“Angie was just saying she hated weddings,” Steven said. “And marriage, too.”
Cole closed his eyes and reined in his temper before he reached out and silenced Angie’s friend. At least the guys were sort of helping her, unlike Patrick.
“See?” Brittany crossed her arms as if to say she had proved her point. “There you go.”
“I have been nothing but obliging about your wedding.” Angie took a step forward but stopped when Cole placed his hand on her shoulder. He knew her emotions were all over the place and that she could react unpredictably. “I have done everything you asked of me.”
“Then why do all these ‘accidents,’” sputtered Brittany, who was using air quotes, “and disasters happen when you’re around?”
“Because I’m required to be at every event,” Angie said calmly with a hint of real bitterness. “Every meeting, every fitting and every shower.”
“I wish you didn’t have to be. I knew you were trouble, but I had no choice.” Brittany gestured wildly at her fiancé. “Patrick wanted you in the bridal party and I certainly wasn’t going to let you be the best man.”
“Brittany...” Patrick said, but his warning had no conviction. Cole knew Patrick would take Brittany’s side, even if his bride tore Angie’s feelings to shreds.
“Having you in my bridal party changed everything,” Brittany revealed to Angie. “Heidi and Robin weren’t my first choice of bridesmaids. I had to ask them so we could work around your coloring and your body type.”
“That’s not my fault,” Angie said. “And who picks a bridesmaid based on their hair color? That’s ridiculous.”
Brittany wasn’t listening. “And now my maid of honor is hospitalized? Again? That can’t be a coincidence.” She clenched her fists at her sides and stood toe-to-toe with Angie. Angie refused to back down.
“Patrick,” Cole said as he watched Brittany vibrate with anger. “Get her away from Angie or I will.” And he wouldn’t be gentle when protecting Angie.
“Relax, Brittany,” Angie said as she met the bride’s hateful gaze. “I’m sure Robin will be fine for tomorrow’s ceremony.”
“But what if she isn’t?” Brittany poked her finger against Angie’s shoulder. “You’ve ruined everything.”
“That’s enough.” Cole stood between Angie and Brittany. He wasn’t about to allow this to escalate into a fistfight. “Angie didn’t do this. I was with her.”
Brittany snorted at his claim. “I’m supposed to take the word of a stripper?”
Cole’s nostrils flared. He wanted to tell Brittany that he was a former police detective and a private investigator. Most people would accept him as a credible witness and a solid alibi.
“Then take the word of the groomsman,” Angie said. “Take the ushers’ word. They all know me. They will vouch for me.”
Tim and Steven stared at each other and then looked away. “I need to use the bathroom,” Tim said as he darted for the door.
“Me, too,” Steven muttered as he backed away from the group.
“Seriously, guys?” Angie asked.
“And why does Brittany think Cole is a stripper? Wait up, Tim,” Steven said as he sprinted after his friend.
“Come on, Brittany,” Cheryl cooed in a soothing voice as she cautiously touched her boss’s elbow. “Let’s have you sit down and get something to drink.”
Brittany gave Angie one last hateful look before she allowed her assistant to lead her to an empty table.
Cole grabbed Patrick’s arm to keep him from following. “I need to talk to you.”
“Dude, I’m sorry about Brittany,” he said in a low voice and looked over at his fiancée. “I’ll talk to her. She’s upset and she doesn’t know what she’s saying. Angie is still in the wedding.”
“No,” Cole said. “I don’t want her in the wedding.”
“I’m right here, guys,” Angie said as she stood next to them. “Rather than talking about me, try talking to me.”
“I’m serious.” Cole glanced to where Brittany and her assistant were sitting. “Someone is trying to take out the bridesmaids, one by one. Angie is next.”
Patrick’s mouth twisted with displeasure. “You don’t know that.”
“You have two injured bridesmaids,” Cole pointed out. “What are the odds?”