Chapter 69

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