Free Love Me Crazy by Camden Leigh

brass chain. Wallpaper, elaborate and most definitely expensive, covers the entry where the deskman greets Ellie and Kat with a friendly nod and small talk. No bellman in Boston could ever fake that kind of genuine welcome.
    We make our way through a glitzy ballroom behind a grand staircase.
    “This is where our debuts are held,” Ellie says. “It’s when we’re introduced to society and deemed acceptable, responsible adults.”
    “Acceptable if responsibly bred,” Kat adds.
    I fight my smile. “I’d never pass as acceptable.”
    Kat actually smiles, and it’s more gorgeous than Ellie’s award-winning smile.
    “Oh there’s Annabeth; come, I want you to meet her. She’s darling.”
    “And your maid of honor, right?” I follow Ellie through conversations touching on my-yacht’s-bigger-than-yours and summering-in-Italy-isn’t-as-grand-as-summering-in-France.
    “Interesting crowd,” I say to Kat who falls in step beside me.
    “Mom’s socialite friend’s offspring. They either come off chartered boats or drive in from their private schools. It’s just a big fucking brouhaha of who gets paid the most to do the least.”
    “So a pissing contest.”
    She smiles. “Yeah, paunchy men with sex-crazed cocky-ass sons, and daughters who think their pedestals aren’t ever polished or high enough.”
    “So you must come here all the time.”
    She lets out a loud laugh. “I like you.”
    Ellie stops to hug and kiss a group of girls who preen and paw over her hair, her dress, her engagement ring.
    “You’re not that bad yourself. Now quick, give me the four one one on Annabeth. I’ve heard your mom mention her several times.”
    Kat turns her back to the group. “Quinn’s ex. Insatiable appetite for status. Not above using her wealth to get ahead or to put others in their place . . . or the place she thinks they should be in.”
    “Got it, avoid her at all cost.”
    “If you don’t want to be on her radar.”
    I grin as we follow Ellie through the French doors. A waiter hands us each a glass of wine, even Kat though she’s underage.
    “AnnaBee!” Ellie hugs her friend. “Where were you today?”
    “My sister dropped off her son today. I was helping Mom. I should’ve called.” She leans in and hugs Ellie.
    “Oh? I thought your sister wasn’t going to be able to make it to the wedding. That she was tied up in France and couldn’t get away.”
    Annabeth shifts from one foot to the other then back. “Right. Which is why we’re watching her son for the summer. She flies back tomorrow.”
    “I didn’t even know she and her husband had a kid, I feel so bad. I never sent her anything.”
    “Yeah, a lot of people said they didn’t get her announcement. Air mail problems, maybe. So who is this?” Annabeth puts out her hand and smiles. Her eyes brighten and twinkle playfully, like they each possess the North star.
    “ Oh, gosh, where are my manners.” Ellie grabs my hand and squeezes. “Meet Cassidy, Mom’s intern. She’s a dream.”
    “Nice to meet you.”
    I take her hand. “Likewise. I’m sure we’ll see more of each other as the wedding date gets closer.”
    “Most definitely.”
    “She’s staying at the house,” Kat interjects. “So if you stop by, you’ll most likely find Quinn with her.”
    I choke on my wine and press the back of my hand against my lips. Cutting a WTF glare at Kat before turning to Annabeth, I try to correct her. “Doubtful. Unless I’m doing something with the groomsmen.”
    “So Quinn is staying?” Annabeth asks Ellie.
    “He says he is. At least through the wedding.”
    “Through Cassidy being here,” Kat mutters. She walks off, putting her drink down on one of the cocktail tables.
    “Sorry, she’s just sore about Quinn’s return,” Ellie explains. “It’s been hard on all of us, but mostly her.”
    “And me,” Annabeth quips.
    I drop my gaze, wishing I could escape like Kat, but I know no one here and my chances of getting out alive don’t seem