It was one of the best moments of her life.
“That was so fun,” she said, grinning up at him.
He winked at her. “For me too. You’re a good mover, Ms. Matheson.”
“So are you, Mr. Malone. How did you get the band to play that song? I thought they’d be under strict instructions from Chandler.”
“Turns out they’re a replacement band. The old band quit. They didn’t want to be here, but the money was too good. They didn’t mind playing a special request for a bit more of the green stuff.”
“Lara?”
She turned, seeing her mom standing behind her. Reality returned. Damn it. She just wanted to spend all her time in Butch’s arms. Laughing and dancing.
Was that really too much to ask for?
“Hi, Mom.”
“Hello, dear.” She smiled tightly. “That was some interesting dancing. I supposed you learned that in Nashville.”
“You once showed me a video of you and Daddy dancing like that.”
Her mom’s face closed up. Like it did every time she mentioned her dad. She turned to Butch. “Hello, I’m Margo.” She reached out her delicate hand.
Butch shook it lightly. “Butch Malone.”
She frowned slightly. “Malone. I’ve heard that name before.”
“Some of my brothers are well known in these parts. Not me. I’m the epitome of good behavior.”
She had to snort at that. Sure he was. And pigs really could fly.
“Um, oh, right.” Her mother rallied. “Nice to meet you, but I would like to borrow Lara for a moment.”
“Mom, I can’t just leave Butch. He’s been alone most of the day.” She couldn’t believe her mom, who always did what was polite, was now pulling her away from her date.
Actually, maybe she could.
“I know, and I’m so sorry. But I really wanted some family photos of us before the photographer leaves.”
Okay. She supposed that was understandable.
“Butch can come with us, then.”
“Well, dear, it’s a family thing. I’m sure Mr. Malone understands. Perhaps he’d like to go and get a drink. What do you like to drink? Beer? I think we have some.”
Good. Lord.
Was this really her mother?
“It’s all right, baby,” Butch said, putting a bit of twang into his voice. “Got to go take a piss, anyway.”
Her mother gasped, but Lara grinned. He was terrible.
She knew he was putting that on for her mother. And it had the desired effect. Bending down, he kissed her.
And it wasn’t a peck. It was hot and deep. When he drew back, she was swaying slightly.
“Come, Lara,” her mom said sharply.
But that kiss buoyed her spirits. At least until she started following her mom. She was several steps behind her, trying to get around some of the tables when she heard the bitches start up again.
“Look what she’s done to her dress.”
“It was awful anyway, but I’m guessing she chose it. She never did have any fashion sense.”
Ouch.
“Do you think she cut it, or it ripped?” someone else asked.
Damn it. Would they stop?
“Who is the man she’s with? Where do you think she found him?” That came from a different direction.
“He looks like he came straight from jail.”
“Oh, Flo, that’s awful. He might be rough-looking, but he’s still way out of her league. Wonder what he’s like in bed?”
“What would he even see in her? Maybe she paid him to come with her.”
Turning, she stared at the two bitches gossiping at the table to her right.
“I didn’t pay him. He’s not fresh out of jail, and he rocks my world in bed. But I’m guessing you two wouldn’t know about that. Or else why would you be sleeping around on your husband, Sarah?” she asked one of them sweetly.
Around them, people stopped talking so they could listen in.
“What are you talking about? I’ve never cheated on Matt,” Sarah claimed.
Bullshit.
She might not have lived here for a few years, but she still had dirt on these people.
“I know you’ve slept with Roger and Andrew. Probably more people since I left. Oh wait . . . isn’t Andrew your husband, Cecily?” she asked the other woman.
She would have left them alone . . . if they hadn’t started talking smack about Butch. But these people had to understand that she wasn’t going to take things lying down anymore.
At least not when it came to someone she cared about.
“Why, you bitch!” Sarah stood, murder in her eyes.
“Sarah? Is that true?” Cecily jumped to her feet, glaring at Sarah. “How could you! I thought we were friends.”
Lara would feel bad about wrecking their marriage, but she knew Cecily hadn’t been faithful either.
“Everything all right here?” her mother asked, returning.
Just like that, the two women shut up. Chandler wouldn’t like it if they started something at his precious daughter’s wedding and they knew it. Both of their households relied on the businesses Chandler owned to survive. The whole town did.
That’s how he’d gotten to them all. That and his charisma and fake personality.