“I have.” Robin flopped into a seat next to the bride and held her head in her hands. “Constantly. I don’t think we get cell reception here.”
“Go find her,” Brittany screamed. “She’ll know what to do.”
“I’ll do that,” Angie volunteered. She’ll do anything that didn’t require her to be locked in a room with Brittany.
“Hurry,” Robin pleaded. She looked at the clock. “We don’t have much time before the ceremony starts.”
Angie hurried out of the room with Brittany’s wails ringing in her ears. She took a few quick steps before she stumbled and tripped on her heels. Angie grimaced as she twisted her ankle. She pressed her lips together as the pain shot through her leg.
It didn’t seem to matter that she had practiced walking in the shoes for hours, Angie decided as she limped down the hallway. It was practically guaranteed that she was going to trip as she made her way down the aisle.
No, she won’t. Angie rolled her shoulders back and held up her chin. She could master these shoes. She could wear this dress. She wasn’t about to be nervous over the height of her hemline or heels. All she had to do was find Cole and concentrate on him while she came down the aisle. When he looked at her with a mix of awe and desire, she would find her confidence.
Angie saw an open door that led out to the church garden. “Cheryl?” she called. “Are you out here?”
“Yes.” Cheryl appeared from behind a flowering bush. “I’m getting the place ready for the photographer.”
“Brittany needs you.” Angie watched Cheryl and frowned when she noticed the assistant wore the same shoes as the bridesmaids. She even had the same polish on her toes. It was bubble-gum-pink. Yet Cheryl didn’t get a pedicure with the rest of the bridal party.
“What seems to be the problem?” Cheryl asked as she walked up the stone steps.
“There’s a problem with the dress,” Angie replied. She narrowed her eyes when she noticed Cheryl’s dress. The assistant wore a soft pink cardigan but her outfit was shiny and green. It was a replica of the bridesmaids’ dresses.
Cheryl stopped at the top of the steps. Angie dragged her gaze up, cataloging every detail. She was belatedly aware that Cheryl was studying her closely.
“Did you forget something?” Angie asked, doing her best to seem casual as her instincts were sensing trouble.
“I only have to do one more thing....” Cheryl suddenly reached out with both hands and pushed Angie down the steps.
18
ANGIE LUNGED OUT to grab onto Cheryl, but instead, tumbled to the ground. The rough stone steps scratched her skin. Angie wasted no time, though, before she leaped to her feet where she’d landed. She felt every cut and bruise, but she tried to ignore the pain as she focused on Cheryl.
“Damn,” Cheryl groaned. She stood at the top of the steps with her hands on her hips. “What are you? A ninja?”
“So, I’m next, huh?” Angie asked as she held on to the arm that had broken her fall. She rubbed it as she scanned the garden. She didn’t see a way out. “I’m surprised that you’re not trying to finish the job on Robin.”
Cheryl’s eyes widened with surprise. “You figured it out that it was me.” Cheryl gave a mocking clap. “Well done, Angie. You are not the dumb jock Brittany claims you are.”
“Why are you doing this to Brittany?” Angie asked. She looked at the hedges that bordered the garden. They were too tall to climb over. “I thought you cared for her.”
“I do care.” Cheryl’s face turned red with anger. “I’ve done everything to give her the wedding she wanted. I care more than anyone in her bridal party. I probably care more than Patrick and it’s his wedding.”
“Okay, calm down.” Angie looked around and considered her options. She didn’t have her cell phone, and even if she did, it probably wouldn’t work. Everyone was in the church except for Robin and Brittany. Angie’s only hope was that Robin would come looking for her. But what were the chances that she’d find her in the enclosed garden? No one would see her before Cheryl attacked again. Her only plan was to keep Cheryl talking until someone became concerned for them.
“I am calm,” Cheryl retorted.
“That’s true,” she said as she took another step back. Maybe she could rush Cheryl and tackle her. But that probably wouldn’t work in her favor. “You have nerves of steel. Like when you hit Heidi at the strip club. Did you plan that or was it a spur-of-the-moment kind of thing?”