CHAPTER FOURTEEN
“You said you were going out for dinner , Annie,” Dawn said as she stood with her arms crossed, glaring at Annie’s reflection in the mirror. “Not a charity gala where there are going to be a bunch of people. A bunch of strangers .”
“I didn’t say anything because I knew you wouldn’t let me go.”
“Well, you’re not wrong,” Dawn said. “But we’re only carrying out your dad’s orders. If it were up to me, I’d let you go.”
“It is up to you,” Annie said as she leaned forward to check her makeup in the mirror. She’d hired people to come do her hair and makeup for her because she didn’t have much skill with either.
She could do basic makeup and hairstyles, but the gala called for something more. Especially since she was going with Cole.
“I can’t let you go, Annie,” Dawn said. “You can’t go without security, and we don’t have the time to arrange anything.”
“Sure you do,” Annie said as she turned to face her. “James came along as backup. He can go to the hotel and check it out. It’s not like there won’t be a ton of important people there. I did some research on the gala and there are a lot of rich and famous people who will be present. Seems to me that will make it a high security event.”
Dawn sighed. “Let me talk with Andrew and James to see what they think. But don’t get your hopes up. I’m not willing to risk my job over this.”
“I’m a grownup, Dawn. I should be able to make my own decisions.”
“It seems like Benji is rubbing off on you.”
“Maybe I’m just deciding that I want a life beyond the four walls of my house. I want friends. And maybe, just maybe, I want a relationship.” Annie paused. “Like you have with Andrew.”
Dawn narrowed her eyes at Annie. “Is that a threat?”
“Of course not,” Annie said. “Just a reminder that you are also reaching for something that you’re not supposed to have. Are you prepared to give Andrew up?”
With a sigh, Dawn turned away. “No.”
“Then let me have this.”
“You’re not going to be able to keep this from your dad. He has people scouring the internet looking for any whiff that people are on to who you are. They’ll find pictures of the event, I’m sure.”
“But no one will be able to track me down. I mean, I don’t even have a social media presence.”
Looking back at Annie, Dawn said, “Well, actually, you do.”
Annie lifted her brows. “I do?”
“Jude thought it would seem odd that someone your age didn’t have social media if anyone started to dig for information about you. So you’ve been posting a couple of times a week.”
Annie felt like she had wandered into a different world. “Do I have a lot of friends?”
“Not really, but there are a few who interact with you on a regular basis.”
“And they are…?”
“Friends we set up for you.”
“Good grief, is my life pathetic.” She turned to look at herself in the mirror. “Fake friends. Fake family. I just want something that’s real in my life.”
“Let me talk to the others,” Dawn said as she headed for the door to the room.
Annie reached for her phone to check out her newly discovered social media, but then left it sitting on the bathroom counter. She didn’t want to be distracted by that right then.
She had had a great day with Cole and the others. He’d showed up at ten, after they’d had breakfast, and since he had a seven-passenger SUV, they were all able to pile in together.
After that, Cole had given them a tour of the area before taking them for a late lunch at the Santa Monica Pier. Annie had enjoyed the sightseeing, especially since she had done it with Cole.
Given how little she’d traveled over the years, this time away from Serenity was exciting and made her want to travel more. And now she was getting ready for a glamorous night out. Something else she’d never done.
She hoped that the dress she’d chosen would be good enough to not stand out in a bad way. The woman who owned the boutique in Serenity that Annie had visited had assured her that it would work just fine.
When she’d first gone into the boutique, Annie had shown her some pictures of what women had worn in previous years, and the owner had accepted the challenge and found what she declared to be the perfect dress for Annie.
And now, as she stood looking at herself in the standalone mirror in the corner of the large bathroom, Annie thought that perhaps it was the perfect thing for the gala.
The silhouette in the mirror revealed a woman Annie barely recognized. The champagne-colored gown hugged her petite frame, its delicate beadwork catching the light with every subtle movement. Her light brown hair, usually kept in simple styles, had been transformed into an elegant updo with soft tendrils framing her face. The stylist had incorporated tiny crystal pins that sparkled among the caramel-colored strands. Annie leaned closer, studying the woman before her—sophisticated, poised, and somehow vulnerable all at once.
“Is that really me?” she whispered, brushing her fingertips against the cool glass.
The dress’s sweetheart neckline accentuated her slender neck, where a simple diamond pendant—one of the few pieces of jewelry she owned—rested against her skin. She turned slightly, watching how the fabric caught the light, flowing like liquid gold around her ankles.
