“Well, if you’re done with her, then I think I’ll have to go say hi.”

My jaw clicks when I clench it. He thinks this shit is funny. He acts like this is a goddamn locker room and I’m going to joke back with him.

I’m calling his bluff, letting him make an ass of himself. If he goes to Savannah, she’ll squash him like a bug, like she did to that prick Frank Hamilton. And as much as I want to toss Colin off this balcony by the collar of his jacket, I let him think he doesn’t get to me. No matter how much he does.

Instead of watching him approach her, I reach for the bottle instead. Might as well just take the whole thing this time. Save the trip.

Chapter 17

I’m not usually such a heavy drinker, but this party has me on edge. I want to celebrate Hazel, but all I can think about is Murph. He looks as good as he did on the night of the gala, with his hair perfectly coiffed and that suit a little too tight in all the right places.

We could make up tonight. I could live with the fact that he doesn’t open up. He will eventually. I’ll tell him about the will, the letter from Hazel, and we will face this together. I don’t have to be afraid of Hugo if I have Murph by my side. He would protect me, I’m sure of it.

These are all of the thoughts running through my head while Colin rambles on about his time with Hazel on the board. Like he knew her.

Under different circumstances, Colin would be an attractive guy. He’s tall, slender, with a crooked nose that almost looks sexy. But then he opens his mouth. And it’s all ruined.

He’s obnoxious, self-centered, and so fake. His smile makes me sick, with his bright whites and lifeless eyes. I wish he’d leave. It’s not like Tia, Ryder, or I are giving him any inclination that we’re enjoying his company. The three of us are looking off in the distance while he talks, on and on.

Finally, when his story ends, he leans in to hug me, which takes me by surprise.

“I’m so sorry for your loss,” he whispers against my cheek.

“Um, thanks.”

“And I’m sorry Murph is such an asshole. Whatever happens after all of this, I hope you know you can always come to me.”

Always come to him? This is the first time he’s ever spoken to me.

Oh, right. The will.

There’s a good chance, as far as they know, that I could inherit a small fortune. Their vain greed has absolutely no tact.