James smiled. Anna was still frozen at his side but when James bent down and kissed her lightly on the lips, the tension from Anna’s body evaporated and Anna seemed to come back to life. “Dance with me?” James asked before he led her onto the dance floor.
In that moment it was like no one else in the room even existed. They were floating on a cloud, wrapped in their own private bubble. The music played and they danced. Before they knew it the dance floor was full of people moving to the music, acting as if they had no cares in the world. They could have been in heaven. How could it ever get better than this? It was what she’d always pictured.
“Told you,” James said, stroking Anna’s hair. Her head was buried on his shoulder. In those strong, protective arms Anna knew she was safe. While she was wrapped in those arms no one could touch her.
“Mind if I cut in?” The alarm was evident as Anna’s head shot up and looked around to see who dared to interrupt them. It was only Grant.
“Sure, mate. Just watch your hands,” James teased, letting go and moving away from her.
Grant’s arms slid around Anna’s waist with a strange familiarity. It was odd and Anna knew the moment his hands touched her skin she’d regret this. “You really did it, didn’t you?” Grant muttered quietly so only Anna could hear his accusation.
“I’m sorry. What did you say?” And with that, Anna’s dream was shattered. No longer wrapped in the protective cocoon of James’s strong embrace, Anna felt as though she was about to face the firing squad.
“I said, you did it.”
“I did what?” Anna snarled. Agitated, her eyes were now scouring the room desperate for James to swoop in and rescue her.
“Don’t get defensive, Anna. I just mean you really did it. This is the happiest I’ve ever seen you. And honestly, if James is responsible. Well…all I can say is congratulations. You really do deserve to be happy.” Grant smiled sweetly.
“Thanks, Grant.” Anna dropped the cynicism and snuggled against him. The Grant in her arms was not the one she remembered. Maybe Grant had changed as much as she had. Maybe growing up agreed with him. Anna felt relieved as she realised maybe someone would actually understand.
“Sleeping with him?” he asked callously. It was like a slap in the face. Barely moments ago Anna was giving him credit for being an actual human being, but with that comment Anna knew he was still the same manipulative, sex-obsessed asshole he’d always been. Pushing him away, she stormed off towards James. Back towards home.
Still seated at the table were Bronwyn, Stephanie, and Holly. Anna could only assume they were still gossiping about what had just happened. Anna felt the anger and disappointment building inside of her. Why couldn’t they just be happy for her? Through high school they’d been the popular ones, the ones with the latest outfits, the perfect hair, and the perfect boyfriends. Anna just felt as though now it was her turn. She had always been happy for them even if privately she was also more than a little envious, so she couldn’t quite comprehend why they couldn’t return the gesture. Surely it was her chance to have it all. She had the perfect fiancé and for the first time since she could remember Anna felt truly happy. And if she ever found the courage to take off her overcoat they would see she now had the perfect wardrobe as well. She was finally exactly who she wanted to be. And sadly, the people who she wanted to accept her and be happy for her were just sitting there bitching about her. Anna was filled with disappointment.
Moments later, Grant walked calmly back to the table as though nothing had happened. Then, almost as if he was rubbing salt in the wound, he suggested they move the party on and get James and Anna out of the spotlight. They’d been gawked at enough for one night and perhaps it was time they should head to the nightclub up the road. Without hesitation they agreed. But the girls couldn’t let it go. Or they wouldn’t. It was obvious they were still suspicious. Anna wasn’t sure how she was going to convince them this was a legitimate engagement or even if she could be bothered trying to convince them. How did she make someone believe her? Make them believe she wasn’t just after his money? Or that he wasn’t using her as a fake fiancée to protect himself from overzealous fans?
Anna and James quickly agreed getting out have there was indeed a great idea. “Well…the car is out the front so we’ll meet you there,” James explained. Anna knew him well enough to see past the mask. He didn’t care about the car. She knew he wanted a moment or two, just the two of them without eyes analysing their every move. Five minutes wouldn’t be enough but at least that would give James a chance to check on her and make sure she was still holding herself together. The smile plastered across Anna’s face didn’t fool James. He knew her too well. He knew the smile wasn’t real—it didn’t reach her eyes.
