The irish blessing, p.23
The Irish Blessing, page 23
Frankenstein picked up a clipboard from the table next to his chair and scanned the attached list, making a checkmark on the paper. “Thank you. You may join the party.” He placed the clipboard on the table and sat down, his body stiff, eyes staring into space.
Shane and I turned as a five-foot-tall Raggedy Ann approached us.
“Welcome to Castle Davenport. May I take your cloak?”
Shane laughed at my wide-eyed stare. He slipped my cape from my shoulders, handing it to the costumed woman.
“Thank you,” Raggedy Ann said before scurrying down the hallway.
Shane escorted me across the foyer toward the living room, the entryway now partially obscured by a wall of fake cobwebs and plastic spiders. Skirting through the opening, we found ourselves in the company of a menagerie of costumed guests.
“Liz. Shane. You’re here. You two look fantastic.” A tuxedoed Count Dracula greeted us. He wore a red-lined cape with an upright collar, full makeup, and pointed teeth.
“Franklin, you don’t look bad yourself.” Shane laughed as he reached out and patted Franklin’s shoulder.
“Oh, my. I wasn’t sure it was you. You look great.” I eyed Franklin’s costume. “If you’re Count Dracula, what’s Claudette’s costume? She wouldn’t tell me what she planned to be when we went shopping.”
“You’ll have to wait and see.” Franklin gave me a fang-laden smile and pointed his black walking stick toward the open sliding door to the backyard. “We have several tents set up outside with tables and a buffet. There’s a staffed bar in the pavilion and a DJ on the patio. Get yourselves something to eat and drink and enjoy the party.”
“Thanks. We’ll do that.” Shane looked amused as he led me toward the sliding door.
We strolled across the patio as the DJ started to play a song, continuing down a concrete walkway lined with more jack-o’-lantern stake lights toward the pavilion. Cobwebs and spiders decorated the bar, with pumpkin string lights stretched across the ceiling. Shane ordered us each a glass of chardonnay, and then we stood off to the side listening to the music.
I was scanning the makeshift dance floor when a couple dressed in mismatched angel and devil costumes caught my attention. The woman’s angel costume was boldly revealing, looking like something a Victoria’s Secret model would wear on the runway during a fashion show. I couldn’t help snicker, thinking how cold she must be in the chilly evening air. I was about to look away when the woman turned, giving me a clear view of her face. I caught my breath. God, no. Why was Anna here? Irritated, I clenched my fists. I couldn’t seem to get rid of her.
“What’s going on? Liz, you look upset.”
“I can’t believe it. Anna’s here. She’s on the dance floor in a skimpy angel costume. Why can’t she go away? You know she’s after you, don’t you?”
“What are you talking about?”
“She told me at Franklin’s party that it wouldn’t be long before you dumped me and returned to her.”
“That’s insane. First, you are the woman I love and plan to marry. Second, nothing on earth could drag me back to her. Please don’t let her get to you. There is absolutely nothing for you to worry about.” Shane reached for me and pulled me toward him. “Let’s just ignore her and have fun tonight.”
“You’re right. I’m acting silly and letting Anna get to me. We’re here to have an enjoyable evening, and that’s what we’re going to do.” I leaned against him as he held me.
A couple dressed as a gangster and a flapper walked up behind Shane. The woman touched his shoulder to get his attention.
Shane let go of me and spun around. He grinned at the couple. “Loren. Randy. You two look great.” He reached out and shook both their hands. “Liz, do you remember my boss, Loren, and her husband, Randy? You met them at Franklin’s birthday party.”
“I do. It’s nice to see you again.” I shook their hands. “Your costumes look wonderful and very authentic.”
“Thanks. I thought the bright red fringe dress might be too much, but I’m getting some nice compliments.” Loren adjusted her feathered headband and string of pearls. She smiled as she surveyed our costumes. “I love yours. You two look fantastic.”
Someone called Shane’s name from one of the tents on the patio. We both turned, spotting several people motioning for Shane to join them.
“It looks like my presence is requested.” Shane slipped his arm around my waist. “You’ll have to excuse us.”
“No problem. We’ll catch up with you later,” Loren said.
Shane escorted me to the tent. His name called out a second time when we stepped underneath the canopy. He waved at a boisterous group near the buffet tables.
