Chapter 3Anna
Chapter Thre e
ANNA
I knew of Claire Benoit, but I didn’t know her. To be sitting in a restaurant celebrating her upcoming marriage with Lucas’s aunt Helen and his two cousins, Marianna and Elana, seemed strange and awkward. Had I not been threatened by Lucas Kalantzis’s sister, Thea, I wouldn’t even have come.
She had shown up at my modeling audition, slipped in next to me, and given me a heads-up that I had plans. When I balked at the demand, she’d glared at me, and I’d seen my life flash before my eyes. Even Jason wasn’t as scary as that chick. She’d also made it clear that if I came without a gift, I’d lose digits. I was thoroughly motivated after that. I’d found a cute little lingerie set, hoping it’d fit. If not, there was a gift receipt in the box so she could return it and get her size.
To top off my stellar day, Ari had followed me. The weasel. He’d let me sit in that cab, knowing full well who I was, and allowed me to make a fool of myself. I’d flirted with that… man . Even now, my heart fluttered when I thought about him. I only thought he was attractive the previous day.
Ari was a head taller than me, and in the daylight, at full height, he was a man who deserved to be admired. Big and beefy but fit with large hands. My mouth went dry. I shook my head, forcing the thoughts away. I didn’t need to think about how dang sexy he was because I was annoyed with him. Apparently, my mind and body weren’t on the same page.
My pulse had jumped when he’d taken me by the elbow. Then he’d warned me about the guy who’d bumped into me. For a second, I’d considered that he was trying to look out for me. Then I remembered he’d followed me and was probably trying to assert his dominance. I’d screamed like I’d been stabbed, and dashed into my building.
I’d raced into my fifth-floor apartment and thrown myself on my bed, immediately bursting into tears. How had my life blown up so quickly? I wouldn’t say my life was spectacular, but it was okay. I had a job and a decent apartment. My modeling career was mediocre, but I was beginning to get more calls.
My phone chimed, pulling me from my thoughts, and I peeked at it under the table.
Rehearsal dinner is tomorrow. I’ll pick you up at seven.
Fantastic. We’d exchanged names and he was already telling me what to do.
What if I have to work tomorrow?
I didn’t, but he didn’t know that.
Do you?
Lie. Simply lie.
No .
At some point, I’d have to meet with him. I hadn’t quite figured out what I was going to say yet. What if he didn’t hear me or care about my opinion? I’d seen what happened to women when they tried to buck against their families. If Ari didn’t listen to reason, my options would be limited to a walk down the aisle.
“I love this restaurant!” Claire Benoit smiled.
Her smile faltered as I looked at her. Forcing back tears, I stood. There was no way I was breaking down at her bachelorette party. I reached the bathroom, stepped inside, and braced my hands on the counter. Closing my eyes, I lowered my head. I needed to figure a way out of this whole mess. It was maybe a minute before the bathroom door opened, and I jumped.
Claire. Her lips curved up. “It’s okay. I came in here to see how you’re doing.”
Awful. Horrible. On top of that, I was ruining her party, and here she was being kind to me.
“I don’t know. I found out last night I’m getting married, and that I had a bachelorette party to attend. I’m?—”
Her eyebrows knitted together as she stepped closer. “You don’t have to explain it to me. I understand, and it’s okay to be upset.”
I wrapped one arm around my middle, braced my elbow on my forearm, and touched my fingers to my forehead. “How could Jason do this to me? I’m his sister, and he acts like I’m not a person.” I blurted the words.
“I know. You feel used and trapped and a bunch of emotions that don’t even have words.” Compassion rolled off of her.
Lifting my gaze to hers, I replied, “Yeah.”
“I wish I had better words of encouragement or could help, but I don’t, so I can’t.”
I held in a laugh. “At least you’re honest.”
“If Ari is anything like Lucas, it may not be as bad as you think.”
Sighing, I wilted a little. Lucas was as much a stranger as Ari was, so that wasn’t comforting at all.
“Can you tell your brother no?”
If only it were that easy, but I wasn’t going to tell her my hope of getting Ari to change his mind either. She was marrying Ari’s brother. What were the odds she’d tell him? “Yeah, that’s not how it works in this world.” I threw up my hands in frustration. “I even understand why Jason’s doing it. I just hate that I have to marry someone I don’t even know, let alone love.” I understood. His sole purpose was to take care of our family. What Jason was doing wasn’t even all that uncommon. I wished I wasn’t the one he was marrying off.
Stepping closer, Claire took my hand and sandwiched it between hers. “I didn’t think I could either. Lucas scared me. We’re so different, but he’s nothing like I thought he’d be. He’s gentle and sweet and affectionate. I understand it’s hard but try to keep an open mind.”
He’d demanded dinner with me, and I had a feeling no wasn’t an acceptable answer. “I’m supposed to see him tomorrow.”
“Okay, don’t panic yet. See how the date goes, and then, if I need to smuggle you out of the country, I will.” She flashed this huge cheesy grin.
