“I’m going to call them myself,” Grace said. “TheDaily Mail. And tell them it wasn’t you, and that the wedding is going on as scheduled, with you continuing to plan it.”
Ani let out a huge breath. She felt lightheaded with relief. “You’d do that? Thank you, that’s really generous of you.”
When Grace hung up, Kami threw her arms around Ani. “I’m sorry I didn’t believe you.”
Ani wrestled out of Kami’s grasp quickly. “It’s fine.”
“And you, Galia,” Kami said pointedly, “are insomuch trouble.”
Kami’s mom also rounded on Galia, and Ani actually found herself feeling sorry for the little sister, who was clearly acting out based on some family dynamics.
“Hey,” Ani said to Kami and her mom. “I know it’s not my place, but go easy on her, okay? She’s still in high school. And maybe, I don’t know, she has a point?”
Ani walked away without waiting for a response. She didn’t want to have to elaborate. Let them figure out what she meant.
She needed Raffi. Now. Needed to talk to him—hell, needed to see him.
When she picked up her phone, she knew Raffi had seen the article, because there were three missed calls from him and a bunch of texts.
Baby, oh my God, I’m sorry. You okay? Let’s talk.
Call me back when you can.
I’m thinking of you.
And I want to murder that reporter at the Daily Mail. I hope this isn’t evidence.
Let me know you’re okay?
Please.
She called him back right away.
“Ani,” he said, sounding out of breath.
“I’m fine, I—thank you for your texts. It’s, it’s—”
She wanted to tell him it was all cleared up now, but she burst into tears instead.
“Shit, okay. I’m going to get you. Now. Give me the address.”
She sniffed. “There are paparazzi everywhere out there.”
“I don’t give a fuck. I’m coming. Address?”
She could hear his front door slam and then his car beep.
“I’m texting you.” She really did need him, too. Then shehad a thought. “Put the top on, on your car. I don’t want them getting a clear shot of you, or us.”
“Whatever you want,” he said, and she heard clanks and clunks from the background as he was no doubt doing as Ani asked.
“Drivesafely, okay? Seriously. I’m okay, I’m okay.”
“I’ll do my best,” Raffi grunted.
Ani sat on her bed, her mind reeling. Thank God she’d be with Raffi soon. She’d be safe and comforted and okay.
Just the mere thought of Raffi’s arms around her, his voice low in her ear, telling her it was going to be fine, that he had her? It sent a sharp tug low in her belly, a warmth curling under her skin.
