Page 10 of Condemned to You

“You mean how’s paying everything that I have no say in? Expensive.”

We both laughed but it quickly died out when a hand wearing a large emerald cut diamond engagement ring elegantly, set in a sleek platinum band, was placed on his chest as a reminder that this man was taken. The ring was a timeless piece that exuded sophistication and elegance. Words I wouldn’t necessarily describe Kathy Harrington as.

“Bethany,” Kathy smiled with such fake enthusiasm. “Happy birthday!”

“Thank you,” I replied. “Hamilton was just talking about how excited he is for the wedding.”

There was a sense of relief as she let out a breath and relaxed her shoulder. “Next month and I’ll be Mrs. Branton. What a dream come true.”

Hamilton wrapped his arm around her and pulled her into him. He was good at pretending but I saw right through this facade. This marriage stemmed from his father wanting to see him married before he passed.

“I’m happy for both of you.”

Placing her hand on her chest, “I’m glad this hasn’t ruined our friendship. You and Hamilton only had a brief entanglement but he assured me it wouldn’t cause any tension.”

Our friendship? I held back from laughing out loud. Kathy and I were more like frenemies. Neither one of us would bat an eye if we wanted to date the other’s ex. As for the brief entanglement with Hamilton, I would just keep it at that.

“Hamilton and I were friends first,” I replied, “And if both my friends are happy being together then who am I to get in between that.”

Kathy [CJ4] wrinkled her nose and smiled as she knew I couldn’t care less about her. Her dull auburn hair perfectly pinned up showcasing her pearl earring and necklace as I stood beside her; we looked like a contradiction – a mix between Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe.

“You’ll be our first dinner guest after we move into the new house,” Hamilton cocked a smile while Kathy rolled her eyes. He loved Kathy and I’s so-called friendship, finding it amusing.

“We should go say hi to the mayor,” she said.

“Luca DeCarlo just walked in,” Hamilton said to her. “Let’s go say hi to him first.”

“Kissing ass already?” I commented.

“No,” Hamilton said as though correcting me, “Just being polite.”

“Sure,” I laughed as I drank from my glass.

“Your brother requested a meeting,” Kathy [CJ5] cut in as she always did when she felt the conversation was leaving her out.

“I didn’t know that,” I replied and shot Hamilton a look.

“Don’t start. I’m not running for D.A.” Hamilton said.

“Honey! You’d be amazing, “ she encouraged.

“I agree, although I don’t think you’d get along with Luca very well.”

Hamilton laughed at my comment knowing exactly what I meant. “I’ll catch you later.” He took his fiancé's hand and they walk[CJ6] ed in the direction of my brother who was already looking at me. I turned away and looked for my friends who abandoned me for the dance floor.

“Thank you for that,” I commented as I joined them.

“You let a good one go B,” Natasha commented. “Too bad your brother didn’t approve.”

“Can we not talk about my brother? Not tonight – it’s my birthday wish.”

“Where’s his wife?” Tiffany commented. “She should know better than to leave a good-looking man like him alone.”

Before I could answer, the DJ cut the music. All focus turned to him as he spoke into the microphone.

“Ladies and gentlemen, let’s give a round of applause to Bethany the birthday girl.”

The crowd applauded me as I blew kisses in thanks.