Lauren burst out the door, but Josefina was nowhere to be seen. She ended up just choking on the exhaust from Xavier’s car as it sped away, leaving her fuming.
When Lauren returned to the banquet hall, the guests had all but gone, leaving only Billy and Ruby behind.
Billy’s face was a stormy shade of thunder as he glared at Ruby. “Look at the fine mess you’ve made! You’ve completely tarnished my reputation!”
Ruby was on the verge of tears. “Dad, I didn’t mean for any of this to happen…”
“You didn’t mean for it? Do you think that changes anything? It’s your vanity, Ruby! You can’t hold a candle to Josefina!”
Lauren marched up, her stance protective of Ruby. “Billy, why are you still laying into her? She’s a victim here! If Josefina were so sneaky, would our Ruby ever fall for her scheme?”
Billy retorted, his anger palpable, “If she hadn’t flunked with a 250, would we be in this mess? She can’t blame others for her own lack of abilities!”
Lauren, standing firmly by Ruby’s side, shot a piercing look at Billy. “Ruby is my daughter, and I won’t let anyone bully her!”
Billy was so enraged he was lost for words, thinking Lauren was beyond hope. Ruby was her daughter, not some goddess to be worshipped and believed in so blindly.
Billy couldn't stand it anymore. Shaking his head, he walked away.
It was a disgrace, a complete and utter disgrace! Had he made a mistake? Should he not have driven Josefina away?
If Josefina hadn’t been sent away, he’d be the proud father of a valedictorian right now!
The more Billy thought, the more it pained him. He got into his car and drove off into the night.
…
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