finding Kendra in a plain, form-fitting black dress with a square neckline and lace sleeves.

“It's all because you hadn't arrived yet.”

She laughed, her eyes had heavy makeup that highlighted the light shade in her eyes even more and her hair had received a nice blowout, as it was straightened, shining like gold against the lights of the place.

“Did you miss me already?”

“Obviously, I can't live without you anymore...” I joked, but there was a great deal of truth in each letter of my sentence.

Ken rolled her eyes and leaned over, greeting me with a kiss on the cheek.

“You could have told me you were coming.”

“Surprise?!” I raised my hands and smiled.

“Well, at least I won’t have to face the nightmare of an event like this alone.” Kendra’s fingers brushed mine before taking my hand, prompting me to do a little spin. “You look stunning.”

I returned the gesture, though it was a bit harder to twirl her since she was even more taller than usual, but she still went along with it.

“And you're... hm, smoking hot...” I whispered at the moment when her back was still facing me.

“Behave, Roni.” A wide smile took over her, but it ended in the next second.

“Wow, I didn't think I'd live long enough to see Kendra being friends with Veronica Torres.” We both stared at Delilah approaching. The huge ring on the hand in which she held the champagne was the first thing that was noticed about her, then, of course, the face of someone who was not trustworthy.

“There’s no need to be jealous…” I wanted to joke around, but Kendra ended up talking over me.

“We're best friends, Delilah.” I looked at the blonde, a little confused. “Like we both used to be, you know?Good friends.”

Delilah's face became pale for a moment as I made a shocking discovery. Did she mean to say that Delilah, the town pastor’s daughter and someone who as fiancé to a man, liked to kiss women in her free time? This was rather scandalous!

“I see…” Delilah took a large sip of her champagne. “You know, you couldn't have chosen worse, Kendra.”

“Who do you think you are to open your hypocritical mouth and say that?” Kendra didn't seem to have patience for the other's words and, honestly, neither did I, but at the moment I needed to keep my calm for her. Kendra tried to take a step toward Delilah, but I grabbed her arm, stopping her in mid-motion. “Do me a favor, take advantage of the fact that the room is very big and get very far from us, Delilah.”

The bride among us, though visibly upset, gave a nod and quickly walked away.

Kendra seemed to need a few seconds before turning to face me again. I let go of her and smiled weakly.

“She's not worth the headache you'll feel if you continue with that frown.” I commented, making her expression soften.

“And not even the wrinkles.” She added, calling a waiter who was with drinks. She got some champagne and I got a glass of water. “Aren't you drinking?”

“No, I'm driving.”

“Crap.” We laughed. “Well, here's to best friends...” She gave me a wink before letting her glass touch mine.

“To the bestest of friends.”

I took a sip of my water and then Colleen came running out of nowhere, grabbing Kendra by the arm.

“Come on, we need to go to the stage.”