Chapter 5
CHAPTER 5
I frown over at my ex in his navy suit that’s bursting at the seams, his greasy forehead—a sign that lets me know he’s anxious—and it goes along perfectly with that greasy smile of his.
“Well, well, well,”—he continues in a tone that promises to mock—“if it isn’t my favorite ex-wife.” Stanton chuckles at his own joke. “I see you couldn’t resist the party.”
“I could say the same,” I reply, trying not to growl. “I thought you were meeting us in New York next week? But then, you’re not exactly one to curb your desires when tempted.” I shrug over at Kimball. “The divorce was finalized months ago.”
“So I’ve heard.” He winces as he brings his drink to his lips. “I’m sorry, Trixie. You deserved better than to be treated like that.”
“I’m still standing here,” Stanton rants.
“And you’re lucky you’re still standing.” Kimball laughs while patting Stanton on the back. “I hear you’re getting married again, Trixie. Congratulations. I hope he treats you like the goddess you are.” He toasts me with his drink, but before I can answer, Neelie steps forward in a glitzy hot pink number that looks six sizes too small.
“Stanton and I are getting hitched, too.” She shoves that rock on her finger into Kimball’s face. “He says there’s no date. It’s sort of an idea more than a reality, but?—”
Stanton pulls her close. “But it’ll be a reality soon enough! Trixie isn’t the only one who deserves someone who treats her well. I deserve to have someone in my life who treats me like a god. And Neelie knows exactly what to do to fit that bill.”
“Poor thing,” I say under my breath.
“Poor thing, my foot,” Stanton balks. “Neelie is privileged to be with someone like me.” He grabs Neelie’s hand, a touch too forcefully. “Come on, sweetheart, let’s dance.” He glances at me and scowls. “Let’s show them how it’s done when a woman is crazy about a man.”
Neelie squeals with delight—or maybe it was a cry for help—as Stanton yanks her over a few feet and then forces her to sway to the music with him.
I’ll admit, Stanton’s smug grin makes my blood boil just a bit.
Kimball leans in, his voice low. “He looks three times her age. I don’t know whether to laugh or have him arrested. Probably both.”
“It’s a conundrum he inspires most in people.”
The air turns inexplicably icy, and I’m about to turn when I hear, “Trixie, darling, there you are.”
Merritt Garrett glides on over with her dark hair perfectly styled and her dress hugging her curves like it was sewn onto her body. Behind her, two women follow—the same two from the gangway. The brunette has her dark hair pulled into a tight bun and pinned with what looks like miniature peacock feathers along with blue feathers for earrings that dangle around her neck. She’s paired the look with a sleek cream-colored pantsuit that’s well-fitted and shows off her figure.
Next to her is the bubbly blonde who’s donned a little red dress and is practically bouncing on bright red heels. That glowing pink cocktail in her hand might have something to do with it.
“Trixie, this is Josie Coffee, my literary agent.” Merritt nods to the brunette. “Josie, Trixie is an old friend from way back when.” She turns to the blonde. “And this is Visalia Jones, of course. She’s been with me through thick and thin. And we’ve seen a lot of both, haven’t we?” She winks at the woman and the blonde loses the smile on her face.
“Why yes, we have.” Visalia clears her throat before looking my way. “Nice to meet you, Trixie. Stanton was telling us earlier all about how you live on this ship. I can’t wait to hear all about it. You’re a living legend in my eyes.”
Merritt laughs as if it were the funniest thing in the world. “Leave it to Trixie to dupe the masses. That’s what she does best—especially with men. I jest.” She flicks her wrist my way. “Now where is that handsome fiancé of yours? I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a drop-dead gorgeous man before.”
“He’s on his way,” I say, trying to keep my voice light despite the need to steal Kimball’s drink and sling it at the woman. “He wanted to grab his book for you to sign.”
“Isn’t that sweet,” Merritt purrs, her eyes glinting with amusement. “I just can’t wait to make all of his wishes come true.”
“I bet,” I mutter. “Nice to meet you ladies.” I nod to both Josie and Visalia before heading back to the buffet where I left Bess and Nettie, but they’re nowhere to be seen. And since I’m next to all of this culinary perfection, I snap up a few skewers with shrimp on them and make quick work of them. I grab a champagne flute to wash it all down and scan the palatial suite once again for my friends.
The room hums with chatter, laughter, and the clink of glasses. It’s a decent party, but all I can think about is getting out of here and away from both Stanton and Merritt.
What a combination. And right before my wedding.
The universe really knows how to throw me a curve ball. Although I know perfectly well the universe had little to do with it. This is all Stanton’s dirty work at hand.
He knew that I couldn’t care less if he showed up, so he needed to find someone who would really get under my skin and boy, did he deliver.
I would have been happy going the rest of my life not to run into Merritt Garrett again. The woman has been a pariah in my existence for far too long. I swear the woman lives to make me miserable.
I’d take an entire ship full of ghosts rather than one Merritt Garrett. Speaking of which, I suppose I have that to be thankful for.
No sign of a ghost means no sign of an impending murder.
My gaze drifts to Stanton, then to Merritt.
“It’s too bad,” I whisper.
I’m about to turn back to the buffet when I note Merritt and Visalia going at it. Visalia turns to leave and Merritt grabs her by the wrist and spins her back around before saying something to the woman that looks rather nasty.
I’m not surprised. That’s practically Merritt’s signature move.
Merritt bites the air between them before darting off and bumping right into a body.
A rather strong, handsome body in a fitted Italian suit.
It takes less than two seconds for Merritt to assess the handsome Ransom situation before she wraps her arms around him and plants a kiss right on his lips.
“ You’re going to die ,” I bellow and the entire room stops and turns my way.