Rundown (Curveball Book 2)

  He gently rocks against me, lighting me on fire from the inside out. “What do you think? Do we have time?”

  “We can be late,” I moan, gripping the counter.

  Twenty minutes into the charity event and it’s already proved to fit every stereotype I imagined. Stretch limos lined the street in front of the venue. A red carpet complete with perfectly dressed women, draped on the arms of men twice their age, who no doubt have pockets deeper than their dates’ personalities. I’m aware that I’m being judgmental, but the few introductions that have been made thus far have cemented my expectations.

  Upon entering the ballroom, I scan the room for anyone I could possibly hold a conversation with, only to come up short. That is, until I spot Brett and his wife near the bar. I tell Drew that I’ve spotted them and pull him in their direction, only to get stopped by fans and other donors along the way. We nearly make it to the bar when a warm arm grabs my elbow from behind, catching me off guard. I turn to face the person and instantly recognize her squealing voice before making it full circle.

  “Cassandra Evans,” I state just as she pulls me into a bear hug.

  “Oh my lord, Breanne!” she cries. She pushes me away by the shoulders, scans me from head to toe, and then abruptly embraces me again. “I never thought I’d see you again.”

  Drew’s hand lands on my lower back as I pull away from Cassandra.

  “Drew, I’d like you to meet Cassandra Evans, my former assistant.”

  “Nice to meet you, Cassandra.” Drew extends his hand in greeting and I swear she nearly faints. She giggles like a schoolgirl, clearly too tongue-tied to speak.

  It takes some effort for Drew to relieve his hand from her grasp, and when she notices her face completely flushes.

  “If you’ll excuse me, I need to say hi to a few people. I’ll grab you a glass of wine and be back in a few.”

  Cassandra and I admire Drew’s backside as he disappears into the crowd. “Wow. Just wow!”

  “I’m pretty lucky!”

  “Lucky doesn’t cut it,” she exclaims. “I’ve spent months feeling horrible for putting you on that flight, but now…”

  “I promise I’m not holding a grudge,” I laugh.

  “I’d ask you how you’ve been, but I’ve been keeping up to date with the news.”

  “I wouldn’t call the tabloids the news.”

  “Sorry. It must be hard being in the spotlight. That never seemed like your thing.”

  “Thanks. We both try to ignore it the best we can.”

  Drew returns with my wine and gets pulled into a conversation with a group of men beside us.

  “So, who are you here with?” I ask Cassandra.

  “My boyfriend, Charles. He’s over there,” she says, pointing to an older gentleman a few feet away. “We met at the gym.”

  “That’s nice,” I say, and take the opportunity to press her for updates on her life and people from work. I’m feeling a little rusty with socializing but the glass of Merlot that I downed is helping. Several minutes later, Charles gives Cassandra the ‘come here’ wave, so I hug her goodbye and return to Drew when something occurs to me.

  “Cassandra,” I call to her before she gets too far.

  “Yeah?”

  “I meant to ask you. Why did you change my flight?”

  “Oh,” she smiles. “It was kinda weird how it came about. I was getting my nails done at this salon in Newton a few days before your trip and this familiar looking woman sat down next to me. It took me a few minutes to place her, you know, because it was out of context, and then it clicked. She used to come by the office sometimes and you’d have lunch with her. You know, the redhead with the green eyes. Veronica. Vicky…”

  “Vivian?” I ask.

  “That’s it! Anywho, she and I got to talking about how much you hated traveling, which of course I knew, and she told me that she was supposed to go on some business trip on Innovation Airways’ maiden flight. She needed to cancel for one reason or another so that made her seat available. Anyway, she helped me get the seat for you. Just think, she could have ended up with Drew!”

  “Huh,” is all I can think of to say. I’ve seen Vivian a few times now since the crash. I wonder why she hasn’t mentioned it?

  “Well it was great seeing you. I should get back to Charles.”

  “Of course.”