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.
“Annie?” Dawn’s voice came through the door. “I’ve spoken with the team.”
Annie took a deep breath, her heart racing with anticipation. “And?”
Dawn entered, her expression softening as she took in Annie’s appearance. “You really do look absolutely stunning.”
“Thank you,” Annie said, smoothing down the fabric of her dress nervously. “But what did they say?”
“James has already left to scout the venue,” Dawn replied. “Andrew will follow you there, but he won’t go inside since we don’t want Cole to recognize him.”
Annie’s eyes widened. “I can’t believe you’re letting me go without talking to my dad.”
“There are still some conditions,” Dawn said firmly, though her lips quirked into a small smile. “You stay with Cole at all times. No wandering off alone. And if James gives the signal, you leave immediately, no questions asked.”
Annie nodded eagerly. “I promise. Thank you, Dawn.”
“Don’t make me regret this,” Dawn said firmly, but her eyes were kind. “Now finish getting ready. Cole will be here to pick you up in twenty minutes.”
After Dawn left, Annie returned to the mirror for one final look. For the first time in her life, she wasn’t Annalisa, the hidden daughter of a wealthy family. Tonight, she was simply Annie—a woman attending a gala with a handsome man and experiencing a small taste of normalcy.
The chime of her phone alerted her to a text. Cole had arrived early. With one last glance at her reflection, Annie smiled at the woman in the mirror—a woman ready to embrace whatever the evening might hold.
“Annie?” Cole’s voice came through the door. “Dawn said you might be ready soon.”
Her heart fluttered at the sound of his voice. “Just a minute,” she called, smoothing down the fabric of her dress one last time.
She gathered her small clutch purse, slipped on her heels, and took a steadying breath. Whatever happened tonight, she would savor every moment of this freedom, this chance to step beyond the carefully constructed boundaries of her life.
When she opened the door, Cole’s expression made every minute of preparation worthwhile. His eyes widened, and for a moment, he seemed at a loss for words.
“Wow,” he finally managed, his gaze traveling from her face to the elegant dress and back again. “You look… incredible. Not that you don’t always look beautiful because you most certainly do.”
Annie felt her cheeks warm. “Thank you. You clean up pretty well yourself.” And he did—the tailored black tuxedo fit him perfectly, highlighting his athletic build in a way his casual clothes didn’t.
“I have something for you,” he said, revealing a small box he’d been holding behind his back. Inside was a bracelet with delicate gold links and tiny stones that matched her dress perfectly.
“Cole, you didn’t have to—”
“I wanted to,” he said, carefully fastening it around her wrist. “Consider it a thank you for agreeing to come with me tonight. These events can be… well, let’s just say having you there will make it a lot more enjoyable.”
“You look so nice, sis,” Benji said as he stood beside Dawn. “I hope you have fun.”
“Thanks, hun.” Annie walked to him and gave him a hug. “Be good for Dawn and Andrew.”
“Of course I’ll be good.”
As Annie hugged Dawn, she whispered, “Thanks for working this out for me.”
“Don’t thank me yet,” Dawn warned. “Once your father finds out, we’re all in trouble.”
“It will be fine,” Annie assured her, though she wasn’t entirely convinced herself. But for tonight, she refused to let the shadow of her father’s control dim the promise of the evening ahead.
As they made their way to the elevator, Cole offered his arm. “Ready for your first Los Angeles charity gala?”
Annie smiled and slipped her arm through his. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
The ride to the charity gala in a chauffeured limo was filled with comfortable conversation that helped calm Annie’s nerves. Cole told her stories about previous charity events he’d attended—some amusing, some awkward—and by the time they pulled up to the grand entrance of the elegant hotel where the gala was taking place, Annie felt more at ease.
“They’re expecting a lot of celebrities and athletes tonight,” Cole explained as they approached the entrance. “The foundation raises money for pediatric cancer research. It feels particularly important to me this year after what Shiloh has gone through.”
Annie nodded, taking in the magnificent architecture of the historic hotel. “It’s a good cause.”
As they stepped onto the red carpet, camera flashes erupted around them. Annie instinctively tensed, her father’s warnings echoing in her mind.
“You okay?” Cole asked, his hand steady on the small of her back.
“Just not used to cameras,” she admitted quietly.
“Focus on me,” he suggested, guiding her forward with gentle confidence. “They’re mostly interested in the athletes and movie stars, anyway.”