Anna was determined to make one last ditch attempt to reunite with old friends, no matter the cost. “Why don’t you drive the guys up and I’ll walk with the girls? We’ll meet you out the front. I’m sure they would love to take a spin in your new toy anyway.”
“You sure?” James asked nervously.
“I’ll be fine,” Anna convinced herself before giving him a sly wink.
Splitting up, they headed for the exit. No one spoke until they burst out onto the street. Just as Bronwyn opened her mouth and was about to start interrogating Anna, Marcy appeared. By the looks of her she’d just knocked off work for the night and was looking to party.
“Anna! I didn’t know you were back. How are you? What’s new?” Marcy exclaimed, throwing her arms around Anna’s shoulders with a touch too much enthusiasm.
“Yeah, Anna, what’s new?” Stephanie asked sarcastically. They were all blatantly staring at her, barely containing their giggles. What was she supposed to do? Lie?
“What did I miss?” Marcy asked, looking mystified.
As the girls pushed off they started clacking down the street, their impossibly high heels clicking on the pavement.
“Guys! Come on! Tell me! What’s going on?” Marcy pouted as she spotted the furtive glances and nervous laughs surrounding her.
“It seems…” Holly began to tell the tale. “Well…it seems Anna here went and got herself engaged.” Anna forced a smile.
“Congratulations! Oh my god…Anna, that’s great. Isn’t it?” Marcy asked, looking slightly lost. “Why aren’t we all jumping up and down and celebrating? Aren’t we happy about this?”
“Yeah, I am. It’s great.” Anna finally felt relieved. Someone was reacting the way friends were supposed to, the way she’d hoped they all would.
***
James
They circled the car like a lion circled its prey. They were beyond impressed and over-awed. It was obvious they were envious of James’s pride and joy. His V8 ice silver Audi Spyder put a smile on everyone’s face and a jealous sparkle in their eyes. Everyone was practically drooling. It was a dream car but James was the lucky one with the keys in his pocket.
“Dude! This is a hot car!” Matt exclaimed.
“How fast?” Rick questioned.
With a beep James unlocked the car, and without waiting for an invitation, Grant slipped silently into the driver’s seat. The black leather interior gleamed under the street lights and James couldn’t restrain the wide grin that consumed his face as he watched the guys surround him and salivate over his toy.
“It goes okay. Zero to one hundred in four point two seconds.” James smirked nonchalantly.
“Fuck yeah!” Grant bellowed, climbing out of the car. But not everyone was as impressed by James’s choice of transportation. It seemed Johnny too had questions, but they had nothing to do with the Audi.
“So, what’s the go? Why propose to Anna?” Johnny asked, leaning casually against the car. It would have seemed like a typical male question between friends but these guys weren’t friends. These were people James had just met and right now he wasn’t sure he liked any of them.
“Why does anyone get married? I love Anna. That’s all. She’s the one I want to spend my life wit
h.” James was being extremely diplomatic, which he had plenty of practice at. Over the years James had gotten used to the fact he had to watch what he said. He had been told a million times it was just one of the drawbacks of ‘being known.’
“But Anna? Seriously? I’ve seen pictures of you hanging out with actresses and models, yet you’re marrying Anna?” Johnny asked, genuinely bewildered. “Let’s face it, she isn’t exactly hot and she is…well, you know…a bit on the chunky side. Maybe it’s me, man, but…you have really nice taste in cars but you need help.” Johnny didn’t even attempt to hide his distaste.
James bit his lip and swallowed his argument. James smiled as he thought wait until you see what is under that coat. Sliding into the driver’s seat and revving the engine seemed to bring the discussion about Anna to a halt. Rick jumped in and flipped the others off as James and Rick tore through the car park, leaving the others to make the trek on foot.
Moments later they pulled into the parking lot. James killed the ignition before he and Rick headed towards the door. The girls had managed to beat them and were waiting out the front for them. Anna stood surrounded by women as if she were the last cake at a bakery. She was fielding questions from Marcy, who appeared as though she actually approved. Without thought or hesitation, James sauntered over to where they were and took his position beside her.
