"Oh please, Blake's lowered his standards. That woman is so insipid she's practically invisible. All I'm saying is he'd better not expect me to jump in his bed once he's done with her. Once standards drop, I'm out."
My hand freezes in the act of rearranging my breasts. My blood, on the other hand, is starting to boil. I'm not sure that the glass of champagne I had is helping.
"She seemed to be friendly with everyone in the family." This is another speaker. "He never asked you to sit with his family at the shows."
"Maybe she wanted to snag a Bennett and realized Blake and Daniel are the only ones left. As if anyone's gonna make those settle. Goodness knows I tried."
"You should switch brothers. Daniel's here tonight."
"Nah, they talk. The one thing they're not sharing is women."
"Why would you want to marry into that god-awful family anyway? I mean, they're rich, but they're all over each other all the time. I can't understand how anyone can live like that."
Try living without a family for a change.
My hackles rise. I can't believe anyone would trash Blake and his family like this. Then there's also the small fact that they insulted me. I feel like punching the door, but then again, the poor door hasn't done anything to upset me. These women, on the other hand...
"Rich trumps annoying. Blake was always generous. Maybe I'll give him another go after he stops running around with that twat. If I can't get a ring, at least I'll get myself some more jewelry. You're right about the family, though. And now so many of them have kids. It's a nightmare. Blake was spending time with them almost every weekend. I think he was hoping I'd join him, but he never straight-up asked. I think my eye rolls were a dead giveaway. Like there aren't a million better things to do in a weekend than waste them with brats."
What the hell? Who talks like that about kids? What kind of person picks on innocents? Bullies, that's who. Now I understand why Blake waited a while before asking me to join him during his time with the kids.
Right, it's time to step out and face the music. I quickly rearrange the dress over my chest and open the door of the cubicle. The two women smirk when they see me, then return to refreshing their makeup. Since they're silent, I can't tell who's who. Time to find out.
"So, which one's the bitch and which one's the sidekick?"
Their faces fall simultaneously, and I don't feel one ounce of guilt.
"What did you just call us?"
"Ah, you're the bitch. I recognize the voice." I have to admit, Blake has exquisite taste in women. This particular one could stride down the runway herself. Leggy, blonde, huge boobs. What the hell am I thinking? He has terrible taste in women. She's a viper.
"You don't talk to me like that."
I'm not catty often, but when I am, I have a damn good reason. I'm pissed.
"I talk how I want to anyone who insults the Bennett family and me. They're good people. The best people. And you don't pick on kids. Anyone with a shred of decency knows that."
"Please," the bitch says with a smirk.
The sidekick tilts her head to one side. "Insipid and potty-mouthed. My, hasn't Blake gotten himself quite a deal."
"You two must have very sad lives if you're wasting such a beautiful evening gossiping about others instead of enjoying yourselves." I cross my arms over my chest. "Blake is a great man. If all you've wanted from him were presents and money, you missed out on the best."
Both women snort, and then I realize I'm stooping to their level. Instead of wasting my time here, I could be chatting and laughing with the clan. Without another word, I leave the bathroom, feeling a lot calmer. I have to admit, letting out the anger is a good thing. It brings relief.
I walk at a brisk pace to my place. The table is empty because everyone is mingling during the break. Our glasses have been refilled with champagne, and I immediately attack mine.
Blake drops in his seat a few seconds later, kissing my forehead.
"What took you so long?"
"Ran into some unpleasant people."
"Are you okay? Do I need to punch someone?"
"No. You just have terrible taste in women."
"What?"
"Look over my shoulder, two rows back and three tables to the right."
I saw them return to their table shortly after I did. Blake looks and groans. Then he focuses on me again.
"Yes, I've made some questionable choices in the past."
"Questionable implies there might be some chance of redemption."
He smiles. "Bad choices. That was one of the worst."