That’s it, I can’t take it anymore. Istand up with my plate in hand, tears threatening behind my eyes. I don’t lookat anyone. I dump the uneaten food in the garbage and leave the room in thebest calm and collected manner I can muster.
“Katie,” Jill calls after me. “We don’twant you to be fat for your wedding.”
CHAPTERTHREE
Once in the hall, I run. I hear Cole callmy name, but I don’t stop, I’m too embarrassed. I reach the foyer of elevatorsand push the one opposite of mine and Cole’s. I know it goes up to Alan andCooper’s. The elevator opens and I get in. I punch in the code, and the doorsslide close.
When the elevator dings, a security guardis standing in front of it. He eases his stance when he sees it’s me.
I suck in a breath. “Sorry,” I mutter.
“What in the hell?” Alan yells, shovingthe security guy aside with his cane. “You’re going to make the poor girl cry.”
“I’m okay,” I mutter, a tear sliding downmy cheek as I walk out of the elevator. This villa differs from mine andCole’s. It doesn’t have a grand staircase, and I walk directly into the livingroom.
“I’m going to kill that grandson of mine,I will be right back.”
“No, please.” I put a hand on Alan’s armto keep him from getting in the lift. “It wasn’t Cole, it was my family.”
“Here,” Alan pulls a handkerchief out ofhis pocket and puts his arm around me, ushering me to the sofa. “Tell me whathappened.”
“Oh, nothing in particular, just myfamily being their normal irritating selves. They think they’re helping me. Butreally all they’re doing is belittling me, and it makes me feel bad. Like Idon’t know how to handle the big bad world around me. And it’s their job tokeep me on the right path. Even if it’s a path I don’t want to take. I knowthat doesn’t make any sense, does it?”
“There, there, everything will be allright.” Alan pats my head and I lower it to his shoulder.
A few minutes later, the elevator dings.Both Alan and I look up. The security guy doesn’t budge, so he must know who’sit is. The doors slide open, and Cole comes striding out. Our eyes lock, but Ilook away, hurt and embarrassed, covering my face with my hands.
“Grandpa, could you give Kate and I a fewminutes alone?” Cole asks.
“Kate, is that okay with you?” Alansqueezes my shoulder.
I just nod. I don’t really want to talkto Cole. But I need him to hold me.
“Kate.” Cole’s breath is warm on my neck.“Let’s go talk in the bedroom.”
I drop my hands and open my eyes to findCole kneeling in front of me, concern etched across his face. “Okay,” Iwhisper.
He stands, extending his hand, and I takeit. He leads me back into an extra unused bedroom. He lets go of my hand and Iwalk in, standing at the edge of the bed and watching him close the door. Itake a deep breath, trying to get a handle on my emotions. “I know you’re notgoing to believe this, since everything I’ve done is contrary to this. But I’mnot usually prone to emotional outbursts.”
“Kate, I know you told me how your momcan be overbearing and pushy. I just never realized to what extent.” Cole comesup, taking my hands and leading me back to sit on the bed.
I sigh. This, unfortunately, is my motherat her worst. She’s mad. I know it’s from me telling her no over the sleepingarrangements. “My mom is feeling the need to put me in my place. And for somereason, so is everyone else.” I exhale a deep breath and fall back with a puffonto the soft down comforter.
Cole crawls up, leaning on his elbow,looking down at me. “Why do think that is?”
“I don’t know. It’s not usually this bad.Usually a mention here, and jab there. They seem to have come out in full forcetoday.”
“Can I tell you what I think?”
I glance over at Cole and shrug. “Okay.”
“They’re jealous.”
I scoff, “Yeah right.”
“Kate, I’m serious.” He slides hisfingers along my chin, pulling my gaze back to him.
“Why are they jealous?”
