Cat threw an arm around Jess, pulling her into her side. “Babe, I didn’t mean those cheeks, and I didn’t mean it’s a bad thing. You look gorgeous.”
“You do,” I agreed.
Jess exhaled slowly. “I’m a little sensitive because my jeans don’t fit anymore. And I know I’m pregnant … but will they ever fit again?”
“Mine didn’t.” Cat shrugged. “I’m a size bigger now than I was pre-Joey, and I never got back to it. Little bugger’s worth it, though.”
Jess frowned. “You have a beautiful figure.”
“So do you. And Jess, you’ll be gorgeous no matter what size you are. My brother thinks so too.”
“I know this is about Emery …” Jess put her hand on my arm as we approached the salon. “And I know Cooper is entirely indifferent to his ex-wife, but sometimes it galls that she’s so beautiful.”
Oh. I hadn’t even thought about that. How selfish of me. “Jessica, you don’t have to come in.”
“Yeah, she does.” Cat stopped us, scowling at Jess. “I hope what just came out of your mouth is pregnancy hormones because you know, I know, Em knows, and Cooper for goddamn sure knows that Dana Kellerman is a pile of shit frosted in diamonds. Don’t even think about feeling insecure about her looks. She’s the devil.”
“She’s just so smug.” Jess crossed her arms over her chest.
“What does she have to be smug about? You’re walking in there with Coop’s ring on your finger, the kid you guys made in your belly, and the whole town has followed your love story like it’s a goddamn fairy tale. Nearly every woman in Hartwell watches the way my brother looks at you, and they envy the hell out of you. Me? I look at the way you watch my brother, and I am so grateful he ended up with you. He’s a great guy, a wonderful brother, a fantastic uncle … but he and I both know you’re not the only lucky one in this scenario. He’s so lucky to have found you. And she”—Cat pointed to the salon—“deep down knows that no man will ever feel about her that way because she will end up with someone just as selfish as she is. Any good man she ever meets will eventually see right through her.”
The sisters shared a loving, affectionate look, and I finally had to clear my throat.
I mock glared at Cat. “Are you just going to use up any and all material I can use against Dana?”
“What?”
“A pile of shit frosted in diamonds. And that last thing you just said about men—maybe I wanted to say those things to her face.”
Cooper’s sister snorted. “If I’d known how fun you were, I would’ve made more of an effort to get to know you.” Her smile died. “You know what, I’m sorry, Em. I am one of the people you should be calling out. I should have made an effort to be your friend.”
“It goes both ways, Cat.”
“True. But I have the advantage of not being shy.” She turned to face the salon. “Are we going to do this?”
“Now I’m nervous.” I wrung my hands, my heart racing. “I lost my momentum.”
Jess looked remorseful. “I’m sorry. That was me. I made it about me.”
“Don’t be silly. I’m dragging you into a salon to face your husband’s ex-wife.”
Cat sighed. “Let’s stop yammering and go in. People are looking.”
It was true. Some ladies inside the salon were peering curiously out at us.
“Emery needs a plan,” Jess argued.
“I have a plan.” I threw my shoulders back, feeling nauseated but determined. “I plan to call her out.” I marched to the door.
“Oh, we’re going in, we’re going in!” Cat hurried Jess along behind me, sounding way too excited.
Entering the salon, my eyes zeroed in on Dana who was standing in front of Sherry, the owner of Sherry’s Trousseau, chatting to her as she sat under the hood dryer. Her eyes flew to the door and she froze.
I stopped, feeling Cat and Jess nudge into my back with the abrupt movement.
Dana smirked and sashayed toward us.
All eyes were on me.
I felt them.
I sensed their judgment.
Dana’s gaze moved to Jess, darkened with hatred, and then to Cat. They flickered a little warily … and I realized she might be afraid of Cat.
Good.
“How can I help?”
The hairdryers in use by Jennifer and her other stylist quieted. Both women watched me. I now had every person in that salon’s attention. I swallowed hard, feeling my knees shake.
My cheeks were on fire.
When I looked at Dana again, she saw my blush and sneered.
“Do you speak?” she snapped.
I could do this.
I straightened my shoulders. “Jack and I were told you’re spreading a vicious rumor about us. I came to demand that you desist.”
To my shock and gratitude, my words came out strong and stern.
Tension moved through the salon as Dana raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”