Heat surged from Anna’s neck to her hairline. She placed trembling cold palms against her burning cheeks, and prayed her embarrassment would subside.
A woman’s voice loud and crass split across the din. “Matt finally unveils his little recluse, and she looks ready to run.” A brittle laugh followed and the cackling of a small group of women at the back of the room caught the attention of everyone. Anna recognized one face—Maxine from Matt’s office.
Matt promptly kissed her cheeks and laughed into the crowd. “Isn’t she the most adorable woman in the world? No wonder I was a goner.
“Everyone, meet the love of my life, Anna. She hates crowds but is being a good sport. Her way to entertain is the best home-cooked meals you’ll ever have the pleasure to enjoy, so be really nice to her and you may get an invite in the future.” The crowd cheered and lifted their glasses in a toast. “To Anna.”
“We’re now going to go into the adjoining great room and have some fun. Anna and I will start the dance.”
This Anna looked forward to. Her parents had been ballroom dancers, and from the time Anna and Lana were able to walk, they had been encouraged to dance. With no opportunity to dance for many years, Anna had wondered if what she had learned as a child had left her. When they practiced, though, it all came back to her.
“Come, my love,” he whispered. “Let’s set those gorgeous feet of yours to music and shock the socks off this crowd.”
Confidence filled Anna’s heart, and her smile blossomed into a genuine laugh.
“Share the joke,” someone yelled.
Matt waved the crowd over.
The music started and he invited everyone to join, but the instant the two of them stepped into the music, the crowd made room and watched in awe.
Anna gazed lovingly into Matt’s eyes imagining there was no one in the room but the two of them. Chemistry crackled between them as they wove effortlessly in and out of each other’s arms in perfect rhythm and timing. Anna’s hair followed like a curtain of silk as Matt twirled and pulled her intimately close. Their footwork blended as if they were one, and they stole a quick kiss. Thunderous clapping erupted from all over the room as the music drew to an end.
Justin grabbed the microphone. “Didn’t they look amazing, folks?” The crowd whistled and clapped. “That, my friends, was a front-row view into what real love looks like. And when I find a girl who looks at me like that … well, I’ll be walking down the aisle too.”
Matt laughed and shouted back. “What else would you like to see? Give us a song, any song.”
Anna’s eyes danced with laughter. “Matt, are you sure you can keep up with me?” the crowd hooted and hollered to see the shy Anna come to life.
“How about the cha cha.”
“Perfect,” Anna whispered, “The cha cha is my favorite, do you know it?”
Matt laughed, “Not well, but I’m game. All eyes will be on you anyway.”
Matt snapped his fingers. “Justin, find us some Latin music. We’re going to do the cha cha.
Everyone laughed and clapped in anticipation.
Anna grabbed his left hand in her right and held it up in prep. She placed her right hand lightly on his shoulder while he put his around her waist. She whispered, “Okay, so it’s three side steps, cha, cha, cha and forward rock and then repeat in the other direction and backward rock … got it? I’ll tell you when to let me twirl.
“Two, three, cha cha cha.”
Anna laughed her way through the song, not in the least bit affected by the fact Matt was clearly not as well versed in the steps as she was. Her instructions helped him lead with the basics, and it surprised her when at the end he twirled her close and whispered. “Let’s end with a backward bend.”
Her eyes sparkled. “Don’t drop me now, Matt.”
She swirled in a final spin, and he skillfully pulled her close and bent her over his arm. The crowd whistled and roared as he brought her up and planted a kiss directly on her full lips.
Someone yelled, “Get a room,” before they came back to earth. Matt waved the crowd onto the dance floor. “Come dance, because I’m busy.” He lowered his lips to Anna’s once again.
She giggled beneath his lips and pulled apart. “Matt, your manners.”
He grabbed her close. “We have to get married soon.”
A ripple of delight ran up her spine. “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.”
The next hour slipped by in sheer enjoyment. Whatever music the DJ played, Anna could dance to. Jasmine, Rose, and Iris from the office started a ladies’ group when their guys didn’t want to dance. Anna joined in enjoying the camaraderie, missteps, and laughter.
Anna’s feet were killing her. She needed a break from the high heels and the exertion of a couple hours of dancing. She slipped from the group and stretched her head above the crowd looking for Matt but couldn’t see him.
