An Unlikely Bride

by Nadia Lee

  Paige puts a hand on Belle’s arm. “Lucas is right. You don’t have to.”

  Elliot wraps an arm around Belle’s shoulders. “She doesn’t have to, but she wants to. Don’t worry, I’ll drink two to make up for it.”

  Laughing, Paige rolls her eyes, while Belle smiles up at Elliot like he just gave her a yacht. I’m not fooled by my twin’s little act there. Is Belle a recovering alcoholic? If so, how does she deal with his drinking? Elliot imbibes so much scotch he might as well get it through an IV.

  Blake clears his throat to get everyone’s attention. “To us. May our father rue the day he decided to f—interfere in our lives.”

  Amen. I lift my flute, then sip the champagne. It’s good—none of my siblings do bad alcohol.

  “So how long are you staying in L.A.?” Paige asks.

  “Indefinitely, at this point,” I respond.

  “Then you’re coming to the opening of Nate Sterling’s new hospital tonight?” Elizabeth asks. Nate is her cousin’s brother-in-law, although she’s known him since forever. The Sterlings are important if one of your goals in life is to play Mother Theresa. There aren’t many families as wealthy and influential. “It’s sort of an opening-plus-fundraiser.”

  “I’ll go if he’s invited a lot of unattached women,” Blake says.

  “They may all flee in terror. You’ve got a reputation,” Ryder says.

  Elizabeth shakes her head. “Blake doesn’t have a reputation. He just hasn’t met the right person yet.” She turns to our oldest brother. “And to answer your question, yes, Nate did invite a lot of single women.”

  Perfect. I could use some gratuitous female company. Besides, I already promised. “I’ll be there.”

  Elliot gives me a look. “Really?”

  “It’s for a good cause, and I can use the tax deduction.” I shrug. “Besides, I’m the one who encouraged Nate to do the hospital project.”

  “That’s great.” Elizabeth beams, while Elliot stares at me like I’ve grown a horn in the center of my forehead.

  “It’s gonna be boring,” he says. “Skip it and come to my place for dinner instead.”

  “I’ll bail early if it is. And take a rain check on the dinner.” I meet his eyes squarely and shove both hands into my pants pockets, fingernails digging into my palms. “But you heard what Elizabeth said about the women. It’s about time I get to work on fulfilling our father’s condition.”

  Ryder’s jaw drops, his eyes almost bugging out. If I weren’t so heartsore with what happened with Ava, I’d probably laugh. “I thought you’d rather die,” he says.

  “Changed my mind.” I let my gaze sweep over my siblings. “You guys want the paintings, right?”

  Except for Blake, they nod, one by one, their motions a bit uncertain. Not surprising, given how strenuously I protested before.

  Abruptly I pull out my hands and let them hang by my sides. “All right, then. Stop complaining.”

  Chapter Nine

  Ava

  It takes two days to move and begin settling into L.A. Thank God for the relocation agency. It found me a reasonably priced, furnished apartment about an hour away from the medical center, plus the staff assisted me with used car shopping. I dreaded the prospect, girding my loins to deal with oily salesmen out to rip me off, but I ended up buying from an international student at UCLA who was leaving the country and wanted to get rid of her gently driven Toyota Camry. Only two years old, it’s silver and has very few miles on it. The price was quite reasonable as well, since she wanted to be able to sell without having to deal with a middleman.

  All in all, I managed everything with the money I saved while working in Osaka and the small signing bonus I received from the medical center. The two million dollars from Lucas sits tight in a separate bank account so I won’t even see it. What I wanted from him wasn’t monetary, and in the end the sole reason I decided to accept it was Mia. She may never know her father, but she can at least get some financial help from him. Ray and Darcy would never let her suffer, but the world is an uncertain place, and I don’t want Mia to be vulnerable and without resources.

  The second I’m ensconced in the city, I start working. Robbie turns out to be an absolute slave driver, which is actually nice. Keeping busy makes me too tired to think about Lucas and what happened. I can’t believe it’s been less than a month since that amazing time at the bed and breakfast…when I thought the world could be mine for the asking.