Inside, the ballroom took Annie’s breath away. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over elegantly dressed guests mingling beneath soaring ceilings. Tables adorned with elaborate floral arrangements surrounded a polished dance floor, while a string quartet played softly in the corner.
“Cole Halverson!” A woman in her fifties approached them, her red gown as bold as her smile. “I was hoping you’d make it tonight.”
“Mrs. Hendricks,” Cole greeted her warmly. “I wouldn’t miss it. This charity is close to my heart.” He turned slightly. “This is Annie. Annie, Mrs. Hendricks is one of the most generous supporters of pediatric medical research in California.”
“Pleasure to meet you,” Annie said, offering her hand.
“The pleasure’s all mine, dear,” Mrs. Hendricks replied, studying her with interest. “I don’t believe I’ve seen you at these events before.”
“It’s my first time,” Annie admitted.
“Well, you’ve chosen excellent company,” Mrs. Hendricks said with a knowing smile toward Cole. “I expect to see you both at my table when dinner is served.”
As she departed, Cole led Annie toward the bar. “One interaction down, about fifty to go,” he joked.
As they made their way deeper into the ballroom, Cole introduced her to a variety of interesting people, some of whom left her a little star struck. And she wondered how many of them knew her dad and Elizabeth.
Gradually, Annie found herself relaxing into the role of Cole’s companion, drawing on years of etiquette lessons her parents had insisted upon. She’d never understood why her dad had been so insistent on them or the formal dinners even when it was just them as a family, considering she never went anywhere.
“You’re a natural at this,” Cole whispered as they moved between conversations. “Everyone loves you.”
“I’m just following your lead,” she replied, though secretly pleased by his compliment.
When dinner was announced, they found their assigned table near the stage. Annie was seated between Cole and a woman who introduced herself as the wife of another player.
“First time at one of these?” the woman—Tasha—asked kindly.
Annie nodded. “Is it that obvious?”
“Not at all,” Tasha laughed. “I just remember my first one. I was terrified of using the wrong fork.”
“I’ve had enough formal dinners to last a lifetime,” Annie admitted, then quickly added, “My parents were sticklers for proper etiquette.”
Throughout dinner, Annie found herself genuinely enjoying the company. The speeches were inspiring, focusing on the children who had benefitted from the research that had been funded by the charity.
When the auction portion of the evening began, Cole leaned close to her ear. “Ready to see how the other half spends their money?”
“I think I have an idea,” Annie replied with a small smile, thinking of her father’s extravagant purchases over the years.
The auctioneer, a charismatic man with a booming voice, took the stage. Items ranging from exotic vacations to priceless artwork were presented with a flourish, each bringing in substantial bids. Annie watched, fascinated by the casual way people raised their paddles for amounts that would change most people’s lives.
“Next up,” the auctioneer announced, “a private basketball clinic with none other than Cole Halverson!”
Annie turned to Cole in surprise. “You didn’t mention this.”
He shrugged, a hint of color in his cheeks. “It’s just something I do every year.”
The bidding started at five thousand dollars and quickly escalated. As the amount climbed past twenty thousand, Annie felt a surge of pride sitting beside Cole, watching how valued his time and expertise were.
“Sold for thirty-five thousand dollars!” the auctioneer declared, pointing to a middle-aged man across the room who was grinning broadly.
“That’s amazing,” Annie whispered.
Cole squeezed her hand under the table. “It’s for the kids.”
When the formalities ended and the dance floor opened, Cole stared out at the couples gathering there for a moment before turning back to Annie. “Would you like to dance?”
Annie hesitated. “Not really.”
“Are you not a dancer?”
“Oh, I’ve taken dance lessons, so I can dance. I just don’t really feel like doing it in this dress and heels. Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize,” Cole said with a grin. “I’m not a big fan of dancing myself. I never did it growing up, and it’s not something I enjoy overly much.”
“Perfect. We can sit and watch other people dance.”
“Or… we could go out into the gardens. They are beautiful here.”
“I like the sound of that,” Annie said, mindful that she’d need to let James know that she was leaving the ballroom. “I’d like to go to the washroom first.”
“Sure.”
When Cole offered her his arm, she slipped her hand around his bicep. He led her around the tables, but as they approached the exit of the ballroom, an older couple stopped Cole to talk to him.
“I’ll be back in a minute,” Annie said after Cole introduced her. “Just going to freshen up.”
“Sounds good.”
Annie hurried out of the ballroom and turned toward where the bathrooms were located. She spotted James in the distance and gave him a nod, wiggling her phone in his direction to let him know she’d be contacting him.
