CHAPTER 2 – Room 237 Fills Up
CHAPTER 2 – Room 237 Fills Up
Nobody spoke while they waited.
Maverick hurriedly pulled on his shirt, his hands shaking so badly he couldn't fasten the buttons.
Penelope sat on the edge of the bed, wrapped in a hotel blanket, mascara streaking down her face.
"Amy..." she whispered.
"I'm sorry."
Amy didn't answer.
She simply stood by the window, still wearing her wedding gown.
Exactly twelve minutes later, footsteps echoed down the hallway.
The door opened.
Maverick's parents entered first.
His younger sister.
His godfather.
Amy's parents.
Several members of the wedding party.
Even the hotel manager, drawn by the growing crowd.
Mrs. Bennett looked around in confusion.
"Maverick... why are you—"
Her eyes landed on the bed.
Then on Penelope.
Then on the torn lavender bridesmaid dress lying across the carpet.
The silence became unbearable.
"No..." she whispered.
Maverick stepped forward.
"Mom, listen—"
She slapped him across the face before he could finish.
The crack echoed through the suite.
"I raised you better than this."
His father removed his wedding boutonniere and threw it onto the floor.
"You've disgraced this family."
Penelope burst into tears.
"I never meant—"
Amy finally looked at her.
"You didn't mean to?"
"You accepted my invitation."
"You planned my bridal shower."
"You zipped up my wedding dress this morning."
"You stood beside me while promising you'd protect my happiness."
May you like
Her voice never rose.
That made every word hurt even more.
