Chapter 34: Chapter 34

“Yolanda, that dress Annie’s rocking looks pretty darn good,” Selena said.

“Yep, not too shabby.” Yolanda pretended to let out a careful sigh “What’s up? Why the sigh?” Selena asked.

“There’re a few things Jessica didn’t want me spilling, but it’s been getting to me. That dress was designed custom by Jessica. She’d booked the famous fashion whiz, Vincent, three months ahead just for this ensemble. But when it arrived, Annie took a shine to it and flat–out refused to return it,” Yolanda said.

“Geez, why’s she gotta be so pushy?” Selena shouted.

“Jessica reckons she’s our younger sis, who’s had her share of rough times growing up in the countryside, so we gotta cut her some slack,” Yolanda sighed.

“Jessica’s just too nice,” Selena said.

“No kidding,” Yolanda grumbled. “Jessica is too darn kind–hearted, that’s why folks take advantage, like this. Even though Annie’s my sibling too, my heart goes out to Jessica!”

Before she could finish, a guy nearby chimed in, “Is all that gossip for real?” Jessica was a social butterfly, with plenty admiring her in their circle, and the man, Masón Ramirez, was one of the more persistent suitors. So, overhearing the chit- chat, he couldn’t keep quiet.

Spotting a nibble, Yolanda smirked but acted a tad anxious, “What did you overhear? Jessica ain’t keen on me spilling the tea about these things!”

Mason scoffed, “Jessica can handle herself, but I won’t stand for any unfairness toward her!” With that, he strutted off, all revved up.

Yolanda and Selena shared a knowing look, a touch of delight dancing in their eyes. True enough, Jessica knew how to play the game–getting stuff done through others and keeping her hands clean.

*****

Annie didn’t stick around for Jeremy to talk, and after a quick chat, she split. This ain’t the place for heart–to–hearts, after all. She raised her glass and strolled nonchalantly around the joint when a figure blocked her path dead on. Looking up, she didn’t recognize him and politely asked, “Need something?”

“Oh, look at that show–off!” Mason couldn’t help but notice how she was messing with the woman he fancied, and he had to let loose. He flicked his wrist and splashed the red wine from his glass right on her face.

The scarlet wine trickled down her hair and cheeks, leaving Annie wide–eyed, staring in shock at the man in front of her. She thought, ‘What did I do to set him off?‘

Mason half–heartedly said sorry, “Oops, my bad, slipped right outta my hand.”

All eyes were fixed on the wine–soaked Annie. The gossip around sounded like chirping birds, and she could bet it wasn’t complimentary. If she was glowing just a moment earlier, now she looked a total mess.

Across the room, a man passing by got ruffled by the commotion. His indifferent gaze casually swept over in this direction. His brows knitted momentarily. ‘Annie?‘ he exclaimed in his heart. Then his face relaxed, and soft words slipped out “Guess she should switch up her name. Not so graceful every time I see her.”

Annie grabbed a tissue off a waiter’s tray as he passed by, calmly patting her face. Then she turned politely and requested, “Can you get me a big cocktail with ice, please?”

“What in the world is she thinking? Drinking at a time like this?”

“Yeah, if someone doused me in wine, I’d kick up a fuss right there!”

“Doused in wine? I heard it was an accident, though.”

“Hah, who ‘accidentally‘ sloshes wine straight on someone’s mug? That was clearly on purpose!”

The waiter hurried over with Annie’s drink. She took it, gave it a little shake in her hand, and then, right in front of everyone, poured it down over Mason’s head.

“You nutty gal, what’s your deal?” The liquid ran through his hair ice cubes skittering down his back. Mason leaped up, knocking the glass out of Annie’s grasp.

The glass clattered on the floor, right at Annie’s feet. She smirked a bit, all cool as a cucumber, “Oops, my bad, lost my grip.”

Mason seethed, “You know you meant to do that!”

Annie admitted casually, “Yeah, I did it on purpose. But don’t act all innocent, making it seem like you didn’t do your stunt on purpose.”

“You!” Mason had never come across such a bold gal before. He acted wild, but she was even more audacious, cool as a cucumber as if she hadn’t just been dunked in wine, just chatting with pals like it was no big deal. No shame in her game. With some dignity left, he shoved her away, and then hurriedly flagged down a waiter to take him downstairs for a quick change.

After he jetted off, Annie strolled leisurely toward the restroom.

Plenty of folks caught sight of this little showdown. Quinton fixed his gaze on Annie’s retreating figure, eyes ablaze like they could pierce through some poor soul. “This spicy girl’s rather charming, ain’t she, Jeremy?”

Jeremy was still lost in the memory of Annie’s revenge move earlier, his mind somewhere else entirely, before finally muttering, “Folks have different likes and dislikes, can only say everyone’s got their own flavor.”

Quinton snickered, stroking his chin wickedly. “Well, I quite fancy her.”

Meanwhile, Donald burst out laughing, bouncing around, “Boss, did you see that? Ms. Sanders is a hoot! After getting drenched, she was sipping a glass of champagne, but instead of striking back right away, she had them bring her a cocktail with ice before splashing it on the guy’s head. How’s she so darn witty? Even when she’s getting back at someone, she tosses in ice first before getting back at them; that’s real tit for tat!”

Jackson clearly wasn’t in sync with Donald, hands in his pockets as he ambled off, heading out.

“Hey, Boss, where you off to?” Donald shouted.

From a distance, he casually mentioned, “Bathroom.” He claimed he was off to the bathroom but he circled around the front desk before making his way to the restroom. But at the entrance he didn’t step inside, leaning against the wall, waiting, just waiting for the lady to exit the women’s restroom, casually lifting his gaze only when she did.

Annie clocked him, visibly surprised. “What are you doing here?

Jackson noted her wary vibe and with a smirk, he bent down, giving her a direct order, “Raise your foot.

Annie immediately backed–up. “I’ll tell you, this is a public spot, if you start any funny business, I’ll call for backup!” She acted like she was being pestered by a villain.”

With a stern expression, Jackson, irritated by her stubbornness, chose to stay silent, merely grabbing her ankle.

She sported a pair of fancy heels. As her foot lifted, her skirt fluttered, showing off dainty, fair toes. At the top of her foot, a red mark stood out, a nasty cut from shattered glass.

Jackson whipped out the band–aid he’d requested from the staff and applied it to her injury.

She was taken aback for a moment, taking a beat before awkwardly stating. “Th… thanks.”

“Thanks for what? Didn’t I owe you a favor before?” Jackson clapped his hands and stood tall, looking heroic. “Consider it squared away now.”

Annie’s response was quick, “In your dreams!”