Anna made a beeline to the bathroom and sighed in relief as she locked the door behind her. Her heels went flying as she shook them free. She blotted the drips of sweat that beaded along her hairline and held up the heavy mass to cool the nape of her neck. Relief filled her. The night was almost over, and she’d actually had some fun.
Someone knocked on the door and she knew her reprieve was over. With her heels in hand, she headed out. Matt’s den across the hall beckoned. The thought of a few more minutes of peace felt too tempting to resist. She slipped into the room and sank into a nearby chair. Relaxation hit her for the first time that day, and she closed her eyes.
“Well, well, well, if it’s not the little dancing queen.”
The sound of a sarcastic drawl popped Anna’s eyes open. She sighed and rose gracefully to her feet. “Well, as you can see I dance better than I do crowds.”
Anna faced a tall willowy woman. A shocking amount of cleavage spilled from her skin-tight dress. Her wild mass of hair shimmered with every shade from cinnamon to russet and bounced above her shoulders in a saucy look. Her beauty was undeniable. Flawless porcelain skin. High cheekbones. Bewitching hazel green eyes flashed with a glint of anger Anna could not understand, and she held her chin at a haughty angle looking down on Anna.
Anna’s height rarely had women towering over her, and she didn’t like the way this woman was trying to use it as a form of superiority. Anna straightened her spine and lifted her head with confidence.
The woman moved closer. “I’m Tamara,” she said. “I suppose Matt has told you all about me?”
Anna searched her memory for a story, but none came to mind. “I’m not entirely sure. What’s the connection?”
“Well, that’s one way of putting it, darling. I guess you could call it a connection.”
A shudder rode Anna’s spine as Tamara’s raucous laughter filled the room. Anna recognized the condescending tone as the same voice who had tried to embarrass her in front of the party crowd.
“Oh, yes, I remember your name now. Not from Matt but from the girls at the office. They said something about a girl named Tamara recommending Maxine for the job there. I assume that’s you?”
Tamara huffed. “Do you mean to tell me that Matt has not mentioned my name to you at all?
“Nope,” Anna said, “not a peep.”
Tamara arched one brow and smirked. “Ask yourself this little question, how do you think I had the influence to get my friend Maxine that job?”
Anna felt the hair prickle at the back of her neck. There was something about this woman that rattled her, but she had no intention of carrying on a conversation without talking to Matt. She refused to answer and sat back down. She took her time putting her heels on in hopes Tamara would disappear and then rose to her feet eye to eye with Tamara’s stormy glare.
“I’m sorry, Tamara, I barely know any of Matt’s friends. Now, if you’ll excuse me, please?” Anna stepped to the side to go around Tamara an
d out the door.
“Not so fast, lady.” Tamara blocked her path. “I’ve no idea how you managed to seduce Matt into not using precaution, but your type always tries to trap a man anyway they can. I’ll have you know, I’m not some mere blast from his past you can swat away like a pesky fly. Matt and I go way back. Our history and relationship span decades … friends with benefits, if you get my drift?”
Anna felt her eyes widen and her brows rise like a flock of startled birds. She didn’t want to give this woman any reaction, but those words bit hard.
“Oh, I see I finally have your attention.” A smug look spread across Tamara’s face.
“So, you were more than friends?” Anna said matter-of-factly, stilling her racing heart. The last thing she wanted to do was to give this woman an edge. “Do you really think I’m naïve enough to think an attractive man like Matt hasn’t had a few relationships in the past? However, the operative words here are in the past.” Anna said the words clearly and precisely, so there was no mistaking the line drawn in the sand.
A charged silence hung between them as Anna stared her down. She was not about to draw back.
“Oh, you think?” Tamara snorted. “Do you consider last week, the past?”
Anna’s world began to swim in a black fog. Her mind raced in all direction. Surely Matt wouldn’t …
“I can see your shock. You actually think a man as hot-blooded as Matt can go months without his needs being met?”
Anna bit back a sob.
“He told me about your silly Christian standards and how you don’t want sex until marriage, which I find utterly ridiculous after having a baby together … but as I said, everyone knows and talks about how you did that just to trap him. You’re probably frigid.”