“Marcy, I’d like you to meet my fiancé, James.” Anna grinned as she reached out and wrapped her arm around his waist, pulling him close.
“Oh my god!” Marcy had lost control of her mouth and was just blurting out strange noises. Eventually she managed to splutter out, “Hi…congratulations.”
The bouncer quickly checked their identification and after James signed an autograph for his son, they made their way upstairs. James insisted it was time for Anna to take off the jacket. It took him a moment, but James managed to summon up three pretty acceptable reasons. “Anna, it will be so hot on the dance floor you’ll certainly overheat. As hot and stuffy as it is in here, I don’t want you getting sick. Besides, you look fucking hot. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. I promise, I’m the only one who will be watching you.” He smiled at her. The third reason James knew he would never speak aloud. It was purely selfish. He wanted everyone to shut up once and for all and stop judging the woman who would be his wife. He knew this was the perfect revenge.
“If I have to. But I just want you to know, I’m only doing this for you,” Anna gave up reluctantly, shrugging out of her coat.
The others were already on the dance floor showing off their very funky dance moves. James went to get a drink but sent Anna ahead of him. Edging around the corner of the bar, she spotted them. They were in the middle of the crowded dance floor. Nervously she made her way over.
***
Anna
The whole place had the overpowering stench of thick cigarette smoke. Anna thought she would die of lung cancer if she inhaled. The floor was sticky from all the spilt drinks. Tiny shards of glass stuck out of the carpet and embedded themselves into shoes. The club was crowded and everyone seemed to be talking so loud that Anna couldn’t even hear herself think. A group of sad, old men were sitting off to one side gathered around a pool table that had seen better days. As she passed them she could feel their beady eyes on her. “That one is a definite nine out of ten,” Anna heard one of the drunks mumble.
She tapped Daniel on the shoulder so he would step back and make some room for her to fit into the group. He spun around and saw Anna for the first time. His eyes instantly doubled in size as he appreciated the view. Struggling to form actual words, he managed to mumble, “Wow!’ The others looked up and did a double take. The shy, little chunky girl had vanished and left in her place a stunning, confident, and happy Anna.
She wore a short, black, pleated skirt; her black leggings only emphasised the length of her shapely legs. Her top was a strapless, blue sequin top that didn’t quite reach the top of her skirt, leaving her taut midriff exposed. Her long hair was a mass of loose brown spirals, flowing halfway down her back. Anna’s fresh innocent face was set off by a sexy smile that acted as the centrepiece. And for the first time since the unexpected reunion with her friends her smile reached her eyes. Anna’s bubbling confidence was overflowing. She looked like sex on legs and she knew it. But she didn’t act as if she was better than anyone else. Those people who had criticised and ostracised her through her school years were now in total awe of her miraculous transformation. Anna had truly been converted from an ugly step-sister to a beautiful princess. And with James as her knight in shining armour standing proudly beside her, the picture was complete.
“Anna…you look so…fucking hot,” Matt spluttered, still struggling to form a coherent sentence. At that moment two long, warm, and muscled arms slid around her waist. James was there.
“Hey! Don’t even think about it. She’s mine.” James laughed, spinning her around to face him.
Anna quickly forgot about everyone else and became transfixed on James. But Anna could tell instantly something wasn’t quite right. His eyes darted around above her, scouring the crowd. Although she wasn’t sure what he was worried about, Anna prayed she hadn’t done something wrong. Her worst fears played out in her mind and she was terrified she had somehow embarrassed him.
“James? What’s wrong?” Anna queried nervously, looking up into his face.
His jaw was clenched and Anna’s stomach lurched. Sighing heavily, James leaned down and whispered into her ear, “You know, everyone in this room is looking at you, thinking how absolutely incredible you look.”
Relief consumed her. Anna let out the breath she wasn’t even aware she had been holding. “See sweetie, that’s where you’re wrong. Everyone is looking at me thinking who’s that bitch dancing with that amazing guy who looks good enough to eat?” Anna replied, pulling him even closer, if that was actually possible.
