The First Taste(128)

“You don’t know anything about the type of woman I am,” I say evenly. “If you did, you’d know manipulation doesn’t work on me.”

“Well,” she shrugs a little, “it does on Andrew, and that’s all that matters. He’ll be eating out of the palm of my hand in no time.”

Behind me, “Happy Birthday” begins, and I pick up Andrew’s baritone leading the song. I smile a little, bolstered by the fact that the longer I stay at this party, the less worried I am about a future here. Now, for instance, Shana is giving me even more reason to dig in my heels in and love Andrew. To protect Bell from getting hurt.

“All right, Shana,” I say. “We can battle it out if you want. But for your sake, I suggest you learn how to live in this new reality. Otherwise, it’s going to be a painful time for you.”

“And I’m sure you’re concerned about my life.”

“I am,” I say. “Very much so. Because you’re Bell’s mother.”

The singing stops, and I turn around just in time to see Bell’s eyebrows knit in concentration as she makes her wish. She blows out the candles at the same moment I feel Shana’s palms against my chest. I stumble backward but keep my balance, even in four-inch heels, because that’s the kind of woman I am.

She looks a little shocked as we stand there, staring at each other. Any urge I might have to retaliate sizzles out. I don’t think she meant to do it. A small part of me feels bad for her. I hope I never get to the point where I feel the only way I can make my point is by shoving someone while they’re not looking.

“Again,” I say, “it’s time for you to go.”

“You’re a terrible person,” she says, sounding less angry than miserable. “Trying to swoop in on another woman’s family.”

“I’m sorry that’s how it looks to you, but it’s not the case. I love Andrew. And even though I don’t know Bell very well yet, I’ll love her too. Because she’s a part of him.”

“Then I feel bad for you,” she says with what sounds like all the venom she can muster. “You’ll get left behind once we work this out.”

“What the hell is going on?” Andrew shouts from behind me as he runs over to us. He gets between us, blocking Shana from my view. “What are you doing here?”

“Andrew, babe,” she pleads.

“Nathan said you just pushed Amelia. What the f*ck’s wrong with you?”

I put a hand on Andrew’s back. “It’s okay.”

He whips his head around, his jaw set. “It—is—not—okay.”

“I can handle her,” I say calmly.

He turns back to Shana. “Leave. Now. I told you already—stay away from Bell. Especially when I’m not around.”

“You don’t understand,” she murmurs so softly, I almost can’t hear. “She—Amelia—said vile things to me. That I wasn’t Bell’s mom anymore because she is now.” Her voice cracks, and anger rises up my chest at the outrageous accusation. “She said I should rot in hell for leaving my child.”

“She didn’t say that,” he says, “and you need to leave.”

“Can’t we go somewhere and talk alone?” she asks. “Just for a minute?”

“Un-uh. First, it’s my baby’s birthday. I’m not going to miss any more than I have standing here with you. Second, whatever you want to say, you can say in front of Amelia.” Andrew takes my hand, lacing our fingers together. “Don’t make me escort you out, Shana. People already have strong feelings about you in this town, and making a scene isn’t helping.”

She frowns, sliding her thumbnail between her front teeth as she looks behind him at the other guests. They’ve fallen quiet. I pray someone has taken Bell in the house, but I won’t dare turn my back on Shana again. “I’m not going away, Andrew.”

“Fine. If what you want is to get to know Bell, I’m not saying no. I’m saying it’ll take a lot of time and work before we even get to that part, especially when you pull stunts like this.”

She scowls, but I think inside, she must realize what Andrew’s offering is generous. I squeeze his hand for reassurance, and he glances at me. It can’t be easy to welcome her back into his life, no matter how hard he plans to make it on her.

“We’re done here,” he says. “Go out the back gate, Shana. When you’re ready to be an adult about this, call me. Don’t just show up.”

He pulls me away, leading me over to a table where Bell’s surrounded by colorfully wrapped presents.

“I was waiting for you,” she says, her lips tinted pink from frosting.

“Oh, yeah?” Andrew asks. “Then why are half of these unwrapped?”

“I left so many,” she cries defensively, pointing around the table.

Andrew laughs and leans down to kiss her on the back of her hair. He lingers there a moment, closing his eyes. Our hands are still interlaced, and I drag my thumb over his knuckles. “I’m sorry, baby,” he says to her. “Go ahead and open the rest.”

As she tears into another one, Sadie comes over. “I asked Bell what that lady said to her. She said she just wished her a happy birthday and was asking about presents.”