“I don’t know.” I shifted my hand and was immediately reminded I was engaged to be married. The ring proved it. I stared at the giant bauble, uncertain of everything. I’d listened to my father’s message three additional times and just by doing so had become even more enraged. It was obvious my father didn’t want anything to do with me.
I’d tried talking to my mother, and while she’d answered her phone, she’d acted miffed I’d bothered calling her. Her excuse in getting off the phone? She had a luncheon to get ready for.
My father thought I was intent on doing what exactly? I didn’t have any idea what Christian wanted from me except perhaps trying to develop some twisted alliance between the two companies. I’d tried to tell him before that wasn’t possible, but as usual, the man was stubborn.
“You’re going to need to figure it out,” she said, frowning as she folded her arms, walking further into my office.
One line rang on her phone in the reception area followed by a second.
“Let me guess,” I barked. “Reporters.”
“We had a couple earlier this morning, but that’s not the bulk of calls. I can’t keep up with them.”
“Then what is it, hateful callers my father sent our way?”
She narrowed her eyes. “Uh, no. Suddenly, Perfect Pairing is a hot commodity. I’ve got people requesting everything under the sun from short-term to long-term gigs. I’m letting the answering service take a few calls. I’m exhausted.”
“Really?”
“Yep. That’s how being one hot tamale works, sunshine. You might consider this marriage caustic for you personally, but professionally it’s a goldmine. I’d keep that in mind before you end things abruptly. Now, what do you want me to do about the requests?”
“Rack ‘em and stack ‘em,” I said with a little glee in my voice. She didn’t get the movie reference. “Take names and numbers and see what you can fill easily. I’ll carry my laptop home with me so I can try to create a spreadsheet.” I wasn’t entirely certain how Ifelt about gaining business from lies. At least the articles I’d read had faith we’d fallen head over heels in love.
How long would that remain intact?
I wouldn’t put it past my father to spread the news that my relationship was a ruse. What then?
“Okay, but which home will you be at?” Her smile was more wicked than normal.
“Ugh. I guess I’ll go back to his house.”
“You need to talk to him. From what you told me, you were with him all night and all day. I’m not certain when he had time to suddenly tip off reporters or make any social media announcements.”
I bit my lip and looked out the window. That was true and something I hadn’t thought about. He’d said almost nothing else on the way home after I’d demanded we leave Naples. He’d stood and stared at me then walked upstairs, leaving me to myself.
When I’d come down for coffee, the house had been empty.
“I know I do. I just don’t know what to say.”
“You said you enjoyed part of yesterday and that he was your rock with Donovan. That has to say something.”
She was right. I’d called Rosewood bright and early, expecting them to tell me he’d tried to escape or worse, but I’d gotten a brief glowing report. Maybe whatever Christian had said had truly gotten through to my brother. “I did and it does. You’re right.” I glanced at my now bare wall, already missing the neon sign. Maybe the glow and show hadn’t been me at all. Maybe Ishould offer services to companies who couldn’t afford to run a glitzy campaign.
Maybe.
The phone rang again and she groaned.
“Duty calls. Think about what I said. You’ll kick yourself if you don’t talk to him. I know you.”
I half laughed and glanced at the keys I’d tossed on my desk. Before I changed my mind, I closed my laptop lid and grabbed the canvas bag from the bottom drawer. I could work a few hours before he got home. Then we would talk. Really talk.
Whether he liked it or not.
The house was quiet when I walked in, which allowed me to breathe easier. I’d taken my little beat-up car to the office, refusing to continue living the lie. I’d felt much more myself than I had in a few days.
Just wearing the ring was enough of a reminder.
With it being so quiet in the house, I found myself tiptoeing toward the kitchen where I planned on setting up the laptop. At least I’d have a lovely view of the afternoon sun.
