Bad Cruz(100)

And yes, I’m very relieved that Gabriella told you the truth.

Pettily, I turned to Gabriella with a quizzing look, not wanting to address my mother if she couldn’t even apologize for what she’d put me through.

“What’s happening?”

“The makeup artist is not coming.” Gabriella winced. “She got into a car accident.”

“Is she okay?” I asked.

“Oh, who cares?! It’s so like Nessy to always ask the wrong question,” Trinity huffed.

“Yeah, she’s fine, but the doctors think she might have a concussion, so she will be staying at the hospital through the night,” Gabriella replied mildly.

I nodded and went downstairs to get everyone refreshments. Bear was already at the church with my father and Rob.

Cruz was probably there, too.

I wasn’t ready to see him.

I didn’t think I’d ever be ready to see him.

I didn’t know what to make of Rob and Cruz’s blossoming new friendship. It seemed like I had once again been pushed to the sidelines of a social circle that I was supposed to be a part of.

I got back upstairs with a tray full of sparkling water, apple juice, and cookies, and set it on the edge of the vanity, as far as possible from Trinity, whose hair was almost done. It was coiffed elegantly and dramatically.

“My goodness, what are you doing, Nessy? The juice is literally four feet away from me. That’s an accident waiting to happen,” Trinity bit out.

“Nessy, why didn’t you bring the triangle sandwiches I made?” Mom complained, smoothing over the wedding dress hanging on Trinity’s closet door. “I don’t understand, they were right there on the counter.”

“And I still don’t have anyone to do my makeup!” Trinity flung her arms in the air.

“I can do your makeup,” I said quietly.

I might’ve chosen to look like a drag queen up until a few weeks ago, but I knew my way around a makeup bag. I had a steady hand and was very good at dramatic eyeliner and contouring.

Plus, my eyeshadow game was a killer.

Trinity gave me a scandalous look. “Hard pass.”

“Don’t upset your sister, Nessy. She is stressed as it is. Just go bring the triangle sandwiches.” Mom waved me off.

“I think you should let Nessy do your makeup, Trinity,” Gabriella said gently, putting her hand on her best friend’s shoulder. “She’s our best shot. We won’t be able to find anyone semi-professional at such a short notice.”

“She’s only going to ruin it,” Trinity moaned. “That’s her go-to. You know that as well as I do, Gabriella.”

I wanted to get up and leave. Not only the room, but the town. The state. The country.

The dislike I felt for and from the women in my life was so intense, so out of control, I could hardly breathe.

“You have to be practical,” Mom cooed at Trinity. “Maybe Gabriella’s right. There’s no other choice.”

“I’m still mad at her,” Trinity pouted.

I smiled cordially, suddenly completely and utterly exhausted from her casual bullying, “Guess what? I’m mad at you, too. So why don’t you shove your spoiled tantrum up your ASS and find someone else to try to make your UGLY beautiful, because lemme tell you, baby sister, this one’s going to be a challenge.”

Everyone in the room stared at me with shock.

Yup. I went there.

I cursed.

Trinity was the first to recover. Her mouth turned into an O-shaped, silent scream.

“See? She just called me ugly on my wedding day.”

I turned around, opened the door, and ran out, taking the stairs two at a time. Mom bolted after me like lightning.

“Tennessee Lilybeth Turner! Do you really think it’s the right time to pick a fight with your sister?”

“Yes,” I said calmly, grabbing my purse and heading for the door. “She’s surrounded by all her fans—she’s got nothing but support from you all.”

I was already dressed in my lavender bridesmaid outfit, but was seriously contemplating making a stop back at home and changing into an all-black outfit. After all, this was going to be the funeral for Wyatt Costello’s happiness.

Mom continued following me to the door. “Look, I know she is a little overwhelmed…”

I turned around sharply, raising my palm up to stop her from talking.

“No, she is not. She is a complete and utter bitch to me, and so are you. My entire life, I tried to pacify you. You worked me to the bone to get this wedding to be exactly what she wanted it to be. She didn’t even invite me to her bachelorette party and pretty much assaulted me into breaking up with the only man I ever truly cared about.”

“Honey…”

“And not only that,” I raised my voice, hoping Trinity was able to hear, “but when Mrs. Holland accused me of trying to kill her daughter, you simply took her word for it. It took Gabriella to come to you personally and tell you that it wasn’t true, and even then, you didn’t have it in you to pick up the phone and apologize for your behavior. Yet, you knew I would show up here today. Do my part. Support you unconditionally. I’m done. Done with you. Done with Trinity. Done with this entire family. You’re not worth my love, my compassion, my everlasting loyalty. You are not worth all the things I freely give to you, because you don’t return even an ounce of it back.”