Cruel Fortune (Cruel 2)

Luckily, the rest of the table kept a steady stream of conversation while the crew sat around, silent. It was almost sad, considering how I’d seen them the first time. How well they knew each other. But also, how easy the banter had been between them. I hadn’t known then that it was bred from lies and secrets and loyalty, not just love. But to see that kind of friendship splintered was upsetting.

Even if it was their own fault. With the stupid bet. It was still sad. A bit like seeing a family fall apart.

Thankfully, we didn’t have to wait too long for Katherine and Camden to show up. They walked gracefully into the room together as they were announced as Mr. and Mrs. Camden Percy. From the look on Katherine’s face, that must have stung. The wedding party took up their seats at the front of the room, and then dinner was served.

I was damn well ready to leave as soon as we possibly could at this point. Being seated between Penn and Lewis was bad enough. But the anger that they kept venting at each other was something else entirely. I’d seen them together any number of times…even since Lewis and I’d started dating, and they hadn’t been like this. Something must have happened, but I didn’t know what.

I was digging into my dessert when I heard Rowe’s date talking to the other woman who had complimented my dress. My head tilted up, and I strained to see if what I’d thought I’d heard was true.

“And this is a book?” the second woman asked.

Rowe’s date nodded. “It’s insane. Told like a total insider, Jana.”

“Seriously, Michelle? You think someone from the Upper East wrote it?”

“Has to be. No other explanation.”

“I’ve never even heard of it. Tell me the name again.”

“Oh, let me pull it up on my phone.”

My mouth went dry as I waited…and waited.

“Here it is. Bet on It by Olivia Davies.” Michelle pushed the phone in front of Jana’s face.

Which was good because mine had gone pale as a ghost. They were talking about my book. Holy fuck! They were talking about my book on the Upper East Side. Trying to figure out who in the inside circle had written it. Oh god. I’d never imagined.

“It’s so juicy, Jana. And I have thoughts on who I think the characters are based on.”

“You’ve convinced me. I’m going to go get my copy now.” She’d already pulled up her phone to purchase it.

“I need to know who you think Emerson is. She’s a real heinous bitch. I can think of a dozen of us without a blink,” she said with a laugh.

“Heinous bitch is like Upper East Side MO.”

“Totally. I bet it’s Candice. No one is as nasty as her. You’re going to have to tell me who you think it is when you read it.”

“Oh, I will.”

“But Luke.” Jana fanned herself. Unknowingly getting hot and bothered at the thought of Penn sitting only three seats down from her. “He’s so fucking sexy. Don’t blame any of them for fighting for that man.”

“Fictional men are just so much better.”

I couldn’t take it anymore. I needed to get out of there. Away from this conversation. When I’d written that book, I hadn’t thought about the Upper East Side reading it and speculating. But I should have.

I pulled out my own phone and texted Amy our signal on shaky hands.

Okay???

Lewis put his hand on mine. “Don’t worry about it. They’re not going to put it together,” he whispered.

“Let’s hope not.”

Thankfully, with dessert over, the rest of the plates were cleared, and the party began. Penn immediately disappeared from our table, as if standing in our presence for that long had been real torture.

I grabbed my small bag and followed Lewis toward the dance floor, carefully avoiding both Michelle and Jana. Katherine and Camden were waltzing to their first dance and were soon joined by the rest of the party. I swayed with Lewis, resting my head on his shoulder.

“What if they figure it out?” I asked.

“They won’t. It’s fine. I read it. It could be any number of people. It wasn’t like you made the main characters the mayor’s son and a girl whose dad is in prison for securities fraud. You fictionalized it. Unless they were there, they’re not going to know.”

He was right. I’d made it unrecognizable from what had really happened and who the people were. But still…

A few dances in, my phone started ringing. I glanced down at it and saw Amy’s number appear.

“I have to take this,” I said with faux concern. “Amy knows I’m here. She wouldn’t call if it wasn’t important.”

“Yeah, of course. Go ahead. I’m going to get another drink.”

I nodded at him and then beelined for the exit. I felt a twinge of regret at the slight deception as I answered the phone.