And suddenly, she didn’t just want to be comforted. She wanted to feel wanted.
Ani tore through her closet, ditching comfort for something less family-friendly, sleek, and slinky, with far skimpier undergarments than strictly necessary. She ran a brush through her hair, swiped on some lipstick, then grabbed her bag.
Just then, the door between her and Kami’s rooms opened and Kami stepped in while saying, “Knock, knock.”
Ani’s cheeks flared. Kami hadn’t actually knocked. What if Ani was still undressed? Her ex felt so entitled, she didn’t even think it’d be a problem. Ani simply stared at her.
“Oh my God, I just wanted to give you a real apology. I am so, so sorry I ever doubted you for even a second. You’ve been, like, crucial to this whole thing. I can’t believe I thought you might have done that. You’re the best.”
Kami threw her arms around Ani and nuzzled her neck. “Also, wow, you changed and someone looks pretty hot.” Anifroze, a sharp current of anger spiking through her. This was it. A step too damn far, and she wasn’t going to have it anymore.
Ani pried Kami’s hands off her and stepped back. She folded her arms. “Listen, Kami, hugging me like that, touching me in the many intimate ways you have been, speaking to me the way you have been—it’s not okay, and I don’t like it. I’m not your friend, and I’m not your girlfriend. So please, you have to stop that.”
Kami stared at her, open-mouthed. She started to speak, but Ani interrupted her.
“I am, however, your wedding planner. And I’m going to create, for you and Grace, the most flawless goddamn wedding you could have ever imagined. Utter perfection. And you are going to love it and cherish the memories for the rest of your life. But our relationship, you and me? It has to be strictly professional. You broke my heart, which you seem to be unaware of, and honestly that’s fine, you’re allowed that. I even got over it, finally. But you’re not allowed to act like we’re best buddies anymore. Because we’re not. I hope—I hope you can understand that.”
Kami stood there in dumbstruck silence, nodding.
“Now, if you’ll excuse me,” Ani said. “I have to go. Myboyfriendis coming to pick me up. Call me if there’s a wedding-related matter.”
And as Kami’s jaw dropped for the second time this conversation, Ani walked out the door.
28
Raffi
She was inhis car, safe, kissed, and beautiful. Ani insisted on ducking while they passed the mob of reporters, and Raffi threw one of those Ô towels over her just to be sure. They’d made it out and no one had followed them. Ani was catching him up on everything, talking a mile a minute.
“—and thenGaliacomes forward and says she did it! The whole thing. The flowers, the dress, the menu, the hose. She cut it with some kitchen scissors!”
Raffi muttered angrily, “Jesus Christ, that family is trouble. Swear to God. If anyone needed an example of why not to spoil your kids, there you go.”
And then he had a clear image of himself and Ani, raising a family. Teaching them respect for others, to work hard, to stay humble. It seemed so natural. They were such a great team together.One thing at a time, bro, he told himself. He didn’t even know if Ani wanted kids. And he wanted Ani alone to himself for quite some time before potentially delving into that world.
“And then I have to tell you what happened with Kami,” Ani said.
She explained how Kami came to her room seconds after she’d finished changing, did the usual huggy compliment-bombing, and Ani was not having it. Raffi’s face split into a huge smile. “You actually said, ‘I’m not your friend’? Damn, girl.”
“I actually did.”
He was proud of her, so proud.
“Badass move by my badass girlfriend.”
She squeezed his hand hard, her smile unable to leave her face.
She sighed loudly. “It feels great. Can’t believe I didn’t do this sooner. Who knew one piece of negative press could bring this out of me.”
He rubbed the top of her hand with his thumb. “Seriously, Ani, you okay with all that? I read it, and I’m not kidding that I was this close to booking a nonstop flight to London to find that reporter.”
Ani chuckled, then said, “Yes, I’m okay. I wasn’t before, but I am now, because first off, it wasn’t true. I didn’t actually try to ruin the hinoum. Secondly, the person who did admitted it. And thirdly, Grace is going to call them up and fix it.”
“Damn, that Grace is a class act. Maybe she’ll eventually rub off on Kami,” Raffi said.
“One can hope.”
Raffi held up Ani’s smooth hand, kissed it, and rubbed it against his freshly shaven cheek. “Glad you’re all right.”
