She giggles, shrugging when I look up from the disaster she caused. I already feel the wine soaking through the satin and onto my skin. “I guess you’ll have to go home. Trust me, it’s better this way for everybody.” She even pats me on the arm like she’s being sympathetic before strolling out of the bathroom and leaving me stained and sticky.

I guess she’s getting what she wanted. I can’t stay around here like this. I doubt anybody will notice I’m gone, anyway. I pull out my phone to order an Uber, which thankfully isn’t far from the venue. I only have to wait a few more minutes, trying in vain to dab away the worst of the stain before ducking out, almost running for the door before anybody sees me like this.

And as I go, the sounds of music and laughter follow me. Everybody else is having the time of their lives while I slink away, embarrassed. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this alone.

CHAPTER 15

It’s eerie how quiet the house is now. I feel like I’m walking into a mausoleum when I enter. It isn’t my heartache and embarrassment causing me to feel that way, either. There’s something about the coldness in here, the lack of warmth or charm. Some people might call it elegant or tasteful. I think it’s a waste of money. I’d rather live in a comfortable, slightly cluttered house where I feel at home.

My footsteps echo off the floor as I walk to the stairs, then climb them slowly, exhaustion finally settling in and dragging me down. There’s only so much a person can take. After that face-off with Deborah, I’m waving the white flag. I’m done for the night. So what if my mother finds out I left early? I doubt she’ll miss me. She might be glad I’m gone, come to think of it. This can be my wedding gift to her.

It feels great to get out of this sticky dress and wash up in the shower. I wish I could wash everything off, all the dirtiness I feel deep down inside, but soap can only do so much. I know in my heart it’s up to me whether I choose to give in to the depression and despair Colt and Nix clearly want me to sink into. It’s up to me whether I feel dirty and used. I’m not going to let them break me.

Though it’s probably easier said in my own head when I’m here alone. I can breathe freely for once without the fear of somebody walking in on me or finding some way to make me miserable.

Nobody’s here.

Which means nobody would know if I…

Nope. I need to shut down that line of thinking right now before it takes root.