  I should’ve known better. Stuff like that doesn’t happen to people like me. Only in movies and books, where reality doesn’t matter.

  The medical center opening reception is tonight, it’s a big deal, and Robbie is in charge. I close my laptop and rush out to grab a quick bite. Should’ve brown-bagged it, but I got home late yesterday and didn’t want to bother.

  The L.A. sun is blinding out on the sidewalks, actually making my eyes water. I put on a pair of sunglasses and walk a couple of blocks, my feet in purple flats that match my lavender dress. There’s an eatery near the office that’s owned by an immigrant couple from Tijuana. They speak excellent English with only the slightest accent. It’s popular in the area because of the low price and tasty food.

  “Chicken burrito with guacamole,” I order. The sunglasses helped my eyes, but now my mouth is watering with anticipation. As much as I loved the food in Japan, they didn’t do Mexican very well.

  The owner grins and quickly makes me a burrito that’s about the size of the business end of a baseball bat. I’m still not used to the portion sizes in America.

  I pay and turn around, about to leave, then bump into a man in a navy suit. “Excuse me,” I murmur, although I’m sort of annoyed that he’s standing so close to me. Personal space, hellooooo…

  “Ava?”

  I snap my head up and blink at the familiar face. “Oh my gosh. Jon?”

  Jon Barkley’s face splits from ear to ear. “The one and only.”

  “What are you doing here?” I ask. “Last I heard, you were working for a big audit firm in San Francisco.” He graduated a year ahead of me from UVA. Accounting. We were in the same dorm my first year and went out a few times.

  “Yeah, I quit that. Work at a bank now, just a couple blocks over. But I thought you moved to Japan. You here on vacation?”

  “No. I work at a medical center. Just started.”

  “Good for you!”

  He seems genuinely glad to see me. I stare at the perfect, straight white teeth, then the well-formed, even features topped by neatly cropped sandy brown hair. It’s a really nice face, the kind that should get me flushed and attracted. He has a nice body, too, hard and strong. It’s obvious he works out and eats right.

  “We should have coffee. Catch up,” he offers.

  That is such a great idea. Jon is perfect. Normal. I’m certain he doesn’t have a father who’s demanding that he marry to inherit some pricey painting.

  So what if my pulse isn’t racing? Chemistry is overrated.

  “Sure. What’s your number?” I pull out my phone, and we exchange digits.

  “If you want, we could meet after work tonight. Grab something to eat. I know a few nice places around here,” Jon says.

  “I’d love to, but not tonight. Work function.” I flush, suddenly not wanting him to think I’m blowing him off. “The medical center has an official opening reception today, and I’m supposed to be there.” Then I remember something Robbie said earlier that morning. He wanted to know if I was going to bring a date, suggesting it’d be good if I did. I said probably not, since I didn’t know anyone I could bring…

  Before I lose my nerve, I say, “But if you’re free…would you like to attend the opening with me? I don’t have anyone to go with, and my boss seems to think it’ll make him look like less of a slave driver if I bring a plus-one.”

  “Formal?”

  “Yes,” I say.

  “I can do that. Text me the details, and I’ll pick you up.”

  “Actually, I’m leaving
directly from work, so it’ll be better if we just meet there.”

  “Cool. I look forward to it.” He gives me another great smile and pretends to shoot me with his thumb and forefinger.

  I smile back and leave with my lunch. My mind churns a bit, then starts chiding me. I shouldn’t have asked Jon. It’s like some kind of rebound…but worse because Jon is actually pretty cool, and I do like him as a friend.

  I argue logically, of course. There is no harm in reconnecting with him precisely because he is a nice guy and I do like him. Who knows? This may grow into something. Back in the day, every one of my friends who met him liked him too.

  I text him the event info. His answer is almost instantaneous. Great. See you there.

  Perfect. Seeing him is exactly what I need. My new beginning isn’t just the new job, but a new everything.

  I’ll be fine. I know I will, I tell myself as I rub the aching spot on my chest.

