Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

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!"

firmly by Ruby's side, shot a piercing look at Billy. "Ruby is my daughter, and I won't

so enraged he was lost for words, thinking Lauren was beyond hope. Ruby was

Shaking his head,

utter disgrace! Had he made a

Josefina hadn't been sent away, he'd be the proud

more Billy thought, the more it pained him. He got into his car and drove

...

glass, celebrating with

her joy as absent as flavor in wax. She looked up to see Oliver peeling a shrimp

over me. I can serve myself. You

and as Oliver turned his head to listen, it looked as though they were

natural. Her warm breath on his ear sent a shiver down his spine, and her voice was

Despite his