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She wasn\u2019t sorry. She was wiping the spot where I had sat with a cocktail napkin.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe only invited you out of courtesy, Margaret,\u201d she sneered, looking down at me. \u201cBecause Richard felt guilty. But honestly? You don\u2019t fit. Don\u2019t stay long\u2014and don\u2019t make things awkward.\u201d<\/p>\n
Richard reached down to help me, but Bella slapped his hand away. \u201cShe can get up herself. She\u2019s not an invalid.\u201d<\/p>\n
I slowly pushed myself up. The pain in my hip was sharp, but the coldness in my chest was numbing.<\/p>\n
I stood. I smoothed my skirt. I looked at Richard, who was looking at the floor, too cowardly to meet my eyes. Then I looked at Bella.<\/p>\n
I smiled.<\/p>\n
It wasn\u2019t a nice smile. It was the smile a demolition expert gives before pressing the plunger.<\/p>\n
\u201cEnjoy it while you can, Bella,\u201d I said softly.<\/p>\n
\u201cEnjoy what?\u201d she scoffed. \u201cMy house? My life?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing stays yours forever,\u201d I whispered. \u201cEspecially when you haven\u2019t paid for it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bella laughed. A high, tinkling sound that grated on my nerves. \u201cOh, poor Margaret. Jealousy is such an ugly look on you. Go home to your cats.\u201d<\/p>\n
I turned and walked out. I didn\u2019t limp, even though it hurt. I walked out the massive glass front door, got into my 2015 Subaru, and drove away.<\/p>\n