The Truest Thing (Hart's Boardwalk 4)

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?”

“You heard me. I’m losing business because of your slander. If you do not desist, I’ll be forced to take legal action.” I had no idea that’s what I would say, but out it came.

I heard Jess make a gurgling sound behind me and Cat muttered, “Fucking awesome.”

Dana’s jaw dropped. “You can’t do that. You have no evidence I’ve said anything.”

“We have witnesses. People who have come to us and told us you’re telling anyone who will listen that I tried to trap Jack by deliberately getting pregnant.” Despite my flaming cheeks and shaking legs, I grew more confident. “It’s lies.” I moved my attention from Dana to all the people in the salon. I looked them all in the eye, and they flinched a little at my obvious disappointment.

I returned my gaze to Dana. “Why anyone would believe someone like you, someone known to lie and cheat, I have no idea. But if my business doesn’t pick up because of the lies you’re spreading about me, I will take you to court.”

“You can’t.” She huffed in outrage. “You can’t do that. I’ve never heard of that.”

I shrugged casually and smirked. “Slander isn’t an easy charge to prove, but I have so much money at my disposal, I can afford to try. Can you afford to defend yourself?”

“Oh my God, I’m going to pee my pants, this is so good,” Cat muttered under her breath.

I tried not to laugh as I stared Dana down.

“I’m going to have to ask you to leave,” Dana demanded, gesturing to the door.

“And I’m going to have to ask you to desist spreading gossip and rumors or you’ll be hearing from my lawyer. I’m not leaving until you make it clear you understand.”

“I’m not dumb,” she snarled.