Standing By: A Knight's Tale #2 by Claudia Y. Burgoa

minute the skirt is going to roll up my ass to look like a t-shirt. Bridget’s eyes glance from Mitchel to me; her dark brown eyes about to shoot daggers. When I look at her closely, I realize her hair is identical to Mom’s, except it is strawberry blonde instead of platinum like Mom’s. She also wears a dress similar to Mom’s and mine.
    “I always wondered when she will start dressing more like you and less like an underprivileged child with no taste, Caroline.”
    I move to the side after she spits those words along with the venom. Way to choose your friends Mom. By the way, lady, your daughter chose this trashy dress.
    “Mitchel, do I remember correctly?” Mom extends her hand, then turns her attention towards me. “You’re a good looking man.” She bats her fake eyelashes at him. “Have I mentioned that he’s out of your league, sweetie? If you couldn’t land someone like Kevin, no offense, Bridge, you certainly won’t be able to get to first base with this one, Hayley. When I said lose your virginity this weekend, I should’ve added, you have to think realistically. Does he have money? You hate men with money.”
    She’s right; I don’t like men with money. That’s one of my biggest requirements… no millionaires, billionaires or any man that has the power to do whatever they want. Yes, you can say I’m damaged. The past twenty some years taught me to steer away from people like my family.
    “I’m aware she doesn’t like my kind; successful, handsome and sexy.” My second worst nightmare—along with his ego—speaks with that deep voice of his. I’m ninety-nine percent sure he’s about to throw me to the sharks. “But she loves me, don’t you, Muffin?” Mitch gives me a chaste peck. I freeze, surprised by his comment and the tingles running through my body; almost sure they are a consequence of that kiss. “If you must know, I’m here because I couldn’t live without her for an entire weekend. That’s why I planned my brother’s bachelor party around Paige’s wedding.”
    “Good.” Mom claps her hands.
    I want to stab someone. Possibly myself because this is getting out of hand. It’s like watching a mudslide and instead of reaching for the branch that will help me stay safe and clean, I wait for it to suck me in.
    Not very smart, Hayley.
    “Your dad will throw the biggest wedding for you two.”
    “I don’t want a big wedding, Mom.” I’ve told her a million times what I want. White beaches, only family and close friends, sunset. Did I mention small? Each time we go to a stupid wedding, it’s the same. She doesn’t listen to me. “I’d rather have Elvis as my witness than your frivolous affair.”
    “I feel for you, Carolina,” Bridget says giving me another disdained glance. Carolina? Where the hell did that come from? “At least mine will marry soon, but yours… you’ll be lucky if in twenty years someone takes pity on her and knocks her up, like it happened with you.”
    Mitch pulls me away, and we head to my room. After we finally enter and close the door, I let out a big breath.
    Dad and I have something in common: we both hate Bridget Parrish. She’s not a nice person, and she hates me, not my mother; me.
    “That was Parker’s mother, wasn’t it?” Mitch’s question is followed by a worried glare. “You’re bleeding,” he shows me my palm.
    My not so long nail broke the skin while the Bitch Club ganged up on me. This is what I do: take it out on myself, release the emotional pain as the surge of another pain takes over. If only he knew what I can do when I have a sharp tool.
    “Let’s clean you up before we head out for dinner.”
    “Oh no, I’m not having dinner with your ego that has a Food Critic complex.” He pulls me to the bathroom, takes a hand towel, wets it and cleans my wound. “Thank you… for… I don’t know, helping me with Mom?”
    “Why does that bitch, Bridget, hate you so much?”
    “Not sure, I think it’s because, even