“Let’s sit with Tricia, her husband, Bill, and Conrad and Lily.” Shane pointed to a table in the corner in the opposite direction.
After several hugs, handshakes, and compliments on our costumes, Shane pulled out a chair for me, and we joined the group.
“Everyone looks marvelous.” I giggled as I looked around the table. “Conrad, you and Lily make impressive pirates.” I pointed to his shoulder. “By the way, I love your stuffed parrot.”
“I told you the bird was cute.” Lily laughed as she nudged Conrad with her elbow.
I shook my head, an enormous grin on my face as I looked at Tricia and Bill. “Tricia, your Mad Hatter and Queen of Hearts costumes take the cake. I don’t think I’ve seen anything better, especially Bill’s costume.”
“Thanks. It took a bit of work to talk Bill into it,” Tricia said.
“A bit of work? Hell. She threatened me.” Bill laughed as Tricia slapped his arm.
I studied their costumes, amazed at what they’d put together. Tricia’s Mad Hatter costume consisted of a purple velvet suit and top hat. She’d added a white shirt with lacy cuffs, an oversized purple-and-black plaid bow tie, and an orange wig. Bill’s Queen of Hearts costume was hilarious, and I was trying my best to keep from busting out in a fit of laughter as he sat in the seat next to me. He wore a long red-and-white dress with a hooped skirt and tall standing collar. Red hearts adorned the white part of the dress, and white hearts adorned the red. The dress was low-cut, exposing Bill’s chest, and the costume included elbow-length red gloves, a white wig with a crown, and a heart-topped scepter. The hooped skirt beneath the dress appeared problematic since it barely fit under the table.
“Are you hungry? I’m going to get a plate from the buffet.” Shane slid his chair backward, placing his hand on my thigh.
“I am a little. I’ll go with you.” I followed Shane to the buffet tables. There was a staffed taco bar at one table. A variety of finger foods, salads, fresh fruit, and desserts were at the other. “I’m impressed. Franklin and Claudette went all out on this party.”
“They always do.”
Shane and I filled our plates and returned to our table, the six of us chatting while we ate. Jokes flew back and forth, and Conrad suggested we all go to dinner the following weekend.
“Would you like to dance?” Shane pushed his chair back and stood.
“Yes, I’d love to.” I took his hand and followed him to the dance floor, laying my head on his shoulder as we moved to the music. The song stopped, and I stepped away from Shane, catching sight of Claudette as she walked toward the patio.
She had dressed as a vampire in a Victorian bustle dress. The long black skirt was tiered, and the button-down top was red with an overlay of black lace. A black lace cravat was at her neck, adorned with a gold brooch, and she had accessorized her costume with a red Victorian top hat and gloves. For an added touch, she had a set of fangs and, with the help of makeup, a mouth dripping with blood.
Claudette stopped in the center of the patio and addressed her guests. “All right. Listen up. I have the results of the costume contest.” A silence fell over the costumed audience. “First, I want to say all the costumes are fabulous. You’ve outdone yourselves. But we did have a few that stood out for one reason or another. So, I’m going to start with our third-place winner, who happens to be visiting us tonight from Egypt. Will Mark Anthony and Cleopatra please come up here? I have a gift card for you.”
Everybody clapped as one of Claudette’s coworkers and her husband came to the patio. After receiving hugs and an envelope from Claudette, they returned to their chairs.
“Okay. Everyone quiet. For second place, we go from classic movie scripts and history to a well-known and loved television show. Before I tell you who it is, I just want to say, girl, I want your dress. Will the mysterious Morticia and Gomez Addams please join me up here? I have a gift card for you too.”
The patio erupted with laughter and applause. Claudette circled the woman as she fawned over her low-cut, body-hugging long black dress. The couple returned to their table after receiving their prize and a hug.
“Quiet. Everyone hush. This year’s first-place winner is unique. We’ve gone from movies to television, with this couple giving us a fun version of a favorite children’s tale. This year’s prize winner is the couple we all know and love to hate, the Mad Hatter and Queen of Hearts.”
Tricia and Bill got up from their chairs, the backyard exploding with clapping, whistling, and catcalling. They joined Claudette on the patio. After hugs from Claudette and receipt of their gift card, Bill turned toward the tents and took a bow, eliciting another round of applause.
