I looked at the man speaking next to me. “I guess you’re going to explain it.” I said to Stark.
“What I’m going to do is offer you a chance to get on the right side of things. My goal, as is Jay Wallace’s, is to improve Salvation. As a teacher, I’m sure you’ve seen many ways this town could be better with the right leadership.”
“Where does Jefferson fit in?”
Stark waved a hand. “Don’t worry about him. I know teachers don’t get paid a lot. You probably have student loans and other debt. I’m prepared to offer you a financially lucrative opportunity.”
I looked at him. “I’ve heard all about you, Stark. I don’t want any part of your plans to hurt the good people of Salvation.”
“Hurt?” He pressed his hand over his chest like I’d offended him. “I’m trying to make this town better. Help it live up to its potential.”
I saw Holly walk into the ballroom and immediately, Rick was by her side. My hackles went up.
“Most people don’t seem to agree with your ideas on what will make Salvation better,” I said absently as I watched Rick and Holly across the room.
“They’re just stuck in their ways. They need help to see how much better things can be. You can help with that.”
Holly’s eyes were heated as she said something to Rick. He took her arm and started to pull her out of the room. She attempted to yank it free, but he held a tight grip. I was already halfway across the room.
It took me time to weave through everyone, and when I reached them, they were against the wall, with Rick blocking her in.
I grabbed him, and slammed him against the wall. “You keep you
r hands off her!”
Rick pushed me back, and I hit a passing waiter, causing the drinks to crash to the floor. I didn’t give a shit, I lunged at him again.
“Tucker!” Holly called out, but I wasn’t sure if she was mad at me for confronting him or concerned.
“You want to manhandle someone, manhandle me. No true gentleman grabs women,” I told Rick. “You lost your chance with her, so keep your fucking hands of her.”
“What is going on!” Meredith shouted.
Before I could respond, Rick said, “I’m Holly’s fiancé. They’re not really married. They’re lying to you.”
Ah fuck.
Meredith looked from me to Holly. “What is he saying?”
“He’s just jealous—”
Holly interrupted me. “I was engaged to Rick, but he left me at the altar.”
He had the good sense to look down at that when Meredith scowled at him.
“What’s this about you and Tucker?” she asked.
Holly blew out a breath. “We’re not married.”
Meredith drew back like she’d been slapped. I wanted to tell her that I’d loved Holly. That my feelings were real even if we didn’t have a piece of paper signed by a clergyman. But Holly had been clear that her feelings weren’t the same. So I didn’t know how to intervene.
“Why would you tell me otherwise?” Meredith demanded.
“They want your money,” Rick said, straightening his tie. Because we were already making a scene, I pushed him back against the wall again.
“Is that true? You were scamming me?” Meredith’s expression was horrified.
Holly's eyes pleaded for understanding. “No. I really am raising funds for the library, but you seemed to think less of me for not being married—”