The Best Next Thing

“I told Miles nothing but the truth. And I donated the ring to a shelter for victims of domestic violence.” She took a great deal of satisfaction in Sandra’s appalled gasp. “It represented years of horrific abuse, and I hated wearing it. My fondest hope is that it has helped other women escape the same nightmare I lived through.”

“You had no right! It was Paul’s mother’s ring.”

Charity shrugged carelessly. “I can give you the name of the shelter, and you can try to track it down. But I never want to see the vile thing again.”

Sandra blinked, appearing confused by Charity’s nonchalance and lack of timidity. She inhaled, before changing the subject. Possibly in an attempt to goad an emotional response from Charity. “How dare you speak to that monster about my beautiful boy? And how could you sully my Blaine’s memory by whoring yourself to a man like that?”

Well…if she had been trying to provoke a reaction from Charity, she succeeded with that. Because it pissed Charity all the way off.

“Miles Hollingsworth is a thousand times the man Blaine was. He’s kind and gentle and caring. He would never hurt me. And like any sane man would be, he was sickened to hear what your son did to me in the name of love.”

“You killed my boy,” Sandra snapped. “I’ve been silent all these years, but we both know that it’s your fault he’s dead. You were toxic for him. And you drove him to do everything that he did. Drove him to kill himself.”

“Your precious fucking son tried to kill me that last night. And the only reason he committed suicide was because he thought he’d succeeded. I knew him well, and I know that he wasn’t man enough to face the consequences of what he thought he had done. I’m happy I’m free of him. Free of you. And I refuse to feel any guilt whatsoever about what happened that night. I lived in fear and pain and regret for too long. I left because I could no longer pretend to feel any kind of grief over his death. And because I couldn’t stand to watch my parents mourn for him. But I’m back now. And I won’t allow them to think of him as some saint anymore.”

The woman went gray, and Charity folded her arms over her chest, staring her down.

“What are you going to do?” The words were choked and panic stricken, but Charity had not an ounce of pity for her.

“That’s none of your concern. My family is none of your concern. I think it’s past time that you and Paul gracefully exit our lives.”

“Your parents are our best friends.”

“Not for much longer,” Charity promised grimly.

“Chari—”

The door to the restroom swung inward, and Faith and one of their cousins stepped inside. The two women were laughing, but the laughter froze when they sensed the tension in the room.

Faith eyed them warily. “Is everything okay?”

“Excuse me, I have to find Paul.” Sandra said, and hastened past the two women. Faith watched her leave while Melly, their cousin, ducked into one of the stalls.

“What’s up?” Faith asked, her voice hushed so that Melly wouldn’t hear them. “I know coming back here must be so painful, and it has to dredge up bittersweet memories. I hope you’re not finding it all too overwhelming.”

“No. Not in the way you’re thinking. I’m so happy to see everyone again. We have to have a family discussion tonight, after Gracie has settled down for the night. I have a lot to tell you.”

“Anything to do with that lovely man who brought you here today? I confess, after seeing the way he looks at you, I was rather hoping you were moving on from the past. I know how much you loved Blaine…but it’s time for…”

“Let me stop you right there, sis,” Charity interrupted her quietly. “Miles has been good to me. And we’ve grown close during his convalescence, but what I have to tell you has nothing to do with him. He and I soon will part as friends…” She ignored the painful jab in the vicinity of her heart as she uttered those surprisingly difficult words and continued on. “And that will be the end of it. As for Blaine…I haven’t felt anything close to love for him in a very long time.”

“I don’t understand.”

Charity grabbed her sister’s hand and squeezed it.

“Enjoy the party. I’ll explain later, okay?” Faith nodded, and Charity drew her into a fierce, tight hug. “I’m so happy to be here.”

As far as Miles could tell, the party was a (literal) screaming success. After the last excited little guests departed, Faith and Stuart ushered Gracie to their room for a bath and Charity’s parents, Erik and Rita, once again profusely thanked Miles for bringing Charity to the party, before heading to their suite to freshen up before dinner.