When she reached the door to the bathroom, she slipped inside, not at all surprised by the opulence of the space. She might have come from wealth, but she didn’t really like the over the top elegance. It didn’t make her feel relaxed or comfortable at all.
There were two older women at the sinks who smiled at her as she walked past them. After giving them a smile and a nod, she turned the corner to where the stalls were located.
They were actually mini rooms, with a floor to ceiling door, cutting her off from the rest of the space. It looked like a couple were occupied, but there were still a few empty.
She went into the one farthest from the occupied ones, then closed the door and locked it. There was a small bar height table in the corner with flowers on it, and she put her purse there. Before doing anything else, she texted James to let him know that they’d be going into the garden.
After he sent back a thumbs up, she quickly finished using the toilet. She’d just stepped out of the bathroom when she heard voices that sounded different from the women who’d been there when she walked in.
“I was so shocked to see him with anyone but Tamara. She said they were coming together.”
“Cole was only ever going to bring Tamara in Tamara’s own mind. But she’s going to lose said mind when she gets a look at the woman he did bring. Certainly different from who we expected him to ever be with.”
“I know. Maybe it’s a pity date or something.”
“Make-a-wish date?”
The women laughed, and Annie felt her stomach clench. She was afraid she was going to lose her dinner.
Not wanting a confrontation, she stayed by the stalls until she heard them leave. Moving quickly, she went to the sink and washed her hands.
When she stepped out of the bathroom, she spotted Cole right away. Her steps faltered when she saw that he was talking with two women. Two women who could have just been in the bathroom.
His face lit up with a smile when he spotted her, making some of the hurt ease away. The women with him turned, and Annie could see the moment they realized that she had likely heard them in the bathroom.
Annie approached them and took the hand Cole held out to her.
“These two lovely ladies are Lisa and Megan,” Cole said, gesturing to them. “Lisa is married to one of my teammates, and Megan is engaged to another one.”
They looked very much like Annie had imagined they would. Tall, willowy, beautiful.
“Lovely?” Annie couldn’t help asking as she lifted her brows at them.
The women both lowered their gazes and shifted. The silence that followed her single word response was heavy.
“What’s going on?” Cole asked, his hand tightening around Annie’s. “What am I missing?”
One of the women sighed. “I think Annie heard Megan and I talking about her in the bathroom.”
Cole’s easygoing demeanor vanished in a heartbeat as tension filled his body. “What were you saying about her?”
“Just that we were surprised to see you with someone like her, and that Tamara was going to flip her lid.”
“You know that Tamara wouldn’t consider any of us to be good enough for you if she wasn’t.”
Cole didn’t say anything at first, then a little of the tension eased out of his grip on her hand. “That is true.”
“And the make-a-wish date comment?” Annie asked. She wasn’t sure why she was pushing this, but if she was going to be in Cole’s life, she didn’t want people thinking that just because she didn’t look or act like them that they could walk all over her.
“I’m really sorry about saying that,” Lisa said, her expression truly remorseful. “Megan and I can get a little catty at times, but we don’t mean anything by it.”
“What did you say?” Cole asked.
Megan sighed. “We were just wondering why she was your date, since she’s nothing like the women you usually bring to these events.”
“That’s because she’s not,” Cole said. “I haven’t been serious about any of them.”
Both Megan and Lisa’s eyes went wide, and they glanced at each other before Lisa said, “And you are serious about her?”
“Yep.” Cole smiled down at her. “Very serious.”
Annie’s heart tripped over itself as its rhythm was suddenly all out of whack. She’d known things were getting more serious, but this moment just ramped everything to another level.
“Well, we’re very sorry for what we said, Annie,” Lisa said. “And I hope we can get past this wrong foot that we’ve gotten off on.”
Annie was willing to let things go, but she hoped that these women weren’t in relationships with players that Cole was super close to. She wasn’t sure they were as sorry as they said they were.
Unfortunately, this interaction revealed to her that she might not have the savvy skills to deal with situations like what had just unfolded. She was trying to ignore the urge to tell the two women exactly who she was.
But she knew that if she wanted more independence, she couldn’t fall back on her connection to her dad in order to get people to respect her.
The contradictory emotions were a bit wild. She didn’t want to be constrained by her dad’s wealth and political connections, and yet, the first time it might have given her the leg up on someone, she wanted to use it.
But she knew it wasn’t the right thing to do, and it certainly wouldn’t have been pleasing to God.