by E. L. Todd
“Could you be more of a bitch?”
She grabbed her water. “I’m about to throw this in your face.”
“Why do you always resort to violence?” he snapped. “Were you beaten or something?”
Abby felt the air leave her lungs. It was like she’d been knocked out. The memory singed her fingertips, making them burn. Her breathing increased and she took a moment to regain her composure. It was worse than being punched in the face.
Toby’s gaze changed. A slight pity came into his eyes. He closed his mouth and kept it shut, clearly realizing he’d gone too far. “I’m sorry.”
Abby stared at the table.
Paul reached their table. “I’m sorry I’m late. I hope you two didn’t kill each other.” He sat next to Toby.
“We’re fine,” Toby said.
Paul looked at Abby. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” she said quickly. She drank from her water to avoid another question.
Paul accepted her excuse.
“Why are we here?” Toby asked.
“I need to tell you something about me and Alex,” Paul explained. “And I wanted Abby to hear it.”
Toby waited for him to continue.
“Alex and I broke up for a while—before the final breakup.”
“Why?” Toby asked.
“I—I cheated on her.”
“What?”
Paul nodded. “She moved to Georgia, and while she was down there, she met someone else. In the end, she fell in love with him and there was nothing I could do to keep her. So, Alex didn’t cheat on me or lie to me. I was the one who ruined the relationship.”
Toby rubbed his chin. “Wow…”
“So, please don’t say anything mean about Alex, especially since she doesn’t deserve it.”
“Okay,” Toby said. “Why didn’t you tell me from the beginning?”
Paul sighed. “I knew how disappointed everyone would be if they knew I betrayed her.”
“I’m more disappointed you lied to me,” Toby said. “But it is really messed up what you did to Alex.”
“I know…”
Abby hated seeing Paul mourn over the loss. “It’s in the past, Paul. Let it go.”
Paul nodded. “I’m trying. It’s just hard…”
Toby clapped him on the back. “I’m sorry.”
“I think I’m the one who deserves an apology,” Abby said.
“You?” Toby asked incredulously. “You punched me in the face—almost twice.”
“You deserved it.”
“No, I didn’t,” he snapped.
“You were both wrong,” Paul said. “So you should both apologize.”
“No,” Toby said. “Everything I said was based on information I thought was true at the time. So I won’t take back what I said.”
“And I won’t take back my punch,” Abby said. “Or promise not to do it again.”
Toby glared at her, the hatred returning.
Paul sighed. “I don’t want this feud to go on.”
“Who cares if it does?” Toby said. “I’m never going to see her again—and I have no desire to. I’m not sure why Alex turned into such a lady, but you’re nowhere near it.” He stood up then adjusted his tie. He stared Abby down as he did it. Then he played with his Rolex for a moment. “I have somewhere more important to be—somewhere to spend my money.” He walked away.
Paul looked at Abby. “I hope no one drew blood.”
Abby sighed. “Your brother is a fucking asshole.”
“He’s actually a really good guy. Today and yesterday are very rare instances.”
“I’m sure…”
“I’m being serious,” Paul said. “I think you just got off on the wrong foot.”
“Whatever,” she said.
Paul rested his elbows on the table. “Abby, is everything okay?”
“Yeah,” she said quickly.
“You seem—down.”
“I’m—I’m just stressed.”
“I hope my brother didn’t hurt your feelings.”
“He may have…”
“I’ll talk to him.”
“No,” she said immediately. “Don’t. I mean it.”
“Okay, okay.” He backed off. “Earlier you mentioned you were going through a hard time. Do you want to talk about it?”
“Paul, let me make this clear. I never want to talk about it. But having you as a friend, not discussing it, is making it easier for me.”
“How is this helping you if we only talk about me?”
“It just is,” she said. “I don’t have a lot of friends…”
“Well, I’m glad I’m one of them. Because I don’t have many either. I’ve pushed them away since Alex and I broke up. I just don’t want to talk about it, you know?”
“I do know,” she said quietly.
“But we’ll figure it out together.” He reached across the table and rested his hand on hers.
She forced a smile to her lips. “Together.”
After she and Paul had lunch together, Abby walked to Alexandra’s apartment. They had to discuss the wedding and other boring things. Abby didn’t like planning things, but she would do anything for her sister. When she reached the door, Blaise was walking out.
“I have class,” he said to Abby. “But I’ll see you later.”
“Bye,” Abby said.
She walked inside then sat beside Alexandra on the couch.
“Don’t sit there,” Alexandra said with red cheeks.
Abby cringed then moved to the other couch. “Did you pick a day?”
“No, but it’s going to be in the spring.”
“Oh,” Abby said. “That’s not too far away.”
“We can manage.”
“You mean I can,” Abby said with a laugh. “Now that you’re in medical school, you won’t have as much time.”
Alexandra smiled. “I knew I could count on you.”
Abby looked through the wedding magazines on the table. “Do you have any ideas?”
