And Delia did nothing to stop it. Mary couldn’t believe a mother would be so dense as to think this was okay. Then again, given how petty Delia had been towards her when Mary said she wanted to live with her dad instead after the divorce, it shouldn’t have been a surprise. Mother and daughter were very much alike.
Tonight was not going to be easy. Olivia had sprung it on Mary just as they were arriving at the resort; the guys were going to join them for one night. Everyone in the groom’s party was either already paired off with one of the bridesmaids or in a relationship with them. Even Delia’s on-off boyfriend was coming. The only person without a date was Mary, but Olivia had promised that someone would be there for her.
Mary didn’t trust her. She didn’t like not knowing what was going on, and she refused to be on her own with people she didn’t like.
Which was why she had asked Max. It had been a spur-of-the-moment thing, something Mary had never done before. But she didn’t regret it; she was glad that she had done it. And the thought of having Max keeping her company tonight while everyone else was getting drunk and enjoying a hijacked weekend did appeal to her. Just a few minutes in his company, and Mary wanted more.
It’s only because you consider him hot, that’s all.
I don’t think like that. He’s probably too young for me, anyway.
Never said never. And who said age had to get in the way of having a good time?
Mary pushed that away. She had to be careful when thinking about Max. Any time she did, a persistent throbbing started between her legs and her heart kept forgetting what rhythm it was meant to beat at. It was making her feel lightheaded. The last thing she needed was to make a complete fool of herself.
Then again, given the company she had been around the last couple of days, Mary didn’t need to do much to embarrass everyone. It was like they were insulted by her just being there.
What did they have planned for her? Mary was getting more and more nervous. She could only hope she didn’t get caught up in something she couldn’t get out of.
There was a sharp rap at her bedroom door. Mary sighed.
“Come on, Mom.”
The door opened, and Delia swept into the room. She frowned when she saw her daughter.
“Aren’t you ready yet? We should have gone by now.”
“I am ready, Mom.”
“What about your hair? You should be wearing it up with a dress like that.”
Mary sighed.
“I’m content with it as it is, Mom. You go on ahead. I’ll come up to the lodge in a bit.”
Delia pursed her lips.
“You and I should be going up together. God only knows what you’re going to do if I leave you alone.”
“I can’t exactly leave. You’ve got the keys to the car.”
“You could just not come. And then we’ll all be embarrassed.”
Mary turned and frowned at her mother.
“Everyone’s already behaving like they’re embarrassed at me being present, as it is. Why are you so insistent that I come with you?”
“Because Olivia wants her sister to celebrate with her.”
“She doesn’t even like me, Mom. Neither do you. I’ve been dragged out here where I’m not wanted, so why are you pushing this on me?”
Delia folded her arms and glared at her daughter.
“If you didn’t want to come, you should have just said no.”
“That’s a bit difficult when you’re manhandling me into the car.”
“You know why that happened, don’t you? It’s because you’ve got no backbone. You’re soft, and you don’t stand up for yourself.” Delia sniffed. “It’s why Cody chose to be with Olivia instead. You’re just too soft, and he needs someone with fire and passion.”