Page 16 of Broken Vows

Annabelle jumps in, playfully tapping Theo on the forearm. “Pay no attention to Theo. He’s a doctor and assumes everything is life and death, even when it’s not.” She gives me a quick side wink. “He’s being overly dramatic because he skipped his morning coffee. What he failed to mention is that we didn’t give Lexie much notice before showing up unannounced.”

God, I could marry this woman—if she weren’t so blinded by her love for Theo. Why she decides to save me, beyond simply being a good person, I don’t know. Sydney softens at Annabelle’s reassurance, but Theo goes rigid.

“You’re too kind,” I direct at Annabelle before turning to Theo. “It’s great to have someone who keeps you grounded.”

“She does her best,” he says with a grin, but his gaze drilling into me shows anything but amusement.

I hold his gaze, refusing to back down or give him the satisfaction of thinking he’s won this round.

Sydney rests a firm hand on my shoulder. “Lexie will be available to answer all questions anytime you need her. If you’re having issues reaching her, then please don’t hesitate to contact me.”

Well, fuck.

“We’re a team and can always step in for each other,” Sydney adds. “And it’s actually good timing that you’re here. I have some good news. We received the contract back from the photographer you wanted. Their team was thrilled to work with you and your family and adjusted their schedule to accommodate.”

I breathe a sigh of relief. When she offered to take over that part for me, I almost hugged her.

“Lexie, did you manage to hear back from the videographer?”

All color drains from my face. Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit. No, I never heard back from the videographer because I completely forgot to contact them. I was supposed to do that the first day, but I was so distracted it slipped my mind. I think I’m going to throw up. How did I miss this in my project plan? I’m now panicking that I may have missed out on other things.

“Lexie?” Sydney’s jaw stretches. “What did the videographer say?”

I open my mouth to either lie or drag out some lame, half-hearted excuse, when Theo says, “Actually, we told Lexie to hold off on contacting anyone right now because we have a family friend who’s trying to make it work in their schedule.”

What? We never had this conversation. He knows we didn’t. I glance at him, but his eyes are focused on Sydney.

“Wonderful. Glad to hear it. Please let us know as soon as possible if they can’t make it.” Sydney smiles. “I won’t keep you any longer. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Of course.” I turn back to face the couple, my head swirling. Please don’t sweat. “Why don’t we head to the conference room?”

After I escort them there, I run back to grab my notebook and pen, whisper to Justin that the couple is here and pause at the mirror for a quick hair and make-up check. Outside the room, I stop and shake out my twitchy arms.

I’m in control now. Not him. There’s nothing he can do to hurt me, but there’s a ton I can do to hurt him. I exhale three short breaths, lift my chin, and enter the room.

8 Lexie

As I approach the conference room, I catch Annabelle leaning in to whisper something to Theo as they wait for me. He laughs in response and she practically glows at his reaction. There’s evidently an ease between them—the kind of comfort that comes from years of knowing someone—but I can’t shake the feeling that something’s missing. I work with couples every day, and my instincts are rarely wrong. Perhaps it’s because he’s a psychopath and she has yet to uncover this fact.

“So,” I say, heading in and taking the seat across from them, “what brings you into the office today?”

Annabelle glances at Theo first before answering. “We’ve been thinking more about what you advised—especially the headcount. If our parents had their way, it would be half the city by now. They’ve been planning for this since we were in high school.”

High school? Why wait fifteen or so years to get engaged? I hate that my curiosity piques. “Oh, so you’re childhood sweethearts?”

“More or less,” Theo says, reaching for a water bottle in the middle of the table.

“Let’s just say it’s been a… bumpy ride,” Annabelle mutters with a wink.

“Anna!” Theo says, shaking his head as if thoroughly amused—though I don’t believe it for a second. “We swore we were going to keep that between us.”

How does he do this? How does he pretend that he’s this kind, normal, functioning member of society, and how does she not see behind the bullshit veil?

“Oops, sorry. But we’re together now, and that’s all that matters.” She throws her arms around his neck and gives him a loud kiss on his cheek. When she pulls back, she looks at me. “What about you, Lexie? Are you married?”

I blush. “Oh. Um, nope.”

“A special someone, perhaps?” she asks. Clients rarely ask personal questions and it catches me off guard. With the exception of Justin, I usually keep my professional and personal life separate. Still, Annabelle waits expectantly. When I glance at Theo, he’s so still he looks like he’s not breathing. Interesting. Is he curious, too? “No special someone.”