Alexandra sighed.
“What?”
“Blaise and I still need to talk to Mom and Dad.”
Abby took a deep breath. “You haven’t told them?”
“Blaise wants to go down there and ask for Dad’s permission.”
“Why?” Abby said. “We aren’t close to them anyway. They don’t even bother to keep in touch with us.”
“I know…but they are our parents.”
Abby rolled her eyes. “Family may be blood, but we make our own family, at least I do.”
“I just feel better telling them,” Alexandra said.
“You don’t owe them anything.”
Alexandra eyed her sister. “You need to let it go, Abby.”
“No.”
“Abby.”
“Just—stop.”
Alexandra fell silent.
“Maybe you can forgive them for what they did to us, but I never will. Do what you want, but don’t expect me to agree with you. And I can’t believe you would bring your future husband there. Blaise isn’t stupid. He’ll see right through everything, and he’ll probably kill them.”
“Blaise wouldn’t do that,” Alexandra said gently.
Abby looked at the magazines.
“I was hoping you’d come with me—for support.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me. I’d do anything for you—but that.”
“Abby…”
“No.”
“Okay, fine.” Alexandra leaned back on the couch. “Are you going to the gala with Fernan?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“I just don’t want to.”
Alexandra sighed. “You don’t have to marry the guy. Just give him a chance.”
“You don’t understand,” she whispered.
“I do understand, Abby. And you can’t let your past control your future. Let it go and move on. We all have our baggage, but the happy people leave it behind. You carry it with y
ou everywhere. Go to this stupid charity thing with him, have a good time, get laid, and get a good night’s rest.”
“You want me to sleep with him on the first date?” Abby asked incredulously.
“I’m not telling you what to do. I’m just telling you to loosen up a bit. If the date goes well and you like him, then yeah, sleep with him. If you aren’t feeling it, don’t. We live in an age where that’s perfectly acceptable. Just do what you want, Abby. Don’t be afraid to do everything. You can keep up your happy façade to everyone else, but it won’t work on me. Now take my advice.”
“I don’t know…”
Alexandra sighed. “I give up.”
“About time,” Abby said with a smile.
“When was the last time you got some?”
“That’s a personal question…”
“Like you haven’t asked me every intimate detail.”
Abby smiled. “A few years…”
Alexandra gasped. “Oh my god…when Blaise and I didn’t have sex for months, I thought I was going crazy. And that was just for a few months. How are you functioning right now?”
“Like I said, I have my vibrator.”
“That’s not the same thing. Sleep with him, Abby. He clearly wants you. And he’s so gorgeous.”
“Keep it in your pants,” Abby said with a laugh.
“You check out my man all the time.”
“I guess that’s true.”
“So, you’ll go?”
Abby looked at the clock. “It’s in a few hours.”
“Call him.”
“I don’t know…”
“Just call him!”
“Alright!” Abby said. “You want me to get laid more than I do.”
“And that’s just sad.”
Chapter Six
Abby dug out the business card from her purse and looked at the number. She stared at it for a moment before she made the call.
He answered on the third ring. “Hello?”
“Hey…it’s Abby.”
Fernan didn’t speak for an instant. “What a lovely surprise.”
“I was wondering if you still needed a date for the gala.”
The smile was clear in his voice. “I do. And it would be nice not to go with a prostitute.”
She laughed. “I’ll meet you there.”
“Nonesense,” he said. “I’ll pick you up.”
“No,” she said quickly.
“I’ll be there in half an hour,” he said. “And I’m looking forward to seeing you in that dress.” He hung up.
Abby sighed in annoyance then got dressed in a hurry. She hardly wore makeup, and when she did, it was always subtle. So she dabbed it on a little and pulled her hair up. The green dress he got her fit her perfectly, just like he said it would. He really did know her measurements. It left her shoulders bare, so she put her hair in a clip to display her pale skin. After she looked in the mirror once more, she fled to Abby’s apartment.
When she knocked on the door, Blaise answered it. He was breathing heavily like he was just running. His hair was messy and in disarray.
“Do you two ever do anything else?” Abby blurted.
Blaise smiled. “My fiancé only has one thing on her mind.”
Abby pushed open the door and walked inside.
“Why are you dressed like that?” Blaise asked.
“I have a date.”
He looked confused. “You are having a date at our place?”
Alexandra came out of the bedroom wearing one of Blaise’s t-shirts. It almost reached her knees because it was so long. “What are you doing here? Can’t we have sex without you coming over?”
“Can’t you do something else besides have sex?” Abby argued.
Alexandra examined her dress. “You look hot.”
“Thanks,” Abby said with a wink.
‘I’m glad you’re giving this guy a chance.”
“It’s just a date,” Abby said.
“You better get some,” Alexandra said.
Abby rolled her eyes. “Such a lady.”
“You should have seen what we were just doing,” Blaise said.
Abby cringed. “I hope Fernan hurries up.”
