“Do you remember what happened?” Johnni’s voice is so soft I can barely hear it.
“Yeah. Some asshole attacked me. He bit me.”
Johnni’s hands clench into fists. “Yeah, he did. He would have done worse too.”
I shiver, knowing that he’s right. “So, what happened? Why didn’t he?”
“I’ll explain everything after you’ve had something to eat. I don’t want to overtax you already.”
“Don’t worry about me. What I really want right now is to know what happened.”
Johnni sighs and runs his hands through his hair. Luckily for him, the nurse comes back just then with a tray of food.
“Now, don’t push yourself. If you can’t finish all of it, that’s fine. You just do what you can,” she says warmly. She sets the tray down in front of me and I immediately know that it’s not standard hospital food. There’s a nice circular cut of filet mignon, grilled asparagus, a slice of strawberry cheesecake, and a baked potato with all of the fixin’s.
I must have looked as surprised as I felt because the nurse winks at me. “A special order, just for you. So get well.”
The aromas from the food hit my nose and it’s all I can do to thank her before I start digging in.
Fifteen minutes later I lean back against my pillows and shove the empty tray down toward my feet.
Johnni whistles. “Damn. Where did you put all of that, because I know it didn’t fit into that little body of yours.”
I laugh. “You’d be surprised at how much I can pack away when I’m motivated. That was really good.”
Johnni sits back and crosses his ankle over his knee. “I’ll bet. Even though I didn’t eat any of it, it did me a world of good. I’m glad to see color back in your face.”
That sobers me up quickly and I nod. “Okay, spill. Tell me everything.”
“Okay…well… How to begin?”
I groan. “Are you going to drag this out? Because I’d really like to get this over with.”
“Oh yeah, you’re definitely feeling better. And as demanding as always.”
“You know it.” I give him a shaky grin, offering confidence that I don’t feel. I’m really freaked out by all of this but I don’t want him to know it.
“All right. The short version is simple. You have tons of fan clubs out there. One of them is bat-shit crazy and was upset about your announcement.”
I groan and close my eyes for a moment. I knew I had made enemies but I didn’t know one of the Fallon cults was going to go off the deep end.
“I see you get what I’m saying. Is it too early for an ‘I told you so’?”
“Yes. Much, much too early. But I’ll make sure to pencil it into my schedule for next week.”
“Okay, but do it in the afternoon. You know how I like to get in a good work out before a rub someone’s face in a bad decision.”
I groan again for good measure and Johnni waits for me to signal for him to keep going. “Did one of the security forces finally kick in and help me?”
Johnni’s expression turns thunderous. “No. Those useless bastards cited ‘following orders’ when they were interviewed about why they just stood there. They had their own targets to protect, even though no one else was being attacked. I think they were just jealous of the attention.”
I shiver again when I remember the weird out-of-body experience I had. I don’t want to tell Johnni about it, so I keep my mouth shut.
Johnni doesn’t seem to notice and after a few moments, he works himself out of his mad. He takes a deep breath. “You were actually saved by another guy. Someone who was in the crowd and managed to fight his way through.”
“What? A civilian saved me?”
“Yeah. But he didn’t just save you. He…”
Johnni visibly shudders and I tilt my head to the side. “What? What’s wrong?”
“He beat the guy into a coma. I mean, there was so much blood, and he just kept wailing on the guy.”
I swallow. The sounds I remember echo in my ears and I can’t help but to wonder if that was what I heard.
“What happened to him?”
“The cops questioned him but apparently the guy has some clout. They didn’t even take him to the station, just took his statement and let him go.”
My curiosity flares up. “And what happened to him after that?”
“Nothing, he just left. A stretcher came for you and the guy who attacked you and the police began their questioning everyone else. But he just left.”
I frown. What a mysterious man. “Did you get his name?”
“Yeah. I overheard the talking later. His name is Harper. Harper Vasso.”
It might be the morphine but the moment I hear his name, I somehow feel…lighter.
* * * * *
I want to scream my frustration. I want to rip out my hair and punch something. I don’t do either of these things, though. Instead I keep my voice even and my impression firm. “No. I did not welcome his advances. Any rumors about my knowing him before the incident are just that—rumors.”
The TNS representative gives me a smirk that makes me want to rip out her hair. Doesn’t she understand that the attacks against me are the same as an attack against her? Against all women? If a man had been attacked in the same way, they would be talking about how crazy the person who broke through security and shoved him down was. Instead, they are focused on me and what I must have done to encourage his behavior. It is disgusting.
“But there is photographic evidence that shows you and this man in a grocery store looking rather chummy.”
I have already addressed this image. In fact, I had a press conference to explain away the preposterous thing. “As I said before. That is a candid photo that was taken by this group that was stalking me for months. I was unaware of the images being taken and though it seems as if I am engaged in conversation with this man, he simply helped me find an item on the shelf.”
The “Ah-hah!” light bulb that seems to go off in the reporter’s head makes my eye twitch. “So, you had a conversation with him?”
I cross and uncross my legs. The pencil-skirt that I’m wearing was specifically picked out because it is modest and long enough to cover my knees. I can’t help but think that the effort was completely wasted.
