Page 102 of The Image of You

I swallowed the lump in my throat. My girl was confused, sad, and suffering. And she was doing it all alone.

“Why did they have a party here in Toronto?”

“Sarah, Ronald, and his father wanted it. They made all the arrangements—Alex came to town a couple of days ago, and she’s only here until the wedding. The plan was for them to marry here where their families are and then go back to Calgary. I’m not sure you noticed, but no one from her life, aside from me, was there tonight. It was all for them.”

I snorted. “All about image.”

“Just like the fancy wedding,” Emma agreed. “Alex has never wanted one, but that’s what’s happening.”

I shook my head, gritting my teeth. “There isn’t going to be a fucking wedding, trust me. And she isn’t going anywhere.”

Alan grinned. “You got a plan?”

“When is this supposed wedding taking place?”

“Three weeks from now,” Emma replied.

I frowned. I didn’t have much time. But I had to make it work.

“Okay. And she is staying here until then?”

“Yes.”

“I assume at her parents’ condo since they sold her place?”

“Yes.”

I sat down. “How was she after I left tonight—was she okay? Did seeing me do anything?”

Emma shook her head. “She was upset. She tried to hide it, but I could see it. She was very quiet, and I heard her tell Bradley she had a terrible headache. He took her home early. But after you left…”

“What? What happened?”

“She kept looking around. She’d walk around the room, not talking to people, just walking. I think maybe…”

“…she was looking for me.” I finished for her.

“I think so.”

“I know she was. We’ve always had an intense connection—it was that way from the moment I met her. If I was close, she needed me touching her. Holding her hand or sitting near her.” I slammed my hand down on the table in anger, hitting it so hard the glasses shook. “She fucking needs me, Emma. She needs me as much as I need her—even more.”

“What are you going to do? Can I help?” She clasped my hand. “Let me help. I believed Sarah, and I shouldn’t have. I should have known better. I want to make up for it. Please.”

I studied her honest expression. We’d been deceived. Sarah removed us from Ally’s life. It was time to change that.

“Are you in town for a few days?” I asked.

“Yes. I’ll be back and forth until the wedding. Alan leaves in the morning.”

“Then I think you’re going to meet her for a walk tomorrow.”

She tilted her head. “Will I be showing up for this walk?”

I paused, pursing my lips. “Maybe I need to run into you while you’re out for your walk. You could get called away. Ally might be more comfortable if she sees you know me.”

“Okay, that works. But if she’s upset…”

“I’ll ease off. I don’t want to cause her any pain. I’ll try again the next day. And the day after if I have to.”