Alexandra grabbed Blaise by the arm. “We’ll be in the bedroom if you need us.”
“Happy humping,” Abby said.
They closed the door.
The knock on the front door startled Abby. For some reason she felt nervous. After she checked her appearance in the mirror once more, she opened the door.
Fernan held a single white flower. It was large and white, like a summer flower.
“Lilies remind me of you.” He held it out to her.
She took it gently then smelled it. “It’s beautiful.”
“Not quite as beautiful as you—but pretty close.”
Abby felt her heart spasm. She laid the follow on the kitchen table then came back to him.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
She nodded.
He hooked his arm around her waist and pulled her from the apartment. She closed it behind her but didn’t lock it, not having a key. Fernan didn’t seem to notice. When they reached the street, a limo was parked against the curb. The doorman opened the back door when they approached.
“A limo?” she asked incredulously.
“You got to keep up appearances.” He helped her inside then sat beside her.
“But still—it’s a little extreme.”
He nodded then placed his arm over the back seat. His arm touched the back of her neck. He was affectionate but not overbearing. She still felt nervous being so close to him. When she eyed his suit and the vest he wore, she could make out the faint lines of his body. He was clearly fit. Her mind wandered to inappropriate things so she focused her thoughts on the present.
“So, what changed your mind?” He leaned close to her, whispering. No one else was in the backseat, and the window to the driver was rolled up. They were totally alone. But the intimacy made her skin prickle.
“I just felt like going out.”
“With me?”
“Well, yeah…”
“I think you’ll have a great time. I can be very charming.”
“I’ll ask all your hookers.”
He chuckled. “I paid them to talk me up.”
She smiled.
His hand moved to the back of her neck, and he rubbed it gently. “You look dashing in that.”
“You have good taste.”
“Wow. I actually got a compliment from you.”
“What are you talking about?” she said. “I give compliments all the time.”
“Not to me—ever.”
“Well, I’ll work on it.”
“I look forward to it.”
When the limo pulled over, Abby knew they arrived at the charity event. She was nervous to be around a mob of pretentious art lovers, especially since she had no money of her own, but she kept up her calm façade.
Fernan studied her face. “Don’t be nervous.”
“I’m not….”
“You know what I like about you?”
“Hmm?”
“You try to be strong for everyone around you, but deep inside, you are scared like the rest of us. And it’s even better when I can tell what’s real and what isn’t.”
Not knowing how to respond to that, she said nothing.
“I’ll do all the talking,” he said. “Don’t worry.”
The driver opened the door and they left the limo. His hand hooked around her waist and pulled her close to his body. Even though she felt nervous when he touched her, she still felt safe being close to him. They were going to gala where a lot of donations were made. They were the aristocratic people she could never click with.
They walked inside and moved through the crowd. Fernan kept his hand on her waist, steering her through the people. He stopped and spoke to a few people, mainly prospective art buyers. Fernan was always humble when he spoke to everyone, acting like his g
ift wasn’t noteworthy. Abby always liked that about him, his down to earth persona.
“Drink?” he asked.
“Please.”
“Wine or champagne?”
“I don’t give a damn.”
He chuckled. “Alright.” He ordered from the bar and left her standing alone. People passed her without speaking, and she felt the gaze of others drill into her skin. When she met their look, they quickly looked away.
“I got you champagne,” he said as he handed her the flute.
“Thank you.” She downed it immediately.
He smiled while he watched her. “There really is no reason to be nervous.”
“I just get stressed out when I’m not in my comfort zone.”
Fernan moved his hand around her waist. “What can I do to make you more comfortable?”
She felt his breath fall on her face. The scent of the wine he drank lingered in the air. She glanced at his lips and stared at the skin, wondering if they were soft. Since Abby told her to give Fernan a chance, she started to see the qualities she ignored before. His build was to her taste, strong but not burly. His complexion was perfect, not a smudge or mark anywhere. And he had a small amount of facial hair, not overbearing. And he was sensitive, sweet, and artistic.
He leaned closer to her, his lips just an inch from hers. “Can I try your champagne?”
She swallowed the lump in her throat. “My glass is empty…”
“I know.” He moved in and sealed his mouth over hers. The touch ignited her senses in a blaze. The bitter taste of the wine was on her lips. He caressed her gently, just moving his mouth against hers. Abby was surprised at the sensual touch. He was an amazing kisser, his lips concise in their movements. His hand gripped the back of her dress, pulling her closer to him. His tongue didn’t move into her mouth, and she was slightly disappointed. He broke their kiss then rested his forehead against hers. “It was good.”
“What? The kiss?”
“The champagne,” he said with a smile. “I’ll want another taste later.”
Her breathing increased at his words.
“Let’s take a seat.” He pulled her to his side and found their table in the center of the room. Name cards were on each tablecloth, and they found theirs quickly. Purple and white flowers acted as the centerpiece. Abby stared at it as Fernan pulled her chair out. She sat down then watched him sit beside her.