  Chapter Ten

  Ava

  “So… Final check for the opening reception tonight,” Robbie begins, stopping by my cubicle. He’s in a pale button-down shirt and khakis, which I’ve dubbed “Robbie Style.” I haven’t yet seen him in anything else, and am starting to suspect he doesn’t own any other clothes. “Everything good?”

  “On target,” I say with a smile. “Don’t worry.”

  He huffs. “I’m not used to dealing with nonprofit medical centers like this. Nate barely gave me any warning about this grand opening fundraiser.”

  I suppress a smile. Apparently Robbie—whose previous positions were in health care management—has never had to do a fundraiser before. He’s been a bit frazzled.

  “If he’s going to invite all those rich people, why not ask them to chip in?” I ask lightly. Surely they can spare some change for the poor. Stop all those minor illnesses from becoming something major because of money.

  “Right.” He exhales roughly. “Don’t forget you have to be there tonight.”

  I almost roll my eyes at his tenth reminder. “Don’t worry. I’ll be there.”

  “Okay. See you tonight then.” Robbie hurries toward the elevator. Something else I learned since started working here—Robbie’s previous easy and slow manners were for my benefit, so it didn’t look like he was rushing me through the tour. Normally he moves so fast it looks like he’s practically jogging.

  Since the opening reception is a fairly fancy event, I shut down my laptop a little bit early so I can prettify myself and get to the hotel where the reception will be held. I need to change into a more formal dress than the simple lavender one I’m wearing. Thankfully I have a classic black cocktail dress that’s right for the occasion—yay for impulsive clearance rack browsing—and I freshen up my makeup. As I squeeze my feet into pointy-toed heels, I sigh. I miss Japan and its love of comfy but stylish shoes. But there’s no way I’m wearing flats at a function like this.

  The opening of the center is a big deal. One of the main tenets of the medical center is that you deserve to be treated with dignity and respect the moment you walk through the door. Bennie once remarked that rich people probably need to do this to earn a ticket to heaven, but I don’t care about the motive. If there’d been more guilt-laden rich people in the town where we grew up, Mom could’ve gotten the care she needed.

  The hotel where Nate Sterling decided to host the event is modern and chic, just like the medical center. Contemporary art and furniture fill the sleek main lobby, and the reception hall is huge, with a smooth marble floor and rectangular chandeliers that look totally space-age. The hotel management is sponsoring the event—thank God—so we’re hosting it there for free. I can’t imagine how much it would cost otherwise…although from what I can tell, Nate isn’t the type to care about money.

  Just like Lucas.

  Then I mentally smack myself. You decided not to think about him anymore, remember? I moved across the entire damn continent to put distance between us, so I wouldn’t be tempted to check for women’s cars parked in his driveway.

  This too shall pass. Bad moments disappear if you stand strong. And I don’t care what it costs: I will be the last one standing.

  I do a final check with the hotel staff to make sure the arrangements are perfect. Thankfully, everyone’s professional and on top of things. Nobody seems to notice or care that the event is really to benefit the poor. Their attitude surprises me; the poor always seem to get snubbed or patronized in subtle ways.

  Within half an hour, the reception hall starts to fill with people in expensive designer clothes and jewelry. I scan the crowd, then spot Jon stepping inside. He’s changed into a fresh suit—this one is dark gray, giving him a little extra gravitas—and I have to admit he looks fantastic. I go over to him.

  “You made it.”

  “Of course.” He looks around. “This is awesome.”

  “It is, isn’t it?” I grin. “Come on. I’m supposed to mingle until needed.”

  “Cool.” He snatches two flutes of bubbly from a server and hands me one. “To reconnecting.”

  I clink my glass against his. “Cheers.” I take a sip, let the flavor of crisp alcohol fill my mouth. It’s almost as good as what I had on Lucas’s plane. And the second the thought enters my mind, I stiffen, unable to help myself.

  “What’s wrong?” Jon asks.

  “Have to be on my best behavior,” I fib. “My boss is coming our way.”

  Robbie reaches us in the next five seconds. He’s dashing in a navy suit, and escorting a slim middle-aged Asian woman in a bright red dress that flatters her complexion and vivid coloring.

  “Robbie,” I say.

  “Great job, Ava. You’ve done well,” he says. “This your date?”