“The Queen isn’t supposed to have chest hair,” a man yelled out from the pavilion, followed by raucous laughter.
Conrad stood at the back of the tent and yelled to Bill. “Hey, Bill. You should have dyed the hair on your chest white to match your wig.”
“It’s already white, you blind fool,” Bill said, yelling at Conrad as Tricia dragged him away.
Finished with her presentations, Claudette joined Shane and me at the edge of the patio. “There you are. I was looking for the two of you earlier. You look fabulous, Liz. I knew that dress was perfect on you.”
“Thanks. I like yours. It’s stunning.”
“I have to agree with you both,” Shane said. He leaned over and kissed my cheek. “I see Franklin at the bar. I’m going to join him. Do either of you want anything?”
“No, I’m good,” Claudette said, shaking her head.
“I’ll join you in a few minutes. I want to talk to Claudette first.”
“All right. I’ll see you at the bar.” Shane walked down the concrete path to the pavilion.
“Anna’s here,” I said, waiting for Claudette’s reaction. The last time we had spoken, she’d told me Bryce had split up with his girlfriend and was coming to the Halloween party by himself.
“I know. I saw Anna with Bryce earlier in that shameless angel costume of hers. She has half our guests staring at her. I don’t know why Bryce keeps bringing her around. It’s like those two are up to something. Has she said anything else to you?”
“Nothing since Franklin’s party, when she informed me she thought Shane would break it off with me and come back to her.”
“Well, we all know that’ll never happen. Where is Anna anyway?” Claudette scanned the patio and then the pavilion. “Oh, no.”
“What?” I followed her gaze across the yard.
Shane was standing on the left side of the pavilion, next to the stone fireplace. He and Franklin faced each other with Shane’s back toward us. A potted shrub partially hid them from the guests at the bar, and Anna was beelining it toward Shane.
“If your eyes were daggers, that woman would be dead.”
I frowned, my eyes glued on Anna as she walked up behind Shane. “I guess it’s obvious I’m not a fan.”
“It is, and I don’t blame you. I was hoping Bryce wouldn’t come tonight since Franklin doesn’t care for him. It would have been easier if I could have excluded him, but it wouldn’t look right at the office if I did, especially since he and Franklin work together.”
“Oh my God. Anna is fondling the back of Shane’s thigh. The bitch is touching him.” Mortified, I stared at her. Then I came to my senses and stormed across the lawn toward the two of them. Livid, I wished my eyes actually were daggers as I witnessed Anna’s hands knead Shane’s rear and move upward as she pressed against him.
Franklin had to be unaware of Anna’s actions. I was positive he’d say something if he knew. His face suddenly contorted, taking on a horrified look as Shane reached backward, putting his arms around Anna and squeezing her rear.
“No,” I croaked, my feet freezing in place several yards away. How could Shane not know I wasn’t the one behind him? With Anna’s skimpy costume and exposed body, it had to be obvious, especially with the way his fingers massaged her ass. My stomach lurched as Anna’s hand moved back to Shane’s thigh.
Standing there wide-eyed, Franklin informed Shane that it was Anna behind him.
Shane jumped away from her as if electrocuted, his hands in the air in front of him, a look of horror on his face. “How dare you touch me,” he yelled. “Only my wife touches me like that.” Shane’s eyes were bulging as he glared at Anna, his voice full of fury.
Several people standing at the bar, including Loren, heard him and turned around to see what was happening.
“You didn’t mind me touching you when we dated, and besides, last time I checked, you weren’t married.” Anna folded her arms across her chest, a smirk on her face.
Shane took a step forward, and Franklin placed a hand on his shoulder. “I may not be married yet, but I consider Liz my wife.” Shane glanced past Anna, wincing when he saw me standing in the grass.
“I don’t know what you’re all worked up about,” Bryce said, joining his sister by the fireplace. “Liz isn’t the goody two-shoes and perfect woman you think she is. She’s using you. Did she tell you she associates with bikers, and the district attorney’s office has her listed in a criminal complaint with some of her friends? It had something to do with breaking into a woman’s house, assaulting her, and trying to steal a motorcycle. Shane, wake up. You screwed up when you broke it off with my sister and let your little biker babe draw you into her web.”
