by Aimee McNeil
“Well, then it’s good planning because I definitely think you will need me for that,” Katie responded sympathetically.
“You have no idea.”
“What am I going to do with you, Adalynne? Five days and I will be there and we’ll talk about all of this.”
Chapter Twenty
True to her word, Katie arrived on her doorstep the following Saturday. Adalynne had tried to get her mother to cancel the engagement party but the invitations had already been sent. Her mother refused to entertain the idea. Since Adalynne was unable to bring herself to derail the engagement, things were going ahead as planned.
“Thank god you’re here.” Adalynne wrapped her arms around Katie, who bounded in her door. “I need you to get through today.”
“How are you going to get through the rest of your life if you go through with this? I think Matthew is a great guy, but I honestly don’t think this is the right move for you. You’re going to end up miserable.”
“It’s just the engagement party that has me on edge. Things with Matthew and I are great. Matthew is working toward a great career, we get along great, he’s handsome and attentive, and we’re great together,” Adalynne defended half-heartedly.
“Good to know things are so great,” Katie said sarcastically. “By the look in your eyes, everything is not great, by the way. You look terrified. Do you know why I had to be your friend when we first met?” Katie didn’t wait for an answer. “When you look at people you do not judge them. You see all the good they can be. It is beautiful how you see the world. There is so much that is special about you, Adalynne. You have done so much to make everyone else happy but now it is time to think about yourself. You have to take back your heart. Nothing has changed. You cannot deny your feelings forever.”
“It’s too late.”
“It’s never too late, Adalynne.” Katie grabbed her by the shoulders to accentuate her point.
“What is your news that you wanted to tell me?” Adalynne changed the subject. Katie rolled her eyes at Adalynne’s refusal to finish their conversation.
“Okay, but only because I can’t hold it in much longer. I have been dying to tell you since I found out last weekend. Don’t freak out, I have already done that enough for both of us. I’m pregnant,” Katie finished, biting her lip. “But no one knows yet, so you have to keep the secret for now.”
Adalynne stared back at Katie without a word. It was the last thing she was expecting to come out of her mouth. “Does Steven know?” Adalynne asked the first question that came to mind when her words thawed from the shock.
“Yes, he basically had a panic attack. It was definitely not in our plan, but we had a little time for it to register and we’re planning to keep the baby. It’s not going to be easy, I haven’t figured out what I’m going to do about school or anything, but we love each other.”
“You’re going to be a great mom.” Adalynne smiled. “Congratulations. Am I the first to say that?”
“Yes. I told Steven that I needed to tell you first. We’re not sure when we’re going to tell our parents. I think Steven would wait until the baby was born to tell them but we’ll figure it out.” Katie shrugged. She didn’t let things bother her unnecessarily. She took things as they came and always assumed things would work out for the best. It was an ability Adalynne admired.
“I have no doubt.” Adalynne wrapped her arms around her and squeezed tight.
***
When Adalynne walked into her mother’s house she felt Katie’s hold clamp tightly onto her arm like she was preventing Adalynne from fleeing. She must have sensed her hesitation.
“I’m not going to run,” Adalynne whispered under her breath so the many faces that turned to acknowledge her arrival wouldn’t notice.
“Just making sure,” Katie said, meeting all the faces directed toward them. “Let the games begin.” She smiled outrageously and fluttered her eyelashes up at Adalynne.
“There you are, darling.” Her mother parted from the crowd and drew close to them. “I was beginning to worry.” She gave Adalynne a suspicious glare. “Matthew arrived some time ago with his parents. Come this way.”
Her mother directed her through the crowd of people that congratulated her as she passed. She would not let Katie stray too far as her mother weaved her through the gathering. Adalynne noticed so many faces she hadn’t seen since her father’s funeral. Memories of the funeral pulled heavily at her emotions.
The interior of the house looked as if it had a fresh makeover since the last time she was here a few weeks ago, giving it more of a modern feel with flowers arranged throughout the room accenting the new color scheme. Her mother must be trying to keep herself busy with the constant redecorating. New furniture was staged in the room that looked like pages of a magazine rather than a home that was loved and lived in. She noticed Tracy Gibbons, a fellow classmate from high school, among the crowd. It surprised Adalynne to see her amongst the people here to wish her well.
Tracy was Fox’s old girlfriend and had despised Adalynne since the day she met her when she started Memorial High her twelfth year. Adalynne had not even spoken to her directly the entire year they went to the same school. The sight of her made thoughts of Fox surface and a dull ache lined her stomach.
Adalynne’s eyes fell on Molly and Brooke across the room. They both waved and then discreetly nodded toward Tracy as if to say ‘why is she here?’ Adalynne shrugged unknowingly. She hadn’t bothered to ask her mother who she invited but apparently it was everyone she ever knew regardless whether they liked her or not.
Matthew was dressed to impress as always. His suit was perfectly tailored to show off his masculine lines. His parents as well were perfect as they flanked their son in discussion with some other guests but everyone turned to Adalynne when she approached.
“There is the beautiful Adalynne now.” Mrs. Murphy smiled radiantly.
