No matter the provocation, throwing a fit was not an option. My father was in the building. I did not want to be escorted out by security. And yet, beneath the heavy pain my heart was experiencing, was an underlying pang of relief. Some part of me had felt she would have rejected my proposal and I would resented her for it. But this was way worse. I walked to the glass decanter and poured myself a shot of bourbon. The whole of New York was talking about the embarrassment. My father would enjoy berating me over this. My pounding head imagined the denigrating words that would be dancing as they leaped from his mouth. I needed to leave the city. Go somewhere to clear my head. Maybe my cottage in St. George. Then I remembered the company had taken everything. I groaned.
Jane opened the door to my office and came in with a brown envelope. She looked to Andy and I could see she was wondering how I had reacted but Andy returned the look with a shake of his head and a shrug.
"Mr. Walker, I'm so sorry. I can't imagine how you must feel.” She extended the envelope. “This came in for you and I peeked out of concern. I have to notify you, of course, but I would suggest you give it some time before you check it out. It's not that important." She looked to Andy for backup. He sat up and coughed nervously.
"Yes, um, Prince… How about we get out of here and go down to The Oaks for a drink? You know, get some air and talk shit out."
I stared at my friend dully. That was the best he could do at such short notice. It had almost become a routine since we were young adults. Every time I got in trouble, he would enable me to go on a bender. I cursed under my breath at this terrible suggestion.
"Yes," Jane continued enthusiastically. "You should get out of here. Take some time off. I'm sure everyone would understand. And I could have the jewelers come to pick up the ring. I'm sure they have a return policy. And I'm pretty sure they were the ones who tipped the purchase to the press. No one's discreet anymore, you know? What's wrong with people?"
Andy guessed that what was in the envelope must be really bad because he was snapping his fingers in an annoying habit he’d developed which always drove me mad.
"Put the envelope down and leave, Jane," I barked. I could feel my jaw clenching as I glared at her.
"Alright, I’ll go. But I'll need to hold on to this file. I just remembered there are some corrections it needs. I could have it faxed back by the weekend." She clutched it to her chest and tried to exit the office. She was one of the few women who weren’t afraid of me. First place on that list was reserved by my mom.
I let out a loud guttural sound that made her jump in her tracks.
"Put the envelope down, Jane. And thenget out of my office!" I raged.
She walked towards my desk and put the envelope down obediently. She gave Andy a look that said, 'I tried, he's your problem now.' When we were alone, I pulled the knot on my tie, and tilted my head from left to right because it was feeling stiff. I took a deep breath and then asked Andy to leave too. Andy did not protest.
"Listen. I'm really sorry man. If you need anything…"
When he was gone, I reached for the envelope and tore it open. Inside was an invitation Angelique and Dmitri's wedding ceremony, scheduled to take place in two weeks. Right here in New York.
It was signed by Dmitri himself.
Chapter 10
Prince Walker
Istilled, then clasped the card, squeezing till it was crumpled into a ball. A dark fury pounded through me. Not only had Angelique betrayed me by leaving me for Dmitri, but she was also going to further humiliate me by having the wedding in my city. I would never live this down. My hands fisted so tightly I felt like I could grind the invitation to powder.
I would not take this lying down. I swore to myself that Angelique would be ruined for making me a public laughing stock.
I am Prince FUCKING Walker!
I could have any girl I desired. But she’d made me look like a desperate, lovestruck fool who was not enough to satisfy my woman.
I buzzed Jane and ordered her to my office.
"I need you to find me a girlfriend—" I said as she walked in.
"What?" Jane interjected.
"Someone taller, younger, and more beautiful than Angelique. She has to be smart, too, plus have depth and look like a model."
There was silence as she mulled over this, and I was pretty sure Jane was wondering when I’d started worrying about depth. It didn’t matter. I didn’t care what she thought.
"I can't just go out and find you a girlfriend, Prince— I mean, Mr. Walker. Especially not in this city—"
"Why not?" I asked, and Jane hesitated, rattled by my impatient tone.
"Because…because you've been through all of them already?"
I scowled at the joke and she pressed her lips together, trying to hide a bashful smile.
