Chapter 3 Lacey #2
It’s nearly ten o’clock, and the lights over the koi pond reflect on the smooth surface like floating stars. I lean my elbows against the railing and let my eyes flutter closed. Everything about this night has been exhausting, as I expected it would be.
For the event staff, it’s our chance to meet the guests closest to the bride and groom, to understand any unusual requests or limitations the family might have, and to note any changes we might need to make so the wedding itself goes more smoothly.
I did all that and managed to ping-pong my way past Dylan, who seemed to be everywhere and constantly too close.
I deserve a hot bubble bath and a massage.
I bend a knee and lift one heel out of my shoe to give my toes a rest, when I feel a hand snake along my waist.
“Fuck, you look beautiful tonight. I can hardly keep my eyes off you.”
I stiffen and spin to confront Dylan, moving so fast, I step completely out of my shoe. Wobbling on one heel, I put up a hand to push the man an arm’s length distance away from me.
“What the hell did I tell you?” I seethe. “Don’t you have an ounce of respect?”
My words come out hot and fast—and so loud, I am afraid I shouted them. But at this point, screw this jerk. If Botox Barbie finds out he is a cheater at their daughter’s wedding, that is so not my problem.
I stab a finger toward his chest. “Can you try to keep it in your fucking pants while your wife is literally right across the room? Your not-at-all-dead wife, I might add,” I hiss.
Dylan’s expression goes from suggestive to shocked.
“You don’t have to be such a bitch,” he says, reaching for my hand and pulling me close.
“I don’t know what your problem is, Lacey.
I was simply paying you a compliment. I’m a guest of this establishment, and I would expect you to act with the courtesy the Lantana is known for. ”
“My issue, Dylan, is you,” I say, tugging my hand away from his.
Once, his touch felt welcoming, but now, I feel nothing but cold fury.
“I told you to stay the hell away from me, but you won’t stop.
And, yes, you are a guest at this establishment.
Nothing more, not to me. So, I’d appreciate if you’d act like a guest and not some horny teenager who can’t help following me around and making inappropriate little comments. ”
He doesn’t loosen his grip on my wrist. In fact, he tightens it, and I wince at the burn against my skin. “You want to talk about inappropriate, Lacey?”
He’s baiting me. I have no idea what he thinks I might have done that’s inappropriate, but I have a feeling I’m about to hear it.
“Is this how you dress for all your rehearsal dinners? Fucking tits practically falling out of your dress. Fuck-me heels? You’re trying to tell me this little show you’re putting on isn’t all about me?”
“You’re not doing this to me right now,” I insist, trying to wrestle my arm away without tipping over on the one high heel I’m still wearing.
“This is my place of business. I work here,” I bite out.
“Your daughter and future-son-in-law are fifty feet away. Your entire family. What I wear and how I conduct myself is my business, not yours.” I try to appeal to any shred of decency this man might have.
That’s a big if, though, as he confirms when he threatens me right to my face.
“It is your place of business, and unless you want to find yourself looking for a new job, I’d suggest you stop being such a fucking tease and be a little fucking cordial with your guests. Especially one who’s paying the kind of money I am for a prestige experience here.”
Prestige experience? I am about to tell him exactly the kind of prestige experience he deserves when someone steps up behind him, and the words die on my lips.
“Mr. Acosta.”
The boom of the voice hits Dylan like a kick to the back of the knees. I see him flinch, first looking pissed at the intrusion, but then, as he turns and faces the angry mountain that is Eagle’s chest, I can see Dylan’s shoulders sag in his expensive suit.
“Is there a problem, friend?” Dylan’s voice is tight. He sounds like an entitled prick who’s been caught with his hand in the cookie jar, and yet he still thinks it deserves to be there.
Eagle twirls his index finger in the air, motioning to the empty garden.
“Listen good, Mr. Acosta. First, you ain’t my friend.
But you are one of the guests, and from what I can see, you’re a pretty important guest, as far as the bride and groom are concerned.
Now, I wouldn’t normally risk embarrassing one of Lantana’s guests, let alone the father of the bride, so I hope like hell I’m mistaken. ”
He takes a step closer to Dylan, and I can see past Dylan’s shoulders that Eagle’s nostrils are flared, his teeth bared like an animal ready to bite.
“I hope I didn’t just see you lay hands on Ms. Mercer.
I’d be real wrong if I thought there was anything funny going on out here, wouldn’t I?
” Eagle crosses his thick arms over his chest and cocks his chin.
“Tell me I’m wrong, sir, because I’d hate to have to break one of your more important bones the night before you’re supposed to walk your baby girl down the aisle. ”