Start a War (Saint View Psychos #1)(3)

I snuggled in.

The tent was really too small for two tall boys, but neither complained. We lay there in the darkness, the boys talking quietly over my head while I watched them.

And when Jerry’s deep, angry voice called my name from somewhere in the distance, I only snuggled in farther, safe and hidden between the only two people in my life who actually cared about me.





1





BLISS





I smoothed my hands over the silky sapphire-blue ball gown, doing a little twirl in the women’s bathroom. The fabric flared in a circle around me, swishing softly around my calves when I came to a stop.

“Bethany-Melissa!” Sandra’s eyes were wide, her head bobbing up and down in approval. “That dress was made for you. It’s stunning.”

I smiled happily at the other woman. “Isn’t it beautiful? Caleb bought it for me especially for tonight.”

Sandra leaned against the little sofa to the side of the room, her extravagant dress spread out around her. It stood out beautifully, its bright-red vibrant against the black-and-gold luxury bathroom. “He must have dropped a pretty penny on that one. At least you know he has good taste for when he buys you an engagement ring.”

I studied my reflection in the mirror. She was right. The dress fit me perfectly, dipping between my full breasts, hiding the rolls on my tummy, and flaring out around my wide hips. It accentuated all my curves and hid the wobble in my thighs. I loved it. I’d gone to the hairdresser’s that morning and spent hours letting them freshen up my color and then curl the lengths. A makeup artist had been my next stop, and she’d worked her magic until I felt like I was Cinderella, ready for a ball.

Which wasn’t exactly where we were, but the charity auction did have the same sort of feel. A sleek black car had picked me up from my house, and when we’d arrived at the entrance to the fanciest hotel in Providence, Caleb had been waiting by the door for me like my very own Prince Charming.

I watched Sandra in the reflection of the mirror. “You don’t really think he’s going to propose, do you? It’s only been a year. It feels too soon…”

Sandra tutted, coming to stand beside me so we both stared into the mirror. “Does it matter? He’s handsome. Successful. Rich. And you’re downright fabulous in every way—”

I laughed. “Not sure about that.”

She waved around a manicured hand in dismissal. “Of course the man wants to marry you. Did you see there’s a ring up for auction tonight? It’s got an absolute boulder for a diamond too. Maybe that’s what Caleb will bid for.” Her gaze met mine in the mirror. “It’s the smart move, you know? The two of you, I mean. It would be such a great union for your families. Your father must be so thrilled the two of you are dating.”

I nodded. “He adores Caleb. They’re playing golf every other weekend lately. I barely get to see my own boyfriend.”

“Perfect! Leaves you plenty of time for shopping and lunch with me.”

That was true. It did leave me with plenty of time to myself. I’d never exactly seen that as a good thing, though I liked that my boyfriend and my father got along. It was just that perhaps they got a long too well. Their work talk tended to monopolize most conversations, to the point where anything I wanted to say was lost in business politics.

I tucked my lipstick away in my purse. “Anyway, we should get back to the table before my potential future husband forgets what I look like.”

Sandra picked up my hand and swung it as we made our way to the bathroom exit. “There’s no forgetting you in that dress, Bethany-Melissa. Every eye in the room is on you tonight.”

I blushed at the compliment. “Thank you.”

It was a little over the top though, when the entire ballroom was filled with beautiful people, all dressed to the nines. I found my date at our table and was once again blown away with how handsome he was. His blond hair was slicked back neatly, just like it always was. But tonight, his regular business suit had been replaced by an expensive tuxedo. He glanced up when I approached, and he excused himself from his conversation to pull my chair out for me.

I smiled at him. “Thank you, sir.”

He smiled back. “The pleasure is all mine, mademoiselle.”

I giggled, enjoying his attention.

It was short-lived.

Caleb took his seat beside me and fell straight back into conversation with the man to his left. I tried to pay attention, but as usual, Caleb’s business talk was an in-depth labyrinth of confusing numbers and terms, none of which I understood. He didn’t try to explain them to me, nor did he introduce me to his acquaintance, and the other man didn’t even spare me a glance.

I sighed quietly, telling myself to suck it up. If Caleb really was close to proposing like Sandra thought, I’d get all the attention I wanted from him. In the meantime, I needed to get used to these types of events and my role within them.

Which seemed to be, ‘look pretty and be quiet.’

The role would evolve once I was his wife. Maybe I could get more involved with the charity and help run events like these. That might be fun. I’d need something to fill my time once I quit my job. None of his friends’ wives worked in childcare centers for a miniscule wage like I did. It wasn’t a good look when their husbands earned millions. They all filled their days with long lunches and Pilates and charity work.