“I don’t really hate children,” she’d confessed. “I didn’t want to admit it, but every time I see you, I’m reminded I’ll never be a mother.”
Following MawMaw’s advice, Steph was convinced she’d discovered her adversary’s sad secret. In an instant she’d forgiven Carina’s insults and rude remarks about Ellie. “I’m so sorry. I’m sure that must be awful.”
Carina sniffed. “I felt lucky when Bran and I started datin
g. I love him so much. Since I can’t have children, I’m going to devote myself to taking care of him. Bran will get a hundred percent of my attention.”
Good point. My attention will always be divided. Ellie has to be my main focus. “I’m so glad you told me this, Carina. I worry about him. Feels good to know you care so much.”
“Willing to give me some advice?” Carina looked from the corner of her eye, appearing nervous, but sincere.
“Guess so. Don’t know why you’d want advice from me.”
“You see, Bran and I get along great in the bedroom—fireworks, every time.”
Carina paused, as if she expected Stephanie to respond, but the thought of Branson sleeping with Carina made her feel like she’d swallowed a pint of castor oil. Struggling to appear unaffected and hoping Carina didn’t intend to share more details, she kept her mouth shut and stared at her feet while they threaded their way through the aisles of slot machines and tables until they were within sight of the entry doors.
Carina stopped at one machine that looked the same as all the others and proclaimed, “This is my favorite.” She slid onto the swiveling chair, patting the empty one beside her, before continuing her uncomfortable speech. “Even though we’re obviously compatible, Bran and I have been fighting a lot. It’s like he’s been in a bad mood ever since we got here. He criticizes everything I do.”
“Of course he’s in a bad mood. He doesn’t like unfamiliar surroundings. And it’s noisy, to boot.”
Carina punched a button on the machine, producing a series of ringing bells and flashing lights. “He’s got his friends with him. What’s the big deal?”
“Are you kidding me?” Steph snapped, before tamping down her unruly temper and continuing with what she hoped was detachment in her tone. “Branson hates being dependent on anyone for anything. When he’s home, he can handle stuff without any help. In the casino, he can’t hear well and can’t find his way around.”
“I still think he’s trying to get attention.” Carina’s gaze never left the slot machine as she continued to punch the button, producing a cacophony of sounds that was beginning to grate on Steph’s nerves. “I guess it doesn’t matter if we fight, anyway. The makeup sex is great.”
“You could make an effort to be sensitive about it,” Steph suggested.
“Branson needs to put on his big-boy pants and grow up. He’s being a baby.”
“No, he’s not,” Steph defended, barely keeping her voice civil. “He’s trying hard, and he’s not even complaining, because he wants his friends to have a good time. I think he’s doing an amazing job of adapting and keeping his cool.”
Carina paused her play and rotated until she faced Steph, sporting a smile with a hint of scorn. Her huge almond-shaped blue eyes blinked slowly, examining Steph like a lab specimen. “I suppose that’s how we’re different, Stephanie. You’re an employee, paid to be loyal no matter what your boss does. Whereas, I’m not afraid to point out Bran’s faults. Frankly, I’m good for him. With my help, he’ll change a lot… for the good.”
“The difference between you and me is you want to change Bran, and I lo—” She choked and coughed, cutting off her word. She’d almost blurted out I love him like he is. “I don’t think Branson needs to change.”
“How sweet.” A sneer marred her flawless face. “Spoken like a naïve fan club president. You wouldn’t think he was so perfect if you knew him the way I do—up close and personal.” Carina purred the last word like a bad actress in a B movie.
“I didn’t say he was perfect—”
Carina silenced her with a raised palm. “Hold on. My phone’s ringing.” She withdrew her cell from her purse and answered it. “Wait a second,” she told the caller. “Let me move somewhere more private.”
Steph’s angry retort had died on her lips. She’d sat in stunned silence as Carina strode away with her phone to her ear, down the aisle and out the doorway. Too angry to rejoin the men at the craps table, she’d turned woodenly to the slot machine in front of her. Again and again, she’d stabbed at the bright red button on the machine, while her mind boiled, replaying the conversation in her head.
Now, having had plenty of time to fume and learning Carina had abandoned Branson, she was about ready to explode. She stood and faced the approaching woman, her arms crossed so tight she could barely breathe. Her mind rehearsed a scathing monologue, designed to point out all the ways Carina had misjudged and mistreated Branson and why she didn’t deserve to marry him.
Unsuspecting, Carina drew closer, chatting on her cell phone with a serious expression, her gaze scanning the casino in every direction. With Carina almost in range, Steph sucked in a deep breath, ready to blast the woman to smithereens, but her opponent took a sharp turn to the left.
“No… No, no, no. Come back here, you witch.” Steph took off after her. She made the left turn, only to find Carina was nowhere in sight. Where did she go? Must be heading back to the craps tables.
Retracing her steps as best she could remember, Steph wound her way toward the back of the casino, but she saw no sign of the guys. There were way too many men in black tuxedos—they all looked alike from a distance. At last, she spotted Carina and rotated toward her, her right heel catching and twisting as she turned.
“Dang, that hurt.” Attempting to ignore the pain, she continued toward her adversary, albeit at a slower pace. Carina and Finn appeared to exchange heated words as Carina tugged him away from the craps table. Before Steph could reach the table, the pair left, with Cole and Jarrett trailing behind them.
She picked up her pace, wincing each time her right foot came down. “Jarrett!” she called. “Wait up!”
Jarrett stopped, his eyes widening when he spotted Steph. Moving back, he fell in stride beside her, offering his arm. “You’re limping worse than me. What happened?”