“Well, the answers to their questions are simple. The woman I am dancing with is my fiancée. And the reason I’m dancing with her is because I love her very much,” James said, kissing her lightly on the top of her head. “Do you know what…? I don’t think we should get married,” James suggested.
“What?” Anna’s coughed, her obvious alarm only made him chuckle harder.
“Well…I’ve been thinking about it and I think I like the word fiancée way too much to give it up. But then again, I think the word ‘wife’ would grow on me.” As his words sunk in, a wave of relief washed over Anna’s face, relaxing her so she snuggled in even closer.
The song finished and Anna decided she needed some fresh air and a time out. Hand in hand they walked out of the doors onto the almost vacant patio. Maybe it was the cold air that kept everyone inside or maybe it was the bar serving the cut-price drinks that kept the patio lonely; whatever it was, it didn’t matter. Anna and James were finally alone. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms protectively around her waist. The only question was what he was trying to protect her from—the freezing cold or something far more sinister. Whatever it was, it didn’t matter; as long as they were together nothing or no one could ever hurt them.
“How are you holding up?” James asked sincerely.
Anna looked up into this eyes and saw something there she didn’t recognise. Something she hadn’t seen before. There was a fear there that scared Anna.
“I’m okay. How ’bout you?” she asked, unable to hide the tremble in her voice.
Squeezing tighter, James looked down into Anna’s eyes, “I’m fine. Promise, Anna. But you, you look so…so different, Anna.”
Suddenly nervous, Anna couldn’t help but blurt out the words as they registered, “Is that a bad thing?”
“Absolutely not,” James replied firmly and without hesitation. “You’ll tell me when you’re ready to go?”
“Promise.” Anna confirmed, then let out a sigh of exhaustion. Her eyes widened when the doors opened and Grant stepped out, invading their private moment. James too, felt the mood change.
Anna’s whole body tensed and she pressed into him.
“Just tell me when you want to go and we’ll go. I can’t stay much longer anyway. I have training early tomorrow, but if you want to stay…just ring me and I’ll come and get you. Whenever you’re ready.” James was sincere. Anna knew that if she wanted to stay out he would come when she called. No questions asked. But right now, Anna couldn’t stomach the thought of being separated from him. Not even for a couple of hours.
“If you want to stay, Anna…” Grant interrupted, “I can drop you home. No trouble at all.” Grant seems strange, Anna thought. She couldn’t understand after all they’d been through why he would still go out of his way to help her.
“Thanks, mate,” James responded, emotionlessly shaking Grant’s hand. Anna sensed James’s hesitation. There was a wariness there she’d never seen before but it was unmistakable. “There you go, Princess, lots of options. It’s up to you. What do you want to do?”
“I’ll come home with you,” she stated matter-of-factly, looking up at James. Anna couldn’t bring herself to look at Grant but murmured her thanks.
Grant just shrugged his shoulders and headed back inside. James watched Anna as Grant left; she physically relaxed as soon as he moved away from her. He felt her exhale the breath she’d nervously been holding. Whatever it was she didn’t want to tell him, it definitely had some connection to Grant.
“Come on…” James grinned, untangling himself from Anna. “One more dance then I’ll take you home. We’ll just say I have training early tomorrow,” James promised, grabbing her hands and led her back onto the dance floor.
While the old familiar songs played, James and Anna separated and began to bounce to the pulsating beat. Anna noticed most of her friends had already partnered off for the night. It was as if they played a sad game of musical beds to see who ended up with whom. It was a game that had been going on for years. Anna couldn’t help but think about how shallow it seemed. As long as the girls were skinny, blonde, and they wore a tight fitting top, they were a worthy partner. Anna remembered hearing stories of them waking up the next morning and couldn’t even remember the girl’s name. They truly were pathetic, superficial people. All of a sudden Anna’s eyes filled until they let a slow but steady stream of salty tears run over her cheeks.
Perfection Is Just an Illusion (Swimming Upstream #1) Page 2