Chuckling, I smiled. She’d somehow managed to make me feel a little better. At least she was trying. “Maybe if I have you for a sister-in-law, it won’t be so bad.” I leaned in. “Thea scares the crap out of me.”
“Her bark is equally as bad as her bite, but give her a chance. She’s no-nonsense and loyal. Every girl needs a Thea. She does the killing, and all we need to do is provide the alibi.”
Huh. I hadn’t thought about it like that. She made a good point. I smiled. “Thank you, Claire.” I pulled her into a hug. “I was dreading tonight, but I’m so glad I came.”
“I am glad you came too.”
Taking a deep breath, I replied, “I guess I should go back out there.”
“I’ll see you in a sec.”
One last glance and I left the bathroom, passing by some guy standing in the shadows. As I reached the end of the hall, I glanced over my shoulder and caught him slipping into the bathroom.
Seriously, that was ick. I walked back to the bathroom to stop whatever he’d planned but then I’d heard them talking. It wasn’t super clear, but I caught bits and pieces of it—that he hated her and something about another man’s child. Was this man her father? Because if he was, he sounded a little crazy.
As much as I wanted to storm in there, something in my gut said that would be a wrong move. I found a small janitor’s closet and stepped inside, keeping the door cracked.
That weirdo took forever to leave the bathroom. Once I was positive he was gone, I crossed the small distance and strode into the bathroom only to find Claire on the floor. I knelt next to her and shook her. “Claire… Claire!”
She softly groaned.
I ran out of the bathroom and straight to Thea. Leaning down, I whispered, “Claire is passed out in the bathroom.” I hesitated a second. “There was a creepy old man in the bathroom with her, and it sounded like maybe he was her father and they were fighting. I’m sorry, I didn’t get a very good look at him.”
“Stay here. I’ll handle it.” The fluid way she stood, floated over to Helen, and bent down made me wonder how many times she’d been in a similar situation. To be so confident and self-assured. I was confident, but dang, if I didn’t find myself wanting to be Thea when I grew up.
Elana looked from Thea to Helen. “Is everything okay?”
Helen nodded. “Everything’s fine. Something Claire ate has upset her stomach. Thea’s going to check on her.”
“Aw,” Marianna said. “I hope she’s okay.”
“She’s fine.” I looked at Helen. “Thea’s got it completely under control.” I flicked my gaze to her, smiling.
Thea grinned and winked. She was still scary as all get-out, and I didn’t need a metal detector to know she could kill me in a heartbeat, but those two little actions were almost as good as being told welcome to the family .
It was maybe a half hour later when Thea reappeared at the table, gracefully taking her seat again. “Claire’s sorry, but she’s not feeling well. I called Lucas and told him she needed to be picked up. She didn’t want to cause a big scene, so she went out the back. I’m sure with a little rest she’ll be fine.”
Helen eyed Thea. “Well, that’s a relief.”
A huge relief because I genuinely liked her. I let out a sigh and the stress I’d been holding in my shoulders faded. “That’s great.”
“Yes, it really is.” Thea looked at me. “Thank you so much, Anna, for being so kind to help her.”
“Anything for family, right?”
Her eyes narrowed a fraction. “We’re going to get along fabulously.”
I smiled because I had no idea how else to respond.
Her lips quirked up. “I’m sure she’d also love it if you would be one of her bridesmaids.”
“Uh…” I did say anything for family , even if I was actively trying to figure out a way to not be family. There was also the issue of my job, but I’d racked up a lot of favors over the last few months. Maybe I could call one in. It’d be worth it to stay on Thea’s good side. “Sure.”
“Fantastic. She’s got her final fitting tomorrow afternoon around two.”
“I look forward to it.” I smiled and peeked down at my phone, reading Ari’s text again telling me he was picking me up tomorrow at seven for the rehearsal dinner.
Do you always command women to do things?
I typed it out and hit send.
My phone buzzed a few moments later.
Would you please do me the honor of being my date tomorrow at the rehearsal dinner?
I was going, right? Did it hurt to let him give me a ride?
Okay.
I waited for a beat and then sent a follow-up text.
But it’s not a date. We are two people who happen to be in the same wedding. That’s it.
My phone stayed silent long enough that I thought the conversation was over until it buzzed again.
Two people, eating dinner together, who are attracted to each other… In modern language, we call that a…?
I knew he found me attractive, but the confirmation made me tingle, even if the conversation frustrated me.
A rehearsal dinner. That’s it.
Okay.
A grin broke out on my lips. I’d won that round. Then I thought about it. Had I? I huffed to myself and dumped my phone in my purse. I’d think about it later.
It was weird continuing without Claire, but I kept that thought to myself. To my surprise, it wasn’t long after she left that Thea gave us an update. Claire was resting, but she was fine.
After a round of desserts, a few pleasantries, and a goodbye, I was free. I’d ordered an Uber, so I pulled my coat tight as I stopped out front of the restaurant. Yeah, I got offers of a ride to my apartment by the fam, but I wanted a car to myself.
I needed time to think. To process. And hopefully, figure out what I was going to do because I was not marrying Ari Kalantzis. Period. End of discussion.