  I grab a glass of champagne off a passing tray and chug it, setting it on another when I’m done. Innovation Airways is the last thing I want to think about tonight.

  “There you are,” Drew says. “You alright? You seem far away.”

  I look up at him, still processing what Cassandra said, and force a smile. “I’m good.”

  He narrows his gaze, trying to read my expression. Luckily, he gets pulled back into the conversation, giving him no room to press the matter.

  Following cocktails and a short presentation on the goodness afforded to the Boston school districts because of the night’s attendees, we’re ushered to another room for dinner. Once we’ve had our fill, we return to the ballroom where we dance and mingle for a few hours. Blisters forming on my feet remind me why I don’t wear shoes like the ones I currently have on. I’m about to suggest we leave when a familiar laugh grabs my attention. Turning around, my eyes lock with Vivian’s.

  “Breanne!” she exclaims. She seems surprised to see me. “How lovely to see you out socializing.”

  “It’s good to see you too, Vivian.”

  “I had no idea you’d be attending.”

  “Drew has been very involved with this charity. What brings you here?”

  “You know how I like to give money away for a good cause,” she practically purrs. She places her right hand over her heart for effect, and in the process practically blinds me with her necklace that spells out ‘VIV’ between two lines that sit in the middle of a circle, all of which is made up of diamonds. “Plus, being associated with this specific charity has provided me with several influential connections.”

  “Speaking of connections,” I begin. “I ran into my former assistant, Cassandra, tonight. Do you remember her?”

  Vivian squints her eyes as if she’s trying hard to recall the name. “Vaguely. How is she?”

  “She’s good. We were catching up on events and she mentioned that you helped get my seat on Innovation Airways. Why didn’t you tell me that?”

  Her expression falters. “Do I really need to say it? I felt responsible for what you went through. How do you tell one of your closest friends that trying to be nice almost got her killed?”

  I sigh. “You couldn’t have known the plane was going to be ambushed. Besides, it worked out alright.” She follows my gaze over to Drew.

  “Decided to give him another chance, did you?” she asks, changing the subject.

  “Excuse me?”

  “Last I knew, Drew was keeping busy with a few women while in California. He’s a looker, don’t get me wrong, but I have to say I’m surprised you found it in your heart to forgive him.”

  It’s moments like these that I forget that the outside world is blind to reality, making the lies spewed by the media the truth in their eyes. I can’t wait for the day when our relationship is completely transparent so there isn’t any misconception over things like faithfulness.

  “It wasn’t anything like the media portrayed.”

  Vivian raises an eyebrow. “What was it like then?”

  Oh, you know. He was drugged and left in a seedy motel while his sister’s house was ransacked.

  “I can’t really say.”

  “And why’s that? Is he one of those controlling types? You know that’s not healthy, right?”

  I try telling myself that her concern comes from a good place. Yet, I’m finding it very difficult not to strangle her. How dare she? Vivian has no idea what we’ve been through and just because she isn’t privy to all the details, doesn’t give her the right to judge Drew or me the way she is.

  Breathe.

  “
Just…let it go. Drew has never been unfaithful. It was a misunderstanding.”

  “Breanne, as happy as I am that you’ve moved on, it doesn’t mean you have to stay with him after he humiliated you like that. Everyone knows about the other women, dear. And is it true that he tried to bring something illegal on the plane?”

  Yes, the spin the media put on Drew being escorted from the security area of the airport was the proverbial cherry on top. I want to scream.

  Get your emotions under control.

  “The public can think what they want. He and I know what really happened. Trust me, it’s not what you think.”

  “If that’s what you want to believe.” Her tone is condescending and her words are nasty at best.

  “It’s a fact, not that it matters.”

  I’m officially pissed.

  No.

  I’m seething.

  Who does she think she is?

  “He didn’t shack up with those two women. He was attacked and drugged.” The words stumble out too fast.

  Can’t take that back now, can you?

  “Is that what he told you?”