It doesn’t matter how I dress. People see what they want to and they assume that I am whatever they want me to be. It doesn’t really matter what the truth is.
I could be in nun garb and they would still think I was a slut.
“Your name was Bridgette, correct?”
She nods, waving her hand in the air like she doesn’t care that I apparently forgot her name. But it does and that’s why I had asked her. “Well, Bridgette, do you remember everyone you speak to in a random day? Do you remember the names and faces of strangers who are polite enough to hold open a door for you or pick up something you drop? That’s all this conversation was. No more and no less.”
Bridgette at least has the sense to look embarrassed for the stupid lines she’s trying to draw. I lean back against the seat, letting out a subtle breath.
I don’t want them to know how rattled I’ve been by this entire situation. I could have been seriously injured and it disgusts me in a way I can’t put into words that all anyone seems to care about is what I was wearing that day and who I had been talking to.
Like I deserved it.
My stomach twists as the reporter starts her closing statement. She doesn’t seem to buy what I’ve been saying but she doesn’t say anything else that could be seen as a put-down. When she finally releases me from the interview she reaches out as if she wants to shake my hand but quickly drops it.
I hope that she feels as ashamed as she should be.
I step outside the studio and take a deep breath. Spring is in full swing and I can’t help but miss the crisp air of winter. I quickly flag down my driver and lower my head so that he doesn’t try to make small talk while I climb in.
The door shut
s behind me and before my eyes can adjust to the dark depths of the car, a clear voice asks. “Was it that bad?”
Tina, my administrative assistant is sitting across in the limo cabin across from me. Her seat faces mine with several feet between us and she’s spread a wealth of portfolios and notebooks out while she waited for me.
“No, of course not.” I mutter, even though I don’t believe it and I’m sure she doesn’t either.
She doesn’t push any further, simply nods and goes back to a calendar that’s open in her lap. “All right, then. Let’s get to work. You have a two o’clock meeting with the CEO of the Purps real estate firm. Then you have a dinner with the governor of—”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. I don’t want to talk about government contracts right now. The only thing I care about is an errand I had her complete a little while ago. “Did you look into what I asked you for?”
Tina looks slightly startled that I interrupted her report. She had already been talking about the sales figures for my latest fashion launch. I know I’ll pay for that interruption later. Tina does not approve of mixing business with pleasure and the task I had sent her on definitely counts as pleasure.
“I did, Ms. Opal.” She says evenly. She never really voices her displeasure in a way that can be measured. She’s very professional, even if she is a couple years older than me. I hired her based on her excellent references and have been quite pleased with her abilities. Between her and a very small management company, my businesses and stocks are being handled with the most expert of care. I receive daily updates and never have to ask where a project stands.
“And?” I push, trying to keep the impatience I feel out of my tone.
Tina shifts through several of her papers and hands me a single legal pad page. There, in tight handwriting is Harper Vasso’s information. He is single—has never been married—and is a very successful businessman himself. He is in his early forties, so quite a bit older than me but I don’t mind. He keeps himself fit, has a gym membership in good standing and makes a few serious hiking trips every year. He likes to kayak and Scuba dive. He also has several homes in the mountains.
Along with all of this information, Tina has provided a sociological evaluation of what she feels he is like. He is a loner, though he isn’t lonely. He is a little awkward but he spends his time wisely and is very dedicated to improving himself as a person. He is the strong, silent type that every girl dreams of. His accent is vaguely Armenian; though it is carefully masked unless he is upset. He is the kind of man who has complete control over everything in his life. Especially himself.
Looking down at the report makes my heart rate kick up. For a moment I think I am going to faint. Something about this man calls to me. His character, the pictures Tina has provided along with this portfolio and everything else I know about him makes me want to meet him in the worst way.
I worry the bottom of my lip, trying to focus on a plan. I want to see him but I don’t want to come on too aggressively. “Tina, did you send him the invitation as well?”
“Of course, Ms. Opal. I also included the handwritten letter you prepared, thanking him for his assistance last week.”
I rub my fingertips against my forehead. Last week? It feels like three months have passed since that incident. TNS had taken to it like a shark smelling blood in the water. Since the moment I got out of my hospital bed, I’ve been squashing rumors and disputing faulty “evidence” of a relationship.
Luckily, I have plenty of witnesses who saw what really happened. My true fans had also been at the event and though they hadn’t been much help, they had backed me at every turn, telling the world that a small group of crazy people didn’t make all of my fans bad.
My face flushes with color when I think of the other person doing the most to keep me out of the media’s spotlight. Harper Vasso had also stepped up on several occasions, even though it was well known that he didn’t like to be in front of cameras. Well, it was well-known to me. I had tried to find out everything I could about the man who had probably saved my life.
“…Fallon?”
Hearing Tina call my given name snapped me out of my revelry. She was tapping her foot impatiently and I hadn’t even realized the limo had started moving. “Did you hear me?”
“No, Tina. I’m sorry, could you repeat yourself?”