Adalynne knew John and Meredith weren’t there because her mother conveniently forgot to send them an invite. She hadn’t visited John as much lately—she blamed it on the work load from school, but she was actually embarrassed to be around John because he knew she was marrying someone else when she loved his son. She could see the truth every time she looked into his eyes. She didn’t know why she felt so guilty. She wasn’t cheating on Fox. He had never given her the option of being with him.
Adalynne had questioned Matthew’s reasoning for proposing to her when they were only officially a couple for less than a year. She knew he was in a different place. He was older than her by five years and just starting his career but she didn’t share in his urgency to take this next step. He had told her he wanted to establish a strong foundation of family as he built his career. She struggled with the idea of marrying him. It felt too soon but their families were insistent they were a good match. In the world of old money, social rules, and family politics, things did not always line up with the real world. Matthew promised her that they would have a long engagement. This was only a promise they would eventually get married once they were established and ready to take that step.
Adalynne cared for Matthew. She favored him as much as she could with what remained of her heart. She figured it might be the closest she would have to happiness with someone. Her only hope was that eventually in time she would grow to love him. Right now it didn’t seem to be an issue for Matthew to take their relationship to the next level regardless if she had professed her love of him or not.
Adalynne put her best game face on despite the constant stream of questions from the house full of guests, the constant fussing of her mother to make the event perfect, and Tracy hanging off Matthew’s every word like he was the most fascinating thing in the world. Adalynne wondered if Tracy was attempting to make her jealous. She didn’t even know if Tracy knew about the history she shared with Fox. The only thing she knew for certain was that Tracy hated her. She didn’t feel jealous at all, even when Tracy leaned in and touched his arm, letting her fingers linger. She o
nly wished Tracy would disappear off into the crowd somewhere so Adalynne didn’t have to endure her annoying laugh.
Matthew’s parents spoke about how proud they were of their son, only recently completing law school and already making a name for himself. They had informed Adalynne that Matthew was entertaining the possibility of a job opportunity that would take him abroad for the beginning of his career. Adalynne smiled and nodded as his parents explained how they thought it would be a good opportunity for him to travel now before they had children and how easy it would be to entertain her music hobbies anywhere Matthew led them in his career. Adalynne felt her chest tighten as she took in the conversation. She tried to keep the smile upon her face, the last thing she wanted to do was cause a scene. She wanted to object, to confront Matthew and ask him why he had never brought this up to her. He should know by now that she would not be willing to leave the Music House. She had worked so hard with Elizabeth, she couldn’t just walk away to follow Matthew wherever he may lead.
Katie was never far from her side. Her mouth dropped open as she listened to Matthew’s parents. She looked like she was scared Adalynne would have a break down. “Adalynne, could you join me for a moment?” Katie interrupted. “Sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Murphy, but it’s an important matter and it cannot wait.”
“Of course, dear.” Mrs. Murphy excused herself to converse with other guests.
“I felt suffocated and I wasn’t even in the conversation,” Katie whispered as she pulled Adalynne off to the side for some privacy. “Who is the bitch that insists on feeling up Matthew?” Katie asked with wide eyes.
“Tracy Gibbons. She absolutely hated me in high school.” Adalynne searched her out in the crowd.
“What did you do, steal her boyfriend?” Katie looked at Adalynne’s reaction and got her answer.
“She was Fox’s girlfriend in high school. I don’t think she even knows how I felt about Fox but she went out of her way to let me know she didn’t like me. She probably suspected something.” Adalynne sighed and leaned against the wall. “I’m kidding myself if I think that I can actually go through with this engagement to Matthew.”
“Finally you’re speaking some sense.” Katie squeezed her shoulders. “I thought I was going to have to arrange an intervention.”
Molly approached them. “Hiding, are you?”
“Hey, Molly,” they said in unison.
“I thought I would never get you away from those vultures to talk. First, congratulations on your engagement.” Molly’s smile fell from her lips as she noticed that Adalynne seemed upset.
“Are you okay? Is it Tracy? She is obviously trying to get to you.” Molly was concerned.
“No, I couldn’t care less what Tracy was up to. I’m just…” Adalynne trailed off.
“Having second thoughts?” Molly continued when Adalynne didn’t finish. “I remember what you’re like when you are completely head over heels about someone. I never really saw that when it came to Matthew. I just didn’t want to say anything. I figured maybe you weren’t over you know who.” Molly changed the subject when she realized she might have said too much. “I should have the new website up and running in a couple of days. I think you’re going to love it.” Molly said. Adalynne had contacted Molly to set up a much needed website for the Music House. Elizabeth was not one for technology and always found an excuse to put it off so Adalynne had to take matters into her own hands. Since it was Molly’s specialty, she knew the best person to call for the job.
“Thanks, Molly,” Adalynne said gratefully.
“Did you hear that Damon is back in town? I heard he has a new swanky condo. You know, the new ones that just went up on the waterfront.” Molly’s eyes always lit up when she dished on gossip. Luckily when it came to her friends’ secrets, she was very tight-lipped. Katie and Adalynne exchanged glances at the information.
