Chapter 4 #2
I typed and watched the screen in front of me, as I answered. "You sound as if I've been missing in action for days instead of hours. It's only 11:25."
"Yes, almost lunch. You’ve been MIA."
Lifting a hand to rub my head, I spoke calmly. Jacqueline wasn't the one who’d annoyed me today; there was no need to take it out on her. "Did you need something?"
"I've been waiting to hear your decision on the wedding dresses."
"Oh yes, I just told Denise, I’m approving them all. We’re undecided, let the customer choose."
"Isn't that too expensive?"
"We’ll make no more than three of each design. Make them exclusive, isn’t that what every bride dreams of? That they get a one-of-a-kind dress? Now, for a few ladies, that would be real. Well, almost. One in three."
Jacqueline’s face brightened up. "The marketing department will have a blast with this. We can get a few celebrities to wear them."
My sister's lips continued moving; she was probably saying something faintly important, but all I could hear was the thud of my own thoughts. I nodded out of habit, my eyes fixed on the photo framed on my desk with me, Demetria, Mei, Alex, and Luke at graduation.
Jacqueline lowered herself and waved a hand before me. I shook all other thoughts from my head to pay attention. "What did you say?'
"Do you have any plans for lunch?"
Lunch? Normally, I had something with Ryan. Or maybe Joe, or Frank, but today I had no appetite. "I’m going on a diet."
"I should go on one too."
"Just get your heart ripped apart, that'll cure your appetite." The words slipped out before I could stop myself. I was startled at my honesty, and Jacqueline's pitying eyes told me it was too late to reel them back.
My sister looked at me with worry. "Liv, what happened?"
I steadied my expression and spoke firmly. "Don't pay me any attention, and go enjoy your lunch. I have lots of work to catch up on."
My sister knew when not to push. She nodded and left me alone. That's what I needed, a minute alone with my thoughts, with nothing and no one demanding anything from me. I had twenty minutes of what I asked for when my phone rang.
"Yes?"
"Do you have a minute for the editor in chief of Eye on Fashion magazine?" my secretary asked.
I glanced at my calendar as she spoke. "She wants an impromptu meeting? Why?"
"She was nearby and wanted to chat with you."
Eye on Fashion was the biggest magazine in America.
Their editor, Renee Walsh, was the queen; if she didn’t like it, it wouldn’t sell.
Getting her to attend your fashion show meant your collection would soar.
I had a decent relationship with her and would do just about anything to strengthen it.
There was no way I could refuse. "Give me one minute, then send her in. "
Jumping to my feet instantly, I began sweeping a stack of files into a neater pile and tossed a few empty seltzer cans in the waste basket.
Then I nervously smoothed my blouse, tugged at the hem of my skirt, and squared my shoulders, bracing for the woman I thought was about to walk in.
But when the door swung open, I froze, because it wasn’t Renee. It was the future Mrs. Luke Forrester.
"Olivia, I hope you don't mind me stopping by."
Poker face activated, I smiled even brighter and gestured to the chair in front of me. "Solemn, you didn't need to make up a story just to see me–"
She smiled briefly. "It's Solenne, and I just got the editorial position at Eye on Fashion, that was true."
What? Not only did she con Luke into marriage, this woman used her skill to convince the Eye on Fashion board to appoint her. She was fucking good.
"Well, congratulations then."
"On the engagement or the new position?" she asked, her eyes studying the photo of me, Luke, and the girls on my desk. The corner of her mouth curved like she already knew the answer.
Out of me came a laugh that even I had to admit sounded a little too loud and sharp. It wasn't my best fake one. "Both, of course."
"Thanks. I was so happy Luke was smart enough not to let me slip away," she said.
I nodded and swallowed deeply. "He would be a fool otherwise."
"And we both know that he’s not."
I was growing tired of this. My performance couldn't be counted on to go on much longer. "So, what can I do for you?"
"I know Luke wants you to be the best man."
An idea came to me. "Is that a problem for you? I'd gladly just sit in the crowd. Trust me."
"No. He really wants it. And I’m not self-conscious about the relationship you two have. I know how Luke feels about me."
Somewhere in there I was just offended, but I needed time to pinpoint it.
"That's nice. Glad to hear," I replied.
My cheeks hurt from smiling so hard, but I had to keep a professional relationship with Eye on Fashion for Fox there was only so much a person could stomach.
"Absolutely!"
Briefly, I contemplated whether I was losing my mind.
Why the fuck had I said that? There was no way a sane me would agree.
That's when I realized the sound didn't come from my mouth.
I looked up to find Dad at the door, wearing a smile.
"The Eye on Fashion editor in chief in a Fox that boy is like a son to me."
If she called him “dad,” I wouldn't be responsible for my actions. We locked eyes, and in Solemn's I saw nothing but taunting.
"This is all a dream come true. First Luke, then the job, and now my wedding in my own castle."
For some of us, it was a nightmare.
"Oh, you two already picked a venue?" Dad asked.
The future Mrs. Luke Forrester spoke with excitement. "Months ago, I attended a wedding at a castle in the suburbs. Now that it’s my turn, I couldn't imagine getting married anywhere but there. We need to put a deposit down ASAP. I'll go tomorrow."
"When's the wedding?" Dad asked, clearly with no plans to work today.
"Next spring. That's the only time my father can come from France. I'd never get married without him there."
He nodded. "Can't wait to see it. You girls continue the rest of your conversation. I have to run."
Seemingly forgetting the reason he came to my office—other than placing me in a more awkward spot—Dad left. I stood, needing an intermission from the performance. "Solemn, I was heading out for lunch when you stopped by. If that's all, I'm leaving to grab a bite."
"Oh. I'm so sorry. Yes, I really appreciate everything you’re doing for us."
"Don't thank me yet. I haven't done anything," I said, then grabbed my purse and made a run from my own office. I was like Cinderella, worried that the magic would wear off any minute and I wouldn’t be able to stop myself from showing her who I really was.
Quickly, I arrived at the elevator, eager to put as much space between us as possible.
Once outside, I shook my head at Hopeton.
I didn’t want a drive. I needed to walk and, most importantly, think.
This wasn't only about me, although I did have a habit of making things about me.
I was helping Luke. What grown woman wanted to get married in a castle?
Was she a fucking princess? Obviously, the bitch had plans to bankrupt Luke, and I had to do my part as best friend to stop her.
Lifting my phone, I called my secretary.
"There are five castles used for weddings in New York. Book all of them."
Denise asked what I assumed she might. "For when?"
"Spring next year," I said. As a second thought, I added, "And summer."
"Huh? You want to book these venues for every day during both spring and summer next year? For what?"
Now that she said it like that, it sounded crazy, but Luke was worth sparing no expense. "Book them for every weekend in spring. I should be able to get rid of her by then."
"Olivia, I'm a bit confused. What will we use them for?"
What was she, my accountant? "Just do it. I'll use them for company events later. Tell the marketing team to use them."
"Whatever you say. You're the boss."
I hung up, and just like that, my appetite returned. I'd been going about it all wrong. I'd sabotage this damn wedding at every turn, and if that didn’t work, I would push Solemn in front of traffic before I watched her marry Luke.