CHAPTER 66 - ARIANNA
CHAPTER
Arianna
“ I T WAS ALL SO SUDDEN. A real surprise when we heard!”
I’m not scowling, but it’s difficult to stop my pleasant smile from sliding off my face. I’ve had nothing but questions since Red disappeared, and I’m amazed I haven’t been asked how many times we’ve had sex since we married.
If only they knew that the answer to that was a big, fat zero.
“I didn’t believe it at first - not even when the papers reported it,” the blonde with the talons chirps, eyeing me with distaste. “You’re Italian too, aren’t you? Red rarely steps away from English girls.”
“And he’s had a few of those...”
My eyes dart to the brunette adding that last comment, now busy giggling behind her hand. What the fuck is this shit?
“It’s just so unexpected. Especially after what happened with Lorna...”
“Red was never one for relationships in the first place!”
“So sad though. Lorna was such a lovely woman.”
I grit my teeth. “It sounds like you all have personal experience of my husband...”
“Oh, erm, no... of course not!” the blonde splutters. “We didn’t mean... It’s just... I... I... erm...”
“What? Forgot that I’m actually married to the man?
” I raise an eyebrow. “Yes, I am married to Red. Yes, I’m Italian, and no, I’m not Lorna and never will be.
Any other questions?” I enjoy the rapid shaking of heads, along with realization in these bitches’ eyes. Do they think me a gullible pushover?
One day, what feels like a thousand years ago, I might have been, but not anymore.
As far as these women are aware, I could fuck their husbands’ jobs up. I can’t imagine their menfolk would be pleased being on the wrong side of Red because of their wives’ gossip and making snide comments to the boss’s new wife...
Not that I’ll say anything. Even if I did, Red would shrug it off. It’s not like I’m a “real” wife.
But they don’t know that...
Where the hell is he, anyway? Red said he wouldn’t be long, yet it’s been half an hour already. I’m fucked if I’m sitting here with this lot any longer.
After what happened between us last night, I feel we should properly acknowledge it, rather than resorting to throwing barbed digs at each other.
We were both responsible for stepping over the line, so there’s no need to go up against each other.
I’m as guilty of that tonight as he is, but just because we made a mistake, we shouldn’t make being stuck in a marriage neither of us wants any more difficult than it already is.
Last night’s dinner proved that, when everything else is put to one side, we’re capable of getting on as people, so we should discuss what happened on neutral territory and put last night’s blip in the past. It’s the only way I can do this, and should only take a couple of minutes.
I turn back to the Stepford wives, and in the uncomfortable silence that’s now descended, I get to my feet. “Please excuse me. I need to make my way around everyone. It’s been nice to meet you all.”
Inwardly smiling in triumph for wiping the bitchy grins off these fake women’s faces, I move away.
It’s all very well saying there are other people I need to chat to, but I haven’t got a clue who anyone is or what to say to them.
All I want to do is go home. Not that I see Red’s apartment above the casino as that, but at least there, when I’m alone, I’m not an exhibit.
But we’re staying at this hotel tonight, which makes things even more problematic.
Attempting to look like I’m moving across the conference room with purpose, my eyes scan for Red. Surely he wouldn’t be so shitty to leave the hotel without me?
However, I recognize that face.
Approaching the table Del sits at, I hesitate because he’s talking to another man. However, what I have learned tonight is considering that on paper I am “Mrs Redmond Bateman”, I should start acting like it!
Taking a deep breath, I tap Del on the shoulder. “Apologies for interrupting. Can I have a quick word?”
Retreating to a safe distance, I wait for Del to join me.
“Everything all right?”
I nod, unsure whether it is or not. I’ve never noticed that despite Del’s “aggressive doorman” appearance, he’s got kind eyes which crinkle up around the edges when he smiles.
It puts me at ease. Plus, he’s Red’s best mate, so it’ll be okay to ask this.
“Do you know where Red is?” I keep my voice as quiet as possible.
“He left a while ago, but he’s still not back.
” I scan the room. “I just need a quick word with him.”
“He said he’d forgotten something and was popping back to his room,” Del explains. “You could catch him there.”
“Oh, erm... yes, I suppose I could.” I smile weakly, not sure I can withstand the humiliation of admitting I don’t know which room is Red’s or even whether I’m in the same one.
The way things are between us, he could have organized separate rooms for all I know.
The concierge took my bag when I arrived, but I don’t know where to.
Seeing my face, Del rolls his eyes. “Don’t tell me he’s forgotten to give you a key card? Don’t worry - he normally leaves his door on the latch, but if you prefer, you can always ask reception for a duplicate keycard for Room One .”
This time my smile is genuine. I decide I like Del Carter for saving my embarrassment. “Thanks. If we somehow cross paths on the way, could you let Red know I’m looking for him?”