Page 105 of Pure Abandon

“Kat, listen, there is something I have to tell you about that.” He places his hands on his head and squeezes his cap a little. “Damn, I was hoping I’d never have to tell you. I guess it doesn’t matter now.”

My interest is piqued. “What doesn’t matter?”

“I dated her when I first moved to the city.”

I blink back at his words. My Gabriel dated Malory? We were together when he moved to the city. He sees my concerned look and continues.

“You were still in school then, and I was young and dumb… One night at a bar, I was missing you so badly, and there she was. I was so stupid.”

My mouth goes dry. Despite what I have done, it hurts to think he betrayed me at a time when we were still drunk in-love. “How stupid were you?”

Gabriel is quick to answer; his hand rests on my arms in reassurance. “Nothing happened. It was just dinner. I broke it off after a few dates. She started harassing me after that. Always making comments and telling me she was available if you and I ever broke up. And for some reason I can’t figure out, you started working with her. What are the odds?” He takes a breath, relieved to be unloading this information.

“I was so happy when you stopped working with her. I didn’t think it mattered anymore. Then you got this job, and I was hesitant at first, but you were so happy. I never had a problem with you returning to work. I was afraid of what would happen with you working with Malory again…” He trails. He removes his hand from my arm and takes a step back. “Who knew the bitch would actually drive us apart?”

There is an awkward pause. I don’t want to say anything. I’m lucky he’s talking to me this much.

His head is bowed, looking at the ground. I assume he pictures me on the same level as the dirt. He’s standing so close, yet he feels miles away. How is someone I was closer to than anyone in my entire life now my most distant acquaintance? It doesn’t feel natural. This isn’t the Gabe I know. Then again, I’m no longer his Kat.

Gabriel’s eyes start to redden. “It doesn’t feel like it really happened. Like the last few days were just a dream.”

“I wish they were just a dream. If I could take it all back…”

“No, Kat. You cheated on me. Don’t you get it? You broke our vows. Everyone waits for the husband to screw up. It’s the women you have to watch out for.” He turns his back and heads toward the car. He pauses just before opening the door. “You know, if I didn’t see it, I would have never have believed it. I just never thought you would do that to me.”

I never thought I would either. Just a few weeks ago, I was devastated when I heard my cousin’s wife had an affair. I was the wreck, and it was Gabriel who seemed so nonchalant about the whole thing.

“What about those couples you were telling me about? The ones who moved on? You said it yourself. Couples get back together… These things happen…” I try to bring back some of his own words from that conversation not too long ago.

“Not to us, Kat!” His words nearly spit at me. “Don’t you dare try to throw my words back in my face. Shit happens to other couples, but not to us. We’re better than this.” His jaw tightens as he calms himself down. “I thought we were better than this.”

I take a step toward him as he lowers himself into the front seat, and ask, “Where do we go from here?”

He takes a deep breath before answering my question. “I’m going to see my lawyer in the morning.” He closes the door. He turns the ignition and lowers the window. “I’ll be at The Inn until I find a place.”

I regret my decision for going to this damn gala. Even though I know I should stay away, I feel like I need the closure. I started this project, and I have to see it through.

I step out of the bathroom, and Gwen beams at me like I’m going to the prom. Her one-week stay has turned into two. Believe it or not, I still don’t want her to leave.

“Kathryn, you look…” Words fail her. “Oh, honey, after everything you’ve gone through, you deserve to see this event in all its glory. You worked so hard. I am very proud of you.”

I give her my best Grayson smile. “Thank you, Mom. For everything.” We embrace and she holds me, really holds me, for the first time since I was a little girl.

The dress looks as goddess-like as the day I tried it on, and with zero markings of the department store floor. I have on the most beautiful pair of silver strappy stilettos that cost me a fortune and will be the last big purchase this single mom makes in a long time. Gwen did my makeup, and I did my own hair in long soft curls. I looked demure, yet I’m ready to kick some ass if I have to.

Asher arranged for a car to pick me up. I think it’s his way of ensuring I actually make it to the gala. I haven’t seen him since that day in the office, and tonight will be my last. I am all too happy to see Devon round the SUV and open my door. I’m immediately thankful to have the escort when we pull up to the gala and Devon has special permission to cut the limo line and accompany me to the front entrance. When we pull up to the curb, he opens my door and takes my hand to lead me onto the black carpet.

It’s everything I hoped it would be and more. Topiaries of dahlias, peonies, and roses line the carpet in an archway, leading people to the venue. At the far end is the photographers’ pit with a step and repeat for interviews. The fountain is illuminated in lights and a handmade marquee hangs special for the evening, announcing Asher’s benefit concert. Spotlights stand on both sides of the venue, letting people know there is an event happening right now that people have to take notice of.

I bypass the main entrance and make my way toward the side. I am all too thrilled to see Trish wearing a headset and holding a clipboard. Looks like Erik and Asher did the right thing and promoted her to my spot. I want to say hello, but a quick wave and a nod good luck is all I can spare, as she looks like she’s in full producer mode. I can hear her telling the cameraman to get a pan of the exterior.

I walk into David Geffen Hall and make my way toward the theater entrance. Standing there is a man wearing a black tuxedo, bow tie included. His golden highlights glisten in the pin lighting of the room, and I don’t have to wait for him to turn around to see his eyes.

As if he can feel my presence, Asher turns and faces me. His is a mixture of elation and relief.

Golden eyes look me up and down. I know he approves. “I’ve told you this before, and I will tell you again. You are beautiful.”

“Thank you, Alex. So are you.”