“How do you find out this stuff?” Adalynne asked. Molly always had the inside scoop on all things.
“Well, in this instance my cousin Marshall works for a delivery company. He delivered furniture to his place and he recognized him.” Molly winked. “I always pay special attention to things that may be important to my friends. Suite 402, I think. Yeah, that’s what he said.”
“I’ll cover for you if you want to run off for a quick drive. You know how these things last for hours. Besides, I think you have some demons from your past you should truly settle before you can move on.” Katie winked encouragingly. Adalynne only nodded, excitement pooled heavily in her stomach. She needed to get away from here and right now the only place she wanted to run was where she promised herself she wouldn’t. She wanted to talk to Fox.
“I knew it,” Molly proudly stated. “I knew it since the first time you I saw you staring at him.”
“Thanks, Molly. Tell Brooke I said I’m sorry I missed her.” Adalynne gave her a quick hug.
“I will but it’s not easy to miss her lately. Her newest endeavor as a makeup artist has gone horribly wrong. She looks like a hooker. I keep telling her but she doesn’t believe me. She says she has never gotten so much male attention and she loves it.” Molly sighed. “She’ll believe me when they start propositioning her.”
Adalynne snuck out of the house without detection. Molly and Katie were going to hold off any notice of her absence as long as they could. She knew she would have to answer for her actions eventually, but not now.
***
The building was an architect’s dream with its sleek design and impressive stature. It stood before prime beachfront overlooking endless blue waters.
Adalynne did not allow herself to think through her actions because she knew she would talk herself out of this ridiculous plan. Her mother was literally going to fly into a fit of rage when she discovered that Adalynne snuck out on her own engagement party.
When Adalynne parked her car she noticed a couple of guys were hanging out in the stairwell having a smoke. She thought she would take advantage of the opportunity and try to sneak into the building.
“Hi boys.” She managed her best smile. “Can you let me in? I forgot my keys.” They were both fairly young, dressed in painting overalls. They were taking a break from whatever project they were working on. They both smiled at her as she came to a stop in front of them, giving her an obvious once over. Normally, she wouldn’t like that kind of attention but she was in need of their help.
“Sure thing.” One of them winked at her and swung the door open for her to pass. She gave them an appreciative smile before starting to climb the stairs.
When Adalynne reached the fourth floor she pushed the door open to face a long hallway. The interior was brightly lit with wall sconces that lined the walls. Everything was new and impressive and smelled of fresh paint as she walked down the hallway. She tried to keep her mind from playing out the possibilities that might unfold when she came face to face with him. Her heart raced as she brought herself up to the door labeled 402 in bold black letters.
Adalynne stared at the numbers for a few minutes before she could bring herself to knock. Taking a deep breath, she waited to see if there was any noise on the other side of the door. She knocked again slightly louder when there was no answer. Adalynne was about to knock again when the door swung open and Fox was standing in front of her. Her heart felt like it was going to leap from her chest. All she could do was stare at him.
“Bee?” Her name slipped from his lips so softly she didn’t know if he actually said it.
Fox wore nothing but low riding jeans that revealed his enticing lines. His hair was tousled and longer than it was last time she had seen him. His face was unshaven with a few days’ growth and still incredibly handsome. She remembered how it felt to run her fingers through his hair when he kissed her. Heat flared to life deep within her as her heart raced at the sight of him again. It only took a moment for all of those feelings to resurface. His expression of shock quickly melted into his unreadable, casual composure. “What are you doing here?”
“
Who is it, Brolan?” a female voice called from inside the apartment. Adalynne tried to hide her surprise when a woman appeared behind Fox. Her robe was untied, exposing her naked body. When she noticed Adalynne, a malicious smirk crossed her face. She was the brunette who had opened for his concert, with the red streaks in her hair.
“I’m sorry.” Adalynne stepped back from the doorway. Fox pulled the door closed behind him, stepping out in the hallway with Adalynne.
“What are you doing here, Adalynne?” There was something in his tone that Adalynne could only read as anger.
“You never call me Adalynne.” She was overwhelmed with the reality of what she walked in on. It was nothing like she imagined. Truthfully, she had no idea what she had expected to happen, dropping in unexpectedly. She realized now how foolish her decision was. What they shared was too far buried in the past.
“Things change,” he said bluntly.
“I came because I wanted to talk to you. I got engaged.” Adalynne couldn’t meet his eyes. She looked down at the ring that suddenly felt too heavy on her finger.
“Why the fuck would you come here to tell me that?” Fox took a step toward her and Adalynne backed against the wall. The door swung open and the girl appeared, impatiently waiting for Fox to return.
“Give me a minute,” he spat out angrily. He pulled the door closed again, despite her cold glare.
“I don’t know…I guess I wanted you to give me a reason not to be with him.” Adalynne could barely stop the tears that threatened to fall. She was embarrassed standing on his doorstep, begging him to give her something to hold onto when he obviously was involved with someone else. She wondered when she’d become so pathetic.