Homicide and Halo-Halo (Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery #2)(65)
As much as I loved seeing Mary Ann get put in her place, I knew this was directed at me as well. It’s like she could hear the inner monologue that constantly ran through my mind when I saw her and Jae together. I shouldn’t have been judging anyone’s sorrow and yet I’d been doing that since I met Beth. Being petty was one thing, poking at someone’s pain was another. Before I could say anything (though honestly, what could I say that wasn’t me trying to make myself feel better?), Sana and Valerie came to join us.
“So this is where the party is,” Valerie said, taking in the large group of us and either not noticing or hoping to alleviate the tension. “Beth, I just wanted to say you did a fabulous job. Company issues aside, you’ve done right by my brother and I want to thank you for that.”
For possibly the first and only time in her life, Beth was speechless. It might’ve been because she’d been drinking from a flute of champagne when Valerie complimented her, and she was now too busy coughing up the most expensive champagne Shady Palms Beer & Liquor carried. We all looked away and gave her a moment, knowing she wouldn’t want us seeing her do something as undignified as choke on a drink, though Mary Ann did let out a snide laugh.
Jae discreetly handed her a napkin, which she used to dab at her mouth. Despite being painted a lovely shade of coral, her lips managed to stay perfectly done and not a bit of color was transferred to the white napkin. Impressive. Beth found so many ways to show she was not to be trifled with and somehow this was what made the biggest impact on me.
After she regained her composure, Beth said, “Thank you, Valerie. I know the two of you had a complicated relationship, but I also know how important you were to each other. He respected you. I can’t think of a higher compliment when it comes to Rob.”
Valerie sipped at her glass and cleared her throat several times as if to say something, but she didn’t. Sana stepped in to say, “I can’t wait for the big event. I have to say, the girls really surprised me. Never realized how hardworking and ambitious their generation is. I’m looking forward to seeing the culmination of everyone’s hard work.”
“Honestly? Same. The moms are just as ba—um, just as I remembered, but working with these girls is really inspiring. I love how they’re not afraid to ask for what they deserve. That they feel like they can just go for it.” I smiled at Joy and Katie, who blushed at the praise. “So thanks for insisting that I be one of the judges, Valerie. This experience has been . . . invaluable.” I smiled at Valerie, who was still speechless after Beth’s compliment.
“Yes, but who do you think is going to bring home the crown?” Mary Ann asked, leaning forward so she was literally the center of our attention.
Beth, still clutching her champagne flute, extended her arm and exerted just enough force to push Mary Ann back, then stepped into the empty space so that Mary Ann was boxed out. Without missing a beat, she turned to Joy and Katie. “Thank you for coming out to pay your respects, girls. I’m sure this must be very awkward for you, considering Rob’s unforgivable behavior toward you. I will not try to excuse it, but I do apologize. You never should’ve been subjected to that, and I hope I’ve done a better job of keeping you safe since then.”
Joy nodded like a bobblehead. “Thank you, I really appreciate you saying something. I—”
“And what have you done to keep us safe? I haven’t seen you putting in new rules or even releasing a statement about his behavior.” Katie’s previously pale face was now flushed bright red. “You could’ve canceled the pageant at any time when you saw how things were going but you didn’t. If anything happens to us, it’s your fault. My mom was right, I shouldn’t have bothered coming here. Thompsons only care about saving face and taking care of their own.”
Katie stalked off, leaving a concerned Joy to run after her. Beth and Valerie watched the teens, thoughtful expressions on their faces.
“Youths,” Beth said, shaking her head. “Do they have to be so frightfully earnest all the time?”
“She was right,” Valerie said, a hint of sadness in her voice.
Beth snorted. “Of course she was right. The problem is she was right, out loud, in public, and now I actually have to do the right thing as well.” She sighed and handed her champagne flute to Jae. “Looks like I’ll be drafting a press release later, so I should probably stop drinking now. You’re off the hook tonight. But I expect an answer soon. And you deserve one, as well. Don’t forget that.”
With the barest of glances my way, Beth walked away, leaving a contemplative Jae and my gossiping godmothers behind.
Chapter Twenty-two
Count on you to bring the entire memorial crowd back with you,” Adeena said under her breath, as she squeezed past me to fulfill another drink order.
I hadn’t done it on purpose. The Calendar Crew had insisted on staying till the end of the memorial on the grounds that something scandalous and gossip-worthy might happen, what with so many important people around, Rob’s less than pristine reputation, and a good amount of champagne. However, they were sorely disappointed when the event went off without a hitch, ending in the early evening for a private ceremony for the family and close family friends. Those who’d stuck around hoping for something interesting to happen followed my suggestion to join us at the Brew-ha Cafe to sample our new cocktail menu and other goodies.