“Just remember, we hold all the cards now. They don’t know it yet, but both she and her father will soon get what’s coming to them.”
I nodded and smiled, wanting to be strong. It was one thing to feel safe and secure at home, but it was different trying to maintain the upper hand when you felt out of your element. I was going to be on Rosemary’s turf and she would have the home-field advantage. She had a way of making me feel like I was a kid playing dress-up.
After a few more encouraging words and hugs from Nicholas, I met Clara downstairs in her car. I clapped when I saw her costume. “You look like a beautiful witch, today!”
“I thought it was appropriate,” she said, patting the seat next to her as I got in. “I’m going to stick my broomstick up Rosemary’s bum tonight if she gets near you.”
I giggled, not accustomed to hearing the prim and proper Clara talk like that. And bum? Who really said that? I was definitely going to use the word when I was with Nicholas later.
“Hopefully, she will remember her manners and not make a fool of herself in high society.” That’s what I kept telling myself anyway.
Clara grabbed my hand and squeezed. “Well, don’t worry about a thing. We’re going to have fun.”
And she was right. I was blown away from the moment we walked in the door. Every inch of the ballroom was decorated. I’d never seen anything so festive.
Clara kept my arm in hers the entire time, introducing me to all her friends and gushing like a proud mother would. Several times I blushed and stammered from her praise, but it felt so good. It had been such a long time since I’ d had any kind of motherly attention, and I was lapping it up.
“Do you see anything you like?” she asked as we were perusing the silent auction tables.
I pursed my lips, glancing over everything again. There were a few celebrity “dates”, but those didn’t interest me. The pampering packages at local spas were interesting, as well as the private dinners catered by famous chefs in the area. My mouth watered from the descriptions of a few, and I placed a hand over my rumbling stomach.
I was hungry all the damn time.
I made a few bids, with Clara guiding me on how much to offer before we finally made our way over to the interactive area and took over a booth. There were several different games and activities for all the kids to partake in, and I was Having so much fun playing, I almost forgot Rosemary was anywhere in the vicinity.
But she just had to make her appearance known eventually. She sauntered up in her sleek costume, flanked by two other women dressed like they were playing her minions. to myself at the irony.
I finished handing out candy to a few more kids, before standing tall to face her. Clara was at my side in a flash.
“Ms. Hewitt, is there something you need?” Clara’s voice was ice cold, addressing her before she ever said a word to me. I was truly surprised. Yes, I knew Clara hated her, but I figured she would at least disguise It until after Nicholas had confronted Simon.
“Clara, it’s so good to see you!” Rosemary’s tone was sweet and phony as hell.
“I wish I could say the same,” Clara said.
Rosemary seemed as surprised as me, stepping back a little. “I hope Jefferson and Nicholas are doing well.”
Clara lifted her chin. “Nicholas has never been so happy. We are lucky Willow joined our family.”
“He overpaid for her, but hopefully he’ll get his money back.” She sent me a smug smile before turning her attention back to Clara. “I saw Nicholas not too long ago and he seemed quite stressed. I’ll drop by again soon to make sure he’s alright.”
I couldn’t believe she came right out and accused Nicholas of buying me. My eyes flitted to the friends beside her, but they didn’t really seem to be paying much attention or care about what she was saying. Clara grabbed my hand and held it in a vice grip.
“I’m sure Nicholas will throw you out, just as he has for the last many years.” Clara picked up a plastic ball and tossed it in her hand . “Are you here for some ball bobbing? I hear you’re a champion at it.”
Rosemary’s eyes narrowed, the facade she put on for the public crumbling right before our eyes. She glanced from Clara to me and back again.
“Is there a particular reason you’re being so rude?”
Clara chuckled darkly. Actually, it was almost a cackle, which would have fit perfectly with her outfit. I bit my lip to keep from smiling.
“There are many reasons,” she said, lowering her voice. “But mostly I just don’t care for insufferable bitches. You can move along now. You’re in the way and we’re here to raise money.”
I stood there in silence, completely stunned, but Clara kept squeezing my hand. Rosemary’s cheeks burned bright red, and I thought she was going to stomp her feet and throw a tantrum right in front of everyone.
One of her friends grabbed her arm, whispering something in her ear. Rosemary glared at us for a couple more seconds before turning on her heel and stalking off.
I turned to Clara after she stormed off. “Why did you do that?”
Her eyes glittered in triumph. “I won’t tolerate it any longer. You’re my family and nobody is going to mess with you. Especially not her. She’s done far too much damage already.”
She said I was her family. Did she have any idea how much that meant to me? My eyes watered as I threw my arms around her and gave her a hug. “Thank you.”
“Oh, honey.” She rubbed my back, before pulling back to watch my face . “You’re my daughter now. Forget that in-law business.”
I laughed, wiping my eyes. “Do you think Rosemary is going to tell her father what happened?”