  “Yes. Meet Jon Barkley. We went to school together.” I turn to Jon. “This is my boss, Robbie Choi.”

  Both men beam, and they shake hands.

  “Jay, meet my new assistant Ava. I couldn’t have pulled it off without her help. Ava, my wife.”

  Jay shakes my hand, her grip firm and strong. She also gives Jon’s hand a couple of determined pumps. “Lovely to meet you, Ava. Robbie can’t stop singing your praises.”

  Is it my imagination, or is there a hint of censure in her tone? I blink once and look at her face. She’s smiling expectantly, and I realize I should say something. “Oh, I haven’t done much except help. This is Robbie’s event.”

  “Nonsense,” she says. “Behind every great man is a capable woman.”

  She seems nice, but my internal alarm is blaring. I force a smile. “He has you.”

  “And now you as well.” She turns to Robbie. “I think I’ll go grab something to drink…”

  “I’m fine. I have to check on a few things.”

  “All right, then. I’ll leave you to it.” She walks away.

  Robbie flashes a quick grin, but somehow it looks tight. “I’m hoping you’ll mingle and get to meet the people on the list I gave you.”

  Despite myself, I flinch inwardly. The list contains Elizabeth Pryce-Reed, and the last person I want to see is someone from Lucas’s family—the people he never wanted me to meet…people who must’ve known why he was pretending to care about me.

  Robbie continues, “Those are the most likely donors for our cause, and they’ll be more receptive if they know you and like you.”

  Not even my own parents thought I was worth anything, but I can probably fake it for a bit. After all, I won’t be spending more than a few minutes with each of them, and I can probably avoid Elizabeth. Let someone else woo her. “Okay.”

  He nods his approval and introduces me to a few people to start. After that, I’m on my own, along with Jon. “Sorry,” I say with a cringe. “I didn’t realize he’d ask me to mingle with people neither of us know.”

  Jon shrugs. “I expected it to be that kind of event. I’ve had to attend a few for work reasons.”

  So, Jon’s hand at my elbow, I do as instructed. I don’t know how Robbie keeps track of all the people. They start to blen
d together after a while. It’s much worse than meeting a class of new students. At least there was a seating chart with names to help me remember. And it doesn’t help that my shoes are starting to kill me. I’m not used to being in heels for so long.

  Jon runs into a former client, and I quietly excuse myself while they chat. A short break won’t be remiss. I’ll go out to the lobby, sit in a quiet corner for a few minutes and make notes of the people I got a good reading on for follow-ups.

  I start to return to the party, then stop when I see Elizabeth coming in my direction. She’s even prettier in person, all delicate bones and gentle curves wrapped in ivory silk. Naturally blond, she looks nothing like Lucas. If I didn’t know from my Google searches, I would never suspect they’re related.

  All the things I read about her flash through my mind. Angel. Champion of the Poor and the Hungry. Charity Queen. No cause for the less fortunate too small to be ignored.

  But she’s taking part in a scheme to marry some unsuspecting man for financial gain—a painting worth millions. Just because she has a perfect public persona doesn’t mean she’s the same in private. I should know—all you have to do is look at Dad. Or Mom. They both played the loving, struggling parent to perfection until death did them, and I was the one left hurting.

  Not wanting to face Elizabeth, I turn and go to the opposite end of the lobby. There’s a door that leads to the restroom, but I also spot a looping staircase to the second level with restaurants and gift shops. I turn and start to climb the steps.

  The skin at the nape of my neck prickles, and I look over my shoulder. A dark-haired man has intercepted Elizabeth, and she smiles at him, but her gaze flicks in my direction.

  I make a loop and return to the opposite end of the lobby from where she is. I put a hand over my chest. I doubt she wanted to see me for a donation. Most likely she wants to try to persuade me to marry Lucas so the siblings can get their paintings.

  I breathe in, but my lungs are tight. Need some fresh air. I go toward the main entrance.

  A crisply uniformed valet brings out a black limo and hands the keys to a waiting driver. A couple is standing to the side, waiting to get into the car. I shiver as the cool evening air brushes my bare arms.