Chapter 44 Audrey #2
“I’m not too proud to say I screwed up, but come on Drey, you know we belong together.
It makes sense.” He drops the cigar nub, grinding it into the pavement with his leather loafers.
“Don’t be mad at your father or me. It’s just business, baby.
Look on the bright side, in a few weeks, your stocks are going to double.
” He has the audacity to wink at me. As if money makes this okay.
As if cheating on your fiancé, or lying to your daughter, or because it’s just business made everything okay.
“I need to leave,” I mutter, one hand clutching my head, the other pressed against my stomach, as the cocktail glass slips from my grasp. It crashes to the ground, shattering into jagged pieces at my feet, the sound cutting through the air like a scream.
“Holy shit Audrey, try to be an adult and cut the dramatics. I assured your father there was no bad blood between us. Don’t make me look like a fool.” He held out his hand and it takes everything in me not to scream. Instead, I swat his hand away.
“Fuck off, Jackson. And don’t call me Drey.” I throw my head back in disbelief. “Need I remind you this mess is entirely your fault?”
“This right here, this fit of yours, is exactly why I cheated in the first place. You’re a spoiled bitch who—”
Jackson’s voice halts mid-sentence, silenced by a deep voice that cuts through the air behind me.
“I don’t think you want to finish that sentence.”
My body stiffens, and I steal a glance to my left where Rhett stands just a few feet away, his jaw rigid with tension. My gaze snaps back to Jackson as he spits out another insult.
“I don’t know who the fuck you are, man, but this doesn’t concern you.
Step over the glass, Audrey, and come inside.
It's time to act like civilized adults instead of this pathetic display. Can you handle that?” Jackson steps forward, grabbing me by the waist and lifting me over the shattered glass.
“Let go of me, Jackson! I’m not going anywhere with you!” He drops my feet to the ground but tightens his grip on my arm.
In a flash, Jackson is yanked off his feet, his fingers tearing away from me as Rhett’s fist grips the front of his shirt.
“What the—” is all he manages to spat out before Rhett’s free fist makes contact with Jackson’s jaw. With my own dress twisted in my hands, I step back, mouth hanging wide open.
Jackson’s back hits the grass as Rhett kneels over him, his reddened fist trembling inches from Jackson’s bloodied lip.
“Rhett, stop! Get off him!” My limbs shake as I reach for Rhett’s shoulder, pulling him back. He stands, shirt askew, and Jackson springs up, hand clutching his jaw. Rhett narrows his eyes, pointing a finger at my ex.
“If you ever so much as look in her direction again, I will snap your fucking neck.” His words send chills down my spine, and the tension hangs in the air, heavy and suffocating; as if one single breath could reignite the fight at any moment.
Jackson spits blood into the grass, splatters hitting Rhett's shoes.
“Do you have any idea who I am?” he shouts, palming his own chest.
Rhett laughs, cocking his head back. “I know exactly who you are.”
“You’ll be hearing from my lawyer!”
“Let’s go, Rhett.” I turn, grabbing his arm to lead him back to the car. I’m not sticking around to watch this turn into more of a blood bath.
“Should’ve known.” Jackson let out a snarled laugh. “Of course he’s with you, Drey.”
Rhett flinches, but I tighten my fingers around his bicep. “Ignore him.”
“Bet Daddy’s real proud of you, bringing home literal trash,” Jackson said just loud enough for me to hear, but before Rhett can even respond, I spin around, marching straight up to Jackson. His eyes go wide as my fist makes direct contact with his nose.
I’ve never hit anyone in my life. But I'd be lying if I said I didn’t feel a drop of satisfaction as I pull back my hand and see the shock on his face; even as my hand screamed in pain.
“That’s for cheating on me,” I screeched, and before he could say anything else, I knee him straight between his legs. As he doubles over, I lean down to whisper in his ear. “He’s twice the man you’ll ever be.”
“What the hell is going on out here?” my mother shrieks, rushing across the front yard in heels. She glances over her shoulder, probably panicking someone will see something.
“You did this. You wanted me to get back with him?” I yelled at her, no longer caring who saw or heard me. She clutches her necklace.
“Lower your voice before you cause a scene, Audrey Diane Elson.” Her fake smile was long gone as she nearly trembled in her gold heels.
“No.” I shake my head, thinking about the reality here. “I will no longer make myself small just so you feel comfortable around me.”
Jackson groans, and my mom slaps her hand over her open mouth.
“My god! What the hell happened out here?”
“He got what he deserved,” I state clearly.
“You can’t go into the party like this,” she replied, pulling out her phone, probably to call my father, but I’m not waiting around to find out.
“I’m leaving,” I bite out.
“One day you’ll understand. This is for you, for the family,” my mom replies, eerily calm.
I stop in my tracks, turning around to face her.
“No Mom, see, that’s where you’re wrong. I will never understand. Because I would never choose money over love.”
This time, I refuse to wait for a response. Turning on my heel, I walk toward the car, Rhett close behind me. He heard everything, he sees my family for exactly who they are, but it doesn’t matter anymore. After tonight, nothing will ever be the same.
It couldn’t be.
A wave of dizziness and nausea circles back. It has nothing to do with the drinks on an empty stomach and everything to do with the man who is silently typing the resort address into his phone.
It doesn’t matter if I want to reach out and kiss him, thank him for saving me from Jackson, or apologize for the overwhelming regret eating me alive. I should’ve known better than to bring him here.
I should’ve continued to protect him.
We ride back to the resort in darkness and silence, giving me the pleasure of reliving the party again and again in my head.
When we pull up to the valet, Rhett hands over the keys, and I catch a glimpse of fresh bruises forming on his knuckles.
My hand doesn’t feel good either, but it’s nothing compared to the feeling in my chest, knowing he came back for me even after I hurt him.
I didn’t deserve him on the rooftop, and I don’t deserve him now.