But every bit of tension we’ve been carrying all evening finds its escape route in thisone ridiculous moment.
Now Rhea’s actually looking at me, and I see it there. I feel it.
A spark.
“We better get out of here,” I say under my breath.
She smiles, nods, and amazingly doesn’t argue.
I slide my hand to the small of her back and guide her toward the side door, out of the room, and into the quiet hallway beyond.
The door swings closed behind us, and it’s just us.
Until I notice Isabelle leaning against the wall, waiting for rehearsal to be over. “Did you get your ‘step-together’ steps figured out?” she jokes.
I”m about to toss out a joking comment in return. But Rhea freezes. Jaw goes tight, walls go up in real time.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” she says, not even looking at me. Then she turns and heads straight for the elevator.
“Rhea,” I call after her, instinct overriding sense. “Come on. Join us for a drink. I’d like you to meet Isabelle.”
She stops, just for a second, her eyes flicking between the two of us.
Her voice is calm. Controlled. But it cuts like glass. “Nice to meet you, Isabelle.”
Then she strides away.
NINETEEN
RHEA
There’s a knock.
Sharp. Two beats.
I wipe my face and pad to the door in my bare feet. I hadn’t expected company. Especially not now. Not like this.
When I open the door, I’m stunned into silence. It’sIsabelle.
Gone is the skimpy party dress, the heels, the red-lipped smile. She’s standing there in jeans, a T-shirt, and flip-flops. A small suitcase at her side.
She looks… normal. Real. “Hi,” she says. “Look, I know you don’t know me, and I don’t know you. . .”
“What are you doing here? What kind of game is this?” I ask.
“Please, Rhea. I just need five minutes. Can you give me that?”
“Why should I?”
“Because everything you see isn’t what it appears.”
I cross my arms.
“Oh, I’m pretty sure I know what I’m seeing. Mr. Prince Charming, with a different womanon his arm for every event. I have no idea how long you two have been dating—or if he’s still married, for all I know.”
She smiles gently. Patient. Like she’s been here before.
“I’m notwithSpencer. Not like that. I’m just his wedding cover. He hires me—or rather, his assistant does. Especially for weddings. It’s just… easier for him.”
