Cash grunted, but Jade didn’t spare him a glance. Of course when Jade hadn’t shown up, her mother had quickly come up with something to save face.
“Actually, we had a problem with our plane and had to make an emergency landing when the engine started to go,” Jade explained. “I’d love to stay and chat about your perfect day, but I’d really like a shower and a bed.”
Ruthie’s eyes widened. “Oh, well. Um . . . of course. I’m glad you’re all right. I was just leaving when I saw you pull in, so I wanted to say hi.”
More like check on them and find out gossip to spread to the rest of the family, but whatever.
“I thought your plus-one’s name was Brad,” Ruthie stated, her brows drawn in . . . well, as much as they could be, considering the amount of Botox she’d had injected. “What did you say your name was again?”
“Cash. I’m sure you’re familiar with that term.”
Jade didn’t even try to hide her laughter this time. “Good night, Ruthie. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“I hope you don’t miss the ceremony,” Ruthie added. “I’ll be sure to text your mother to tell her you and you
r date have arrived. Nighty-night.”
Ruthie clicked away on her kitten heels and Jade resisted the urge to groan and roll her eyes.
“I’d hate to see the poor man who’s going to be saddled with that the rest of his life,” Cash muttered for only her to hear.
Jade faced him and shook her head. “I’m sure he’s loaded and they’ll put up pretenses like the rest of the family. Nothing will ever be wrong in their worlds, and if it is, they’ll throw money at the problem and make it all go away.”
She smoothed her hair away from her face and turned back toward the double doors. “Let me get checked in and we’ll see if there’s a room for you. I’ll put it on the wedding party’s tab.”
Cash headed into the lobby right at her side. “I’m sure that sounds appealing to you, but I’ll pay my own way.”
Jade shrugged and headed to the counter. She checked in to her suite, complete with Jacuzzi tub and a king-size bed. Both sounded so fabulous, she might weep with joy.
“Do you happen to have another room available?” she asked. “My friend is in town last minute.”
The guy working the desk tapped a few keys and stared at his screen. “No, I’m sorry. We’re all booked up for the McKenzie/Walsh wedding and a skydiving convention.”
She nearly laughed. The irony of a skydiving convention was certainly not lost on her.
“Jade! Is that you?”
Again, she cringed at the sound of her name. She thanked the worker for their help, grabbed her key card, and turned to see who was beckoning for her now.
The sight of the bride’s sister coming at her with wide arms had Jade pasting on that fake smile once again. She might as well practice up for tomorrow.
“Hey, Margot.”
“Of course that’s her name,” Cash muttered from behind her.
Jade stifled a laugh as Margot came in for a half-assed hug and air kisses. “We missed you at the rehearsal. Your mother said you were busy with a charity.”
Margot’s eyes darted over Jade’s shoulder. “Is he the charity?” She giggled.
Ugh. A giggling woman. Was there anything less attractive?
“This is Cash,” Jade stated. “Cash, this is my cousin, Margot. She’s Ruthie’s sister.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Cash replied, but didn’t step forward to shake hands.
Margot frowned. “What happened to your face?”
“Rough flight,” Cash explained.