Shane lunged at Bryce, and Franklin grabbed him to hold him back. They wrestled as Shane tried to break away, and then Randy jumped in to help Franklin restrain him.
“Oh, honey. Are you all right?” Claudette came up behind me and placed a hand on my shoulder. “You’re shaking like a leaf.”
I couldn’t do anything but stand there. It was as if someone had stabbed me in the chest. I took small gulps of air as I tried to breathe.
“She’s using you, Shane. I’m telling you. Liz is a disreputable woman and hangs out with lowlifes,” Bryce said, sneering at me from the pavilion.
Shane lunged a second time, and Franklin and Randy tightened their hold on him. “You son of a bitch. Yes, the criminal complaint lists Liz, but she was the victim. The so-called ‘friends’ you mention broke into Liz’s house, and she was the one assaulted. How dare you twist it around. Liz is a far better woman than your sister could ever hope to be. Say another word about her, and I’ll shut your mouth.”
“Shane, calm down. Bryce is talking out his ass like usual. He needs to leave.” Franklin glared at Bryce as he held Shane back. “Get your sister and leave my house. You are no longer welcome here.”
“Hang on a minute.” Loren walked up to Bryce, cocking her head as she studied him. “It sounds like you took it upon yourself to investigate a coworker’s fiancée with no cause or authority. I’d venture to guess you used agency resources to do it too. We’ll be investigating the matter come Monday morning.”
“Whatever. I didn’t do anything wrong. Go on. Try to prove it.” Bryce grabbed Anna’s arm. “Let’s get out of here. The party’s a bust anyway.”
Bryce and Anna took off toward the house, and Franklin and Randy let go of Shane. Claudette stepped away from me to join Franklin.
Shane looked devastated as he slowly walked toward me. “I’m so sorry, mo ghra. I thought it was you that had come up behind me. I swear. I didn’t know it was Anna. Can you please forgive me?” He reached for me, anguish filling his eyes when he saw me flinch.
“Please take me home,” I whispered, my heart and mind defiled by what I had seen.
“Yes, we’ll go right now.” Shane turned to Franklin. “I’m sorry. We need to go.”
“We understand. Claudette and I will walk you out.”
“No, it’s okay. We’ll be fine. I’ll catch you Monday morning.” Shane walked me back to the house and collected my cape from Raggedy Ann. He drove us home in painful silence.
After pulling into the garage, I stepped from the car without uttering a word and hurried upstairs to our bedroom. My mind was numb, and I couldn’t seem to formulate a sentence. All I wanted to do was go to bed and wish the night away. The disgusting scene of Shane and Anna fondling each other was a sight I desperately wanted to unsee. I went into my walk-in closet and removed my costume, leaving my garments in a heap on the floor. Naked, I sank onto the bench in the middle of the room and placed my head in my hands. I felt nauseous and violated. It was like having our relationship, which I held sacred, disrespected, and stomped on. More so because of the fact that it was Anna. Besides having an intimate history with Shane, she’d already thrown it in my face that she expected him to run back to her. Sensing Shane standing in front of me, I lifted my head, instantly struck by the pain and anguish on his face.
“I love you, mo ghra, more than anything in this world. I would never intentionally hurt you. Please tell me you understand that.”
“I do,” I said quietly, my voice raw with emotion.
“I know I can’t take back what happened, so please tell me how to make it better. What can I do?”
“I don’t know.” I expelled a deep breath, trying to make sense of my fragmented thoughts. After a long pause, I looked into Shane’s eyes. “As angry and devastated as I feel right now, I know it would be wrong to blame you since Anna is the one at fault. Although I can’t get the thought out of my head that you should have known it wasn’t me.” I closed my eyes, wishing my mind were a chalkboard, and I could erase what I had seen. I sighed and looked back at Shane. “Anna’s malicious efforts split us up once already. Regardless of how I feel, I refuse to let her do it a second time.” I was trying so hard to think rationally. The last time Anna had played her vicious game, using Shane as a pawn and spreading her disinformation, I’d let my emotions control me and lost Shane because of it. I wasn’t going to let that happen again. I loved and trusted him and knew he’d never intentionally hurt me. As horribly painful as this was, we’d get through it. Anna was not going to win.
