Dust to Dust: A Broken Fairy Tale by S. P. Cervantes Read Free Book Online Page A

shawre.”
    “Wow, sparklers for a two-year-old. Nifty,” I say, giving my sweet girl a kiss, unable to hold back my smile at her excitement.
    “Don’t worry, Camryn. I told Holden that if he is giving Sophie sparklers, he is in charge of helping her when it’s time to light them,” Bridgette says, noticing my hesitation.
    “Hey, Ellie and Sophie are mine when the fireworks start since my date is ditching me.” He kisses the top of Bridgette’s head as the girls bounce happily in our laps, making both Marcus and I laugh. Jess makes an audible groan.
    “That reminds me, Cam.” Marcus speaks up. “I have to head back into the city tonight too.”
    I sit up, completely taken aback by this. He cuts me off before I can question him in front of our friends. “I totally forgot with the craziness when I got in, but I need to be in the office first thing in the morning.” Bullshit.
    I try to hold back the tears. All of his affection and attention really is just an act for him. Marcus really is moving on. “This will be the first Fourth of July we have been apart. You’ve never had to work on the fifth. Never.” My voice shakes and I try with everything in me to hide the anger and hurt knowing he’s leaving to be with her. He doesn’t need to admit it; I’m not stupid.
    He ignores me and kisses Ellie on her cheek as he stands up. “Come on, girls. Let’s go light a few of these before Daddy has to go.”
    Ellie and Sophie chase after their dad, oblivious of what has just happened. However, our friends are not.
    “Asshat! Are you going to continue to put up with this, Cam? He isn’t the same person anymore. You don’t have to put yourself through this.” Jess doesn’t know the half of my problems with Marcus; she just sees how disconnected he is from our family lately. He never comes down to the shore with us anymore. He doesn’t spend time with any of our old friends the way he used to. He is clearly stepping away from me.
    Joey simply turns towards the bar and begins filling shot glasses. “I don’t know about you guys, but I’d say it’s time to celebrate. Marcus out, Holden in. Just like the old days.” Joey has never been a fan of Marcus. He’s been one of Holden’s best friends since I can remember, and we have always been fiercely protective of one another.
    Dave gives me a sympathetic smile, letting me know that he knows more about Marcus and me than he is letting on. I know he will keep his skepticism from Jess, and that gives me some relief right now.
    Jess holds her hand out to me. “Come on, Cam, let’s have a drink.”
    I force a smile, taking her hand in mine, walking towards the bar. Holden has his hand still wrapped around Bridgette’s waist when he grabs my other hand, helping me up. He looks at me with questioning eyes, as if he is trying to put a puzzle together. I quickly look away, not wanting to feel guilty for keeping all of this from him. Until now I have been telling him my marriage is perfect. I lie every time we speak about Marcus, make excuses for his absence, but now, it seems my friends are on to me.
    “None for me. I have to get going. Thank you for your hospitality, though.” Bridgette surprises us with her quick exit. She turns to Holden and gives him a deep kiss in front of all of us. Jess begins gagging and coughing loudly, pretending as if the sight of them kissing is about to make her barf, and then acts as if something is caught in her throat when Holden shoots her a death glare. A part of me feels bad for Bridgette. I really do like her a lot. But Jess is just so blatantly possessive of Holden, it makes me laugh sometimes. She knows Holden and I will never be together again; she just hasn’t met anyone else she deems good enough for him yet.
    I give Bridgette a warm hug, hoping to reassure her that she is always welcome here. After Bridgette leaves, Jess jumps up and down, clapping. “Now we can get this party started. No outsiders allowed.”
    “Jess,