And Addie pointedly did not stare at the beautiful woman in nothing but her trousers. It wasn’t fair that Toni looked that good even as she said such heartless things. Toni glanced at her, said nothing else as she grabbed a bra and shirt. Then she went into the bathroom with her clothes and phone.
Thesnickof the door sounded louder than it should, and Addie felt like they were having an argument.
I didn’t do this.
I didn’t make her stage a proposal.
I didn’t force her to sweep me around the ballroom.
I didn’t make her fake-marry me or… look at me the way she does.
Those were the pictures that made everything seem real: the way Toni had looked at Addie in the proposal and wedding shots. Well, that and the ones of them kissing. They could explain the wedding as a publicity stunt, but there was no doubt that at least some part of the story was true.
Addie turned her back and flipped over to her private email. Her parents had emailed repeatedly, and they’d undoubtedly called, too. She’d get to that.And Eric.For now, her reputation, the show’s reputation, had to be her first priority.
From:Marcela
To:Adelaine Stewart
Re:Wedding??
Call me. ASAP. 818-555-5555
Marcela
That was the email Addie had to address. She took a breath and tapped the number. While she was waiting, she closed her eyes and made a wish that this was not a disaster.
“Addie?”
“Um, hi?”
“Youmarriedher?” Marcela sounded as if she wasn’t sure whether to yell or cheer. “What happened tofriends?”
“I can explain,” Addie said. “There was a room shortage, and the owner said we couldn’t share and—”
“You didn’t think to call?”
“No? The photos and this video of the wedding weren’t to be shared unless the studio vetted them. Just like the dinner,” Addie said weakly. “It was fake, Marcela. We can make a statement that the wedding isn’t real.”
“Addie.” Marcela sighed, and Addie could picture the tightening around her eyes.
“It was as real as the period clothes and carriages,” Addie offered. “The whole thing was make-believe. We issue a statement—”
“It’s not that simple. She isn’t looking at you like it’s fake. And that kiss looks damn realistic.… You’re obviously involved with her, and I’m not going to issue a lie. Was that a real minister?”
“I don’t know, but… theweddingwasn’t real,” Addie said weakly. “We didn’t have a license, so it’s not a real marriage, right?”
A voice in the background said something.
“That’s her people calling,” Marcela explained. “Go speak with her. We’ll come up with a plan on our side, but for now… go back to Washington with her while we sort this out. There will be a ticket waiting for you at the airport. Stay off socials until you hear from me.”
Addie was staring at her now-silent phone when Toni walked back into the room. She looked up as Toni scrubbed her hand over her hair.
Awkwardly, Toni said, “I guess you’re coming to DC.”
“I guess.” Addie looked up at her, hoping that they could laugh this off, hoping that Toni wouldn’t withdraw into herself.
Instead Toni walked over and started packing. She said nothing for several minutes, and then when she finally spoke, all she managed was, “It was a stupid idea. The wedding.”
