Best of Both Worlds

Chapter Fifteen

The air hung heavy with tension. Rosa had practically ushered Nicholas and Camille to the dance floor, despite Nicholas's protests. Rosa sent a satisfied smirk my way before sauntering off to God knows where. I remained seated beside the buffet table, watching the stiff rod that was Nicholas and a determined Camille. She seemed to be ill-informed about the role I played in Nicholas's life, judging by the glare she directed at me.

I averted my eyes to the buffet table and picked up a piece of cake. I bit into the cake and focused on the fluffy texture and burst of vanilla on my taste buds, rather than the constant tapping of my feet against the floor. My eyes moved back to the duo on the dance floor and the sway of the elaborate ruffles on the hem of Camille's dress. She held eye contact with me as she strutted her long, hairless leg between Nicholas's and pressed up against him.

I loved watching drama sizzle between people on reality shows but I didn't appreciate being a part of the drama, in real life. Can this night just end? I looked away and blew out a chest full of air as I drummed my fingers against my knee. It felt like eyes were on me and I didn't appreciate that feeling one bit.

"Green is an ugly colour on you," Evelyn remarked, an amused smile playing on her lips. She had her fist loosely balled up beneath her chin and her elbow propped against her crossed thighs.

For a minute, I'd forgotten she was seated across from me. "What? No." I shook my head and waved my hands, in front of my chest.

"It's okay to be jealous. I mean, if someone was pressed up against my husband like that, I will end them" she glanced at the dance floor then back at me.

Jealous? No, love. I want to leave. I chuckled as I shook my head. "I think you're reading too much into this relationship. We're just co-parents, that's all. This is for the sake of the baby"

"Keep telling yourselves that till you actually believe it," she said as she picked up a glass of wine from the table and sipped it.

I released a sigh and reclined into my seat. Being defensive would only prove one thing; she was right. Why was everyone insinuating romance in our relationship? Can't two people have a baby and take care of it without there being any romantic feelings? Was it a rule of some sort?

I drained another glass of water and excused myself to the bathroom. It felt like the baby was sitting atop my bladder, and my armpits twitched with perspiration. My gown proved once again to be an asset. With one hike, I relieved myself with ease. Imagine if I had to peel the dress off just to use the bathroom. Within the privacy of the toilet stall, I rolled out some toilet paper and dabbed at my wet pits. I blew out a raspberry as I trashed the used toilet paper into the toilet bowl and flushed.

I stepped out of the toilet stall and moved to the sink to wash my hands when I noticed a figure standing by the wall. Camille had her arms crossed over her chest and her full lips curled in distaste. Are you kidding me? ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?

I sighed and went about washing my hands, ignoring her presence. She kicked off the wall and sauntered forward. I watched her run her eyes over my body, through the mirror on the wall. What is this? High School Musical?

"I don't know what Nicholas saw in you" she commented, looking at me through the mirror.

Apparently, it was being odd. Maybe you could try that. I turned off the faucet and flapped off water droplets from my fingers. I leaned closer to the mirror, inspected my makeup for smudges, and smacked the gloss over my nude lips.

"I'm sure, he was disgusted with himself when he realized what a hideous creature you were," she spat, bitter leaf juices sloshed all over her words.

Was that supposed to be an insult? Sweetheart, you came late. I've already been called worse. I chuckled and plastered a wide smile on my face as I walked past her. I didn't miss the dumbstruck expression that took over her features. Silence is very much golden. Also, what kind of person would I look like, exchanging words in a restroom?