For just a moment, Tina’s mask of professionalism slips and she tilts her head in my direction. “Are you sure you’re okay? The doctor did say you should take it easy for a while.”
I try to smile at her but I know it’s a wan, weak attempt. I really do appreciate her concern but I have to keep moving if I want to get where I need to be. “Don’t worry about me. I can take it.”
Tina nods and the mask is fully back in place. “All right. As I was saying, I’m not sure if he will be there because there was not enough time for an RSVP. However, there was delivery confirmation so we know that he at least got the invitation. All we can do now is wait.”
I nod, rubbing my forehead again. The unveiling of yet another of my business ventures—this one in the government sector—is going to take a lot of energy out of me. I can’t risk messing anything up because my mid is too focused on Harper. I shake my head, clearing it of the cobwebs. “All right. Let’s go over that schedule again.”
Chapter Nine
Soft, elegant music fills the room after the speakers leave the podium. I climb down the short stairs, already eager to take my seat. All I want to do is have a flute of champagne and stuff at least six hors d’oeuvres into my mouth. There’s not a lot of time for eating when you’re planning world domination.
I laugh to myself as I snag a crab cake from a passing waitress. Then I attempt to make my way to one of the bubbling fountains in the courtyard. Maybe if I sit on one of the marble edges, my feet will stop hurting for half a second.
I limp over to one, thankful that it puts a barrier between me and the orchestra.
People mingle and chat around me, the upper echelons of New York brushing shoulders and filling networking calendars. I know I should be a part of that, but all I want to do right now is kick up my feet and watch a movie.
“Excuse me, would you mind if I took this seat?”
Before I even sit down, I am greeted by the one voice that could have given me energy. I turn to see Harper, dressed in an expensive Italian suit with blue stitching, smiling brightly. For some reason, I instinctively know that the way he’s smiling is rare and that I’m one of the few people who get to see it.
“Please. I was hoping that I would get to see you tonight.” It’s a bold statement for me but I mean every word. I feel a lightness in my chest, just by being near him. It’s almost magical.
“Then we both had the same hope. Here, why don’t you let me take your plate while you get comfortable?”
He doesn’t wait for me to say yes. Instead, he takes it from me and offers me an elegant sweep of his hand.
I sit down carefully, crossing my ankles. Suddenly, I’m very shy and my face feels hot. For several moments, we sit in silence and he hands me my plate. I quietly consume the food while he watches me with his intense, dark gaze. It should make me nervous but mostly I just feel touched to have so much of his attention focused on me.
I finish eating and then he takes my plate and sets it beside us. “Are you feeling all right to be out and about?”
I laugh, a little surprised by his question. Other than Tina, no one has really shown concern for me in that way. Even Johnni has just assumed that I am made out of steel and has been treating me like Wonder Woman. I appreciate him not making a big deal out of it but for some reason Harper’s concern makes me want to cry.
“Yes, I’m okay. A little tired but otherwise fine.”
He nods. “A strong woman. But you’ve had to be, haven’t you?”
I don’t know what to say to that but I don’t have to respond. Harper flags down a waitress who should not have been able to see us. She comes immediately,
as if she has been waiting for his command. I can’t hear what he whispers to her, but she leaves without another glance in my direction.
“Why don’t we talk about something else? Why aren’t you out mingling?”
This shift in topic keeps me on my toes. “I could ask you the same thing.”
He shrugs and my gaze is drawn to his wide shoulders. I bite my tongue to keep from giving him a thorough once-over. This is not the kind of man to ogle like a schoolgirl.
“I don’t really have the need to rub shoulders with politicians.” He pauses as if in deep thought. “And I don’t want to catch fleas.”
I grin, knowing exactly what he means. “Well, sometimes you have to sleep with the dogs to get anything done.”
He grins and the pure white of his smile makes my stomach do flip-flops. He’s got an amazing presence and somehow I feel as if he is wiping away some of the grit I’ve been gathering, dealing with sleazy people.
“This is sad but true, Ms. Fallon Opal.”
The way he says my name makes it sound like a prayer. I shiver with pleasure, immediately wanting to hear it again. I get the feeling that I could easily become addicted to this man and the charm he oozes effortlessly.
The waitress comes back with a silver tray. She leaves it with Harper and walks away without even looking at me. I tilt my head to the side. “Well, that was rude.”
Harper shakes his head while setting the tray between us. I realize it’s laden with dark roast coffee and various creams and sugars. There are also bags of various kinds of teas but the coffee is what catches my attention.
“She wasn’t trying to be rude. I knew that you must be tired of all of the attention you get, so I told her not to fawn over you. You know that the wait staff is quite excited just to see you, right?”
I blow out a breath and reach for the cup he offers me. Just from the smell, I can tell this is high-quality coffee. I bet the cream is fresh as well. “This courtyard is filled with important people. Why would anyone be excited to see me, of all people?”
Harper laughs and I notice that he is setting up a cup of tea. He uses a comb to spoon in a generous dollop of honey into it. “I’m surprised you don’t know. You’re special, Fallon. You’re something more than the liars and schemers here. You’re pure.”
Love Through LimeLight Page 6