  Why can’t she shut up? I tell myself to walk away but I’d rather stay and defend my man. Hell, I’ve already spilled top-secret information. “His security detail was drugged as well. One of them died as a result.” Vivian looks stunned. “I told you it wasn’t what you thought.”

  “Who would do that?” she asks skeptically.

  Walk away! Stop letting her goad you.

  “Probably the same people that killed Mark.”

  At that Vivian rolls her eyes. “I thought you’d put that idea to rest.”

  “Things were taken from Drew’s sister’s house,” I continue. “Things that link Mark and I with Drew’s sister.”

  This seems to get her attention. “How do you know there’s a link if the items were taken?”

  “Not everything was taken. Drew saved one piece of evidence and it was very telling.” Vivian noticeably recoils.

  “What is it?” she questions.

  I shake my head. For reasons I can’t explain, I won’t divulge this piece of information. “I can’t say.”

  Vivian chews on the inside of her cheek, eyeing me curiously. “Why hasn’t this been front-page news? Do they have any idea who tried to hurt him, or why?”

  “The incident is still being investigated.”

  “Oh. Well do you at least know what the people behind this were after?” Vivian asks. “Has Drew been able to identify anyone?”

  “Drew doesn’t remember anything from that night. Doctors think it may be temporary though. They said something could eventually trigger his memory.” Vivian seems lost in thought. “We believe it’s linked to the takedown of the plane. Drew’s sister worked for the airline before she died and you know Mark was working on a deal related to the airline. Drew thinks it’s all connected.”

  She cocks one eyebrow, encouraging me to continue, though she’s white as a ghost. The thought of Mark being murdered must be hard to process. Despite being charged up and the champagne clearly having gone to my head, I decide to shut this down before it goes any further. I’ve already said too much. If this gets leaked to the media it could impact the investigation.

  “I’m sorry, Vivian. I’ve said too much already. The investigation is ongoing. I shouldn’t have said anything. You can’t mention this to anyone.”

  “Breanne, as one of you and Mark’s oldest friends, you can trust me. And if you need anything, call me. I’m sure not having anyone you can confide in must be eating at you. You can always speak to me in confidence.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  Drew’s arm wraps around my waist. “Who’s your friend?” he asks.

  “This is Vivian,” I introduce them and the two shake hands.

  Drew scrunches his face, sizing Vivian up and down. At the same time, I sense Vivian evaluating Drew in a different way.

  “Where do I know you from?” Drew asks.

  Vivian laughs. “I’m sure I would remember if we had met before. I’ve seen you on TV but we haven’t met in person.”

  I turn my head back to Drew who clearly thinks differently. He shakes his head, looking off in the distance. “No. We’ve definitely met before,” he replies quietly. “That’s right,” his head snaps back to Vivian. “We met at a bar. The Corner. A few months ago.”

  “Drew, as flattered as I am, you must be thinking of another redhead,” Vivian replies. “It was lovely seeing you, Breanne. Nice meeting you,” she tells Drew and then disappears into the crowd.

  “She’s not really the type to hang out in a bar,” I say.

  “It was definitely her.” Drew says the words so quietly I’m not sure if he’s talking to me or not.

  “What makes you so sure?”

  “There’s something familiar about her…and that necklace she had on. This is going to sound awful, but she’s not really the type of person I picture you being friends with.”

  “She was more Mark’s friend than mine, though she’s been there for me a lot over the last few years.”

  “I guess she can’t be all that bad then. Are you ready to leave?”

  “Thank God,” I say, taking a few steps. “Listen, I did something I shouldn’t have.”

  Drew stops and faces me, curiously awaiting my confession.

  “I told Vivian a little about what happened.”

  He says nothing, but his eyes go wide.

  “I know I shouldn’t have said anything but I couldn’t stand it. She was judging me for staying with you when everyone knows what a womanizer you are. I shouldn’t feel the need to defend our relationship, but I do and I’m sick of not being able to say anything. It’s ridiculous and I’d had it. I’m sorry.”

