Author: S.E. Law
Category: Young Adult
Go to read content：https://readnovelfree.com/p/5033_14
“I heard lab created stones are the same chemically as naturally-occurring diamonds,” I begin. But Marina cuts me off.
“No, they’re not the same,” she says in a sharp voice. “Lab created diamonds are for paupers. What Mother Earth provides is much more valuable, even if the stones have the same gemological profiles.” But then her voice softens. “It doesn’t matter, though. I know this talk is just wasted on the wrong ears. Perhaps you’ve heard of my fiancé though? He’s quite well-known around these parts, and provides a lot of jobs to the city.”
I nod, not really listening.
“Maybe. Gainesville is a small town, but I’m not very plugged into the news these days. I have my job and my son, and that takes all my time.”
Marina laughs with a note of scorn in her voice.
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“Yes, of course. It figures. Small town minds for small town people. But my fiancé is a very wealthy man, and I’m sure you have friends or relatives working at his company. After all, he’s a major employer in this area. Have you heard of Lancaster Industries? My fiancé’s name is also Lancaster: Patrick Lancaster, to be exact.”
The spray bottle and comb almost drop from my hands. She can’t be serious. This woman is getting married to Patrick? How can that be? She’s a bitch, so what could he see in someone like this?
Even more important, Patrick can’t possibly be getting married, not when he has a son with me. What’s going on? The world spins and I feel suddenly dizzy. I’m going to collapse if I talk to this woman a moment longer.
“Um, Missy, can you take over for a moment? I just need to go to the women’s restroom for a sec,” I manage in a reasonably steady voice.
My co-worker stares at me.
“Sure,” she says, taking the comb and spray bottle from my hands. “Miss Alpern, I’m Missy. I’m a styling assistant at SexyFlow, and I’ll be prepping your hair. Penny will be back in a moment to blow dry it.”
With that, I race off to the restroom in the back of the shop. My heart is racing and I’m breathless. What’s going on? How can be Patrick be getting married to someone else? I suppose I always figured it was possible, but why? The pit in my stomach feels bottomless, and suddenly, nausea overwhelms me.
7
Penny
After suffering a dizzy spell in the bathroom at SexyFlow, I managed to pull myself together and walk back outside.
“It’s about time,” sniffed Marina upon seeing me. “My hair is drenched now, and I have a lunch date this afternoon. I need to get out of here sooner rather than later, if you don’t mind.”
I was numb now with shock. I couldn’t even feel hatred towards the woman for her rudeness.
“My apologies,” I said in a quiet voice. “I’ll get right to it.”
With that, I pulled out the hairdryer and fortunately, the noisy machine prevented any more conversation. I gave Marina Alpern the best blow-out of her life, but being a skinflint, she merely shrugged after it was done and left me a three-dollar tip.
“Thanks,” she said, picking up her fur coat and draping it about her thin shoulders. “This will do.”
With that, she swept outside, got into her car, and zoomed off with a mighty roar. Missy turned to stare at me with wide eyes.
“What the hell was that?”
I was too numb to feel anything at that moment.
“I have no idea, but I hope she never comes back.”
“Me too,” murmured Missy. “What a bitch.”
I smiled halfheartedly and threw myself into work for the rest of the day. I wouldn’t let myself think about Patrick, his soon-to-be-bride, and his impending nuptials. I forced myself to focus on my customers, and probably provided the most attentive service they’ve ever had, even if in the back of my mind, thoughts about Patrick with Marina Alpern churned non-stop.
Now, I’m back home after an exhausting day, and I collapse on the bed. Georgie and my dad are already asleep fortunately, and as I lay on my faded pink bedspread, hot tears begin to slip down my face. What the hell? How can Patrick be getting married to her? It’s an absolute nightmare.
The hurt and betrayal in my chest cause my heart to contract painfully, and with trembling fingers, I pick up the phone. I have to talk to someone about this, otherwise I’m going to have a breakdown.
“Hey girl,” Eloise’s voice sounds out from the other side. “What’s going on? I have a hot date tonight, but you caught me just as I was stepping out the door.”
“Oh sorry. I can call back later,” I mumble.
But my friend can hear the distress in my voice and her voice sharpens immediately.
“Hey, are you okay girlfriend? You’re sounding a little shaky there.”
“No, I’m fine,” I say, taking a deep breath. “I can tell you about it tomorrow.”