Page 17 of Modern Persuasion

I had to chuckle as I took his arm and let him lead me to the party.

I wish the party had been problem-free. I don't think most of the people there knew about the hiccup because Patrick and I shut it down as quickly as possible. While Louisa never left Fredrick's side, Patrick and I slid into the background and enjoyed ourselves quietly. We made jokes about some of the fashion choices, suggested the other try a specific food option, swiped glasses of champagne from passing waiters, and danced when the band played a good song.

"Fuck me," I heard him say under his breath at one point.

I raised my eyebrow, positive he wasn't suggesting that to me. I turned, expecting to see some handsome man walking in, but instead, there was a pixie-like, blonde woman walking right toward Fredrick.

"I don't think she's your type," I said.

"No, that's Abby," Patrick said, taking my hand and walking toward the other woman. "What's she doing here? Do you think she knows Fredrick's here?"

I was surprised I hadn't recognized her. She had changed her hairstyle and color since I had last paid attention. She was a famous actress, but I had stopped following her when she started dating Fredrick.

"If she doesn't, then she's a moron," I said, letting Patrick drag me towards her. "The library promoted the benefit, and his face was everywhere."

"She's trying to mess with his head. Help me keep her away."

I wondered why Patrick was taking me with him. Maybe it was for moral support or to have someone block her way into the party? I had a brief thought that he wanted me to see my competition for Fredrick's least favorite ex-girlfriend.

"Abby, let's talk," Patrick said as he spun her around and walked her out the door.

"What the hell? Patrick, you have no right to manhandle me," Abby said, trying to fight her way back into the room.

I stood behind Patrick but didn't do anything to help him. I had to agree with Abby.

"Oh, please, I know why you're here," Patrick said and let her go. "Let's not pretend. You've done enough to hurt him."

"He forced my hand. I told him right away that Los Angeles wasn't the life I wanted. He stayed with me anyway."

"You could've been mature about it," Patrick said, his face getting red. "You could've walked away when you knew he would never leave LA. You used your kid to keep him around. Why are you even here? You married someone else."

I took a small step back. It felt like these were the things Patrick would have said to me if we had met outside of this tour. That bit of movement caught Abby's attention, and she turned to look at me.

"I just want to talk to him. Who's this?" Abby said, pointing at me.

"Emma, the editor running his book tour," Patrick said with a shrug.

"Emma? This is Emma? The infamous Emma? You want to talk about playing games with Fredrick, and she stands here helping you keep me away."

I suddenly wanted to punch her in the face. Now I knew why Patrick dragged me over. He tried to intimidate her and make sure she knew what happened to the women who broke Fredrick's heart.

"She's doing her job, and that's making sure this all runs smoothly," Patrick said in a whisper. "She's not the one causing a scene. You need to leave."

"Patrick," Fredrick said from behind us. "Leave Abby alone. If she bought a ticket, then she has every right to be here."

"Fred, don't let her manipulate you," Patrick said.

"I expected her to be here. I'm ready for this," Fredrick said with a slow blink and a sigh.

"Fine, I wash my hands of this," Patrick said and wiped his hands together. "Come on, Emma. I think they're serving the meal."

I let Patrick lead me back to our table. I didn't hear anything Abby and Fredrick said to each other. Louisa, thankfully, missed all of it. We found her at the table eating the salad at her seat.

"Freddy went to the bathroom," Louisa said when she swallowed her bite.

"Louisa, I told you not to call him Freddy. His name is Fredrick. Please call people the name they want to be called," I said.

Chapter Twelve