  Drew smiles. “Don’t worry about it. If she’s been that good of a friend, it shouldn’t be an issue.”

  God, I love this man.

  The following day, I return from getting groceries to find several packages from Vivian: stuffed animals for the kids and a new picture frame line the kitchen counter. The accompanying letter, which apologizes for her behavior and instructs me to fill the frame with a picture of Drew and me, oozes pity. Even so, the thought was nice. I take a picture of Drew, the kids and me, from the bulletin board, put in the frame and set it on the mantel above the fireplace. Next time she asks I won’t have to hear her complaints about the frame not being out.

  The afternoon flies by. I sit down to catch my breath from running the kids around and cleaning when Drew walks in and tells me that he’s arranged for us to spend the weekend together. The man needs a break—he’s been practicing non-stop. Still, it’s almost time for him and the team to travel to Florida for spring training, so I’m surprised that I get him for almost a full 48 hours.

  My best attempts to figure out his plans for us fail. The only information he’ll give me is that Sarah will be staying over with the kids until Sunday afternoon, and I should wear a dress tonight. With those instructions, Drew ices his elbow and I run upstairs, throwing my things in a bag. I rummage through my closet and pick a classy, yet sexy black dress, and slip into a pair of red heals. Paired with the necklace from Alexis, I’m pleased that I actually coordinate. Vivian would be so proud. Drew takes my bags to the car while I kiss the kids goodbye and thank Sarah for once again making it possible for me to have some time away.

  “Don’t keep him waiting,” she says, practically shooing me out the door. Sarah’s always in a good mood and today’s no different. If anything, she’s extra bubbly.

  “You know where he’s taking me, don’t you?” I accuse.

  “I honestly don’t. It just makes me happy to see you happy. That’s all.” I’m not buying it and she’s not going to tell me.

  “Call me if anything comes up.”

  “We’ll be fine,” she insists.

  “I’m just saying…”

  “And you don’t have to. We’ll be fine. Have a great time.”

&nb
sp; A short ride later we arrive at Mistral, a French restaurant that prides itself on serving ‘uncomplicated cuisine’, not that I know what that means. The atmosphere is warm and inviting in a sophisticated and tasteful way. One look at the menu and I’m relieved…I know what all of the items are! Now the uncomplicated part makes sense.

  The food is exquisite and Drew is in an exceptionally good mood. He doesn’t rush me through the meal, yet I can tell he’s anxious to keep the evening moving. We talk about spring training and the possibility of me going back to work. Seeing Cassandra last night brought back good memories. Working full-time is stressful, but feeling as if you’re making a difference is priceless. I miss that feeling. Soon the kids will all be in school on a full-day basis. With Drew traveling and them busy, it doesn’t make much sense for me to stay home.

  Once we’ve finished our carrot cake, we settle the bill. Drew hands his card to the waitress without checking the bill. I begin telling him that he should at least check to make sure it’s correct, when he receives a text. Whatever it is must be good news because he’s losing a fight to hide his excitement.

  “What’s that about?” I pry.

  “You’ll see soon enough.”

  The valet brings the car around and Everett slips into the drive seat. Drew pulls something out of his pocket and once we’re in the car he tells me to close my eyes. Intrigued, I do as he asks, feeling a silky fabric cover my eyes.

  “What’s this for?” I ask.

  “I don’t want you to peek. It’ll ruin the surprise.”

  “I’m not into kinky shit so you better not be planning on taking me to one of those places.”

  “I would never take you anywhere that other people could see what’s mine,” he vows, grabbing my leg possessively. “However, I’d argue that you do like kink. I’m also very interested in how you know about those places?”

  “I’ve read the same books every other woman in the world has read. How do you know about those places?”

  “I’ve never been, so get that thought out of your mind. I haven’t read the books either, but I’ve heard enough.”

  “What do you classify as kinky?” I ask.

  Coughing and the sound of a throat clearing in the front of the car causes alarm bells to go off.