VIOLA
I can’t believe him. He gave his business card to Trish’s mother? How insensitive can you be? I want to explode right there and then but I think there’s more than enough drama already and this is not about me and my opinion. I crush the urge to go after Rick and tell him just how cold-hearted, selfish, and opportunistic I think he is.
I step up to Trish who is still being held by her father. I put my arm on her back.
“I am so sorry, Trish,” I say.
She nods but does not look at me. I can’t tell if she even knows who I am right then but it’s not important now.
The bathroom door opens behind me and Eric and the bridesmaid, Cherise steps out. They blush immediately when they see the people that are still standing there and then they look at Trish and her parents.
Trish’s father tenses and he tries to get Trish to release him but her mother steps in.
“No George,” she says firmly. “We’re better than this.” Her words hit home and George listens.
Eric takes off quickly with Cherise heading for the lobby. I watch them go. I want to follow them and scream at them. I have so many obscenities aching to be released from the tip of my tongue but I know that as much as Eric is the villain here, he is also my client and I shouldn’t be taking sides. Or should I?
I bite my tongue as Ashley arrives beside me. Her eyes are filled with tears and I can tell she has already been crying for some time.
on her arm. She doesn’t look at me but looks down at
to go through with
out of earshot of her
blame myself? She didn’t want to go through with it. I convinced her she was wrong. I convinced her to go ahead and
your fault, Ash,” I reply.
did someone’s happiness come to mean less than my job and the money I get paid? She’ll carry this with
to comfort her. “You
asked suddenly turning on me. “Which is what? Protecting your name? Making sure your clients are
here. “Ash, please. Calm down. You’re not thinking clearly. You’re upset. I get it and I’m sorry. Just go
at me
“Please?” I asked.
she turns and heads
badly unprepared for it. The best in the game just got beat by a cheat. Beat by a cheat, I think to myself. Maybe I can become a poet
but simply looks down at her hands that are holding a business card. I glimpse the name on it. It’s Rick’s card. I feel
go on home? I’ll clean up here.
She nods to her husband and they help Trish up. Together they lead her to the lobby
I look around. What a mess,
walkie-talkie in my hand and speak
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