Anna felt the sting of tears press against her eyes.
“What’s a man to do other than marry you? Especially a good man like Matt who wants to do the right thing.
“I’m not complaining, mind you. Your arrangement suits me fine. Hope you don’t mind sharing, because I sure don’t. Matt is a fantastic lover, and I have no problem filling in when needed. He told me this would be just until you’re married, but something tells me one does not forget the heady taste of the wine when boring grape juice will be all you’ll offer up.”
Anna gasped, and the tears she had been fighting to suppress, welled and glistened.
“Not to mention … I’m a girl who loves diamonds, and the extra benefits are not too shabby either.” She fingered a large diamond hanging from a pendant around her neck.
Matt’s mom, Faye, pushed the door open. “There you are, Anna! Matt is looking for you, and Darren and I are getting a hotel for the night so we can get some sleep. We wanted to say goodbye.”
Anna turned from Tamara, desperately trying to regain calm and not show her mounting fear.
Faye rattled on without understanding what she’d interrupted. “I want to thank you for letting us visit Melody. Will we be able to see her again tomorrow? We leave for home the following day—”
“Excuse me, but we’re talking here,” Tamara said. “And tell Matt that Tamara said he can wait a few minutes.” She flicked her hand toward the door as if to dismiss Faye.
Faye stopped and took a close look at Anna who blinked a tear free. She turned and gave Tamara a once over. A look of knowing flashed in her eyes. “I’m Matt’s mother, and I think it’s you who can get out.”
“You’re the so-called excuse for a mother Matt told me about, the shrew that can’t get along with anyone. Go figure. It seems like the two of you have bonded. No surprise there, you’re both gold diggers going after a man for his money.” Tamara spit her words out.
Faye instantly pulled back her shoulders and glared. “And you are?”
“I’m Matt’s girlfriend, Tamara.” She let the words slip from her lips implying the statement was still current and true.
“Oh, that explains everything. You’re the jealous wench who couldn’t land him. Ain’t it a pity?” Faye slipped her arm into Anna’s. “At least Anna and I have what it takes to get a ring on our finger. You obviously don’t.”
Faye’s words were like throwing oil on a banked fire.
Tamara’s knuckles turned white as she clenched her hands into tight fists and her lips formed a tight ashen line. “How dare you—”
“Oh, I dare,” Faye cut her short.
Tamara’s cheeks turned red and her nose flared.
“Now who has the unattractive blotchy skin? At least Anna looks adorable when she blushes. You look like you have an outbreak of some ghastly infection,” Faye taunted. “Serves you right for trying to embarrass my dear Anna earlier. I can tell by the sound of your voice, those rude words were from you.”
Anna could not believe her ears. Matt’s mom was not only defending her but calling her ‘my dear Anna.’
“And furthermore,” Faye said, lifting her arm to wag her finger in Tamara’s face. “You would do well to stay away from Matt and his family, or you’ll have me to deal with.” Fire danced in her eyes. “Trust me when I say I have more than one way to bury anyone that messes with my family. And if you think I make false threats, I’ll give you the names of some tarts that dared to trespass on my marriage. You should see them now—pitiful creatures, no money, no friends, no connections.
Tamara blanched.
“Yeah, you take me seriously or this little social network you have hobnobbing with the doctors, the rich and the upper crust of this city, will be over.”
With that, she literally dragged Anna from the room.
Anna was visibly shaken, not used to that kind of bold confrontation, yet she inwardly rejoiced at the fact Faye had stumbled upon them.
Faye hugged her close. “Come, Anna, I’m going to take you directly to Matt, and you’re not to leave his side again for the rest of the evening until that witch departs. I know her type, and they spew nothing but venomous lies. Promise me you won’t believe a word she said.”
Two weeks had passed since their engagement party and Anna stayed quiet. She wanted to talk to Matt about her conversation with Tamara, but the moment never felt right.
Matt’s mom had reiterated to disregard anything that Tamara said as lies, but Anna was not so sure. A faint memory from the day they walked in the park tapped on the door of her mind. Matt had desperately wanted to discuss his past, and she had refused to open that door.
A wave of fear picked up Anna and swept her in its folds. Question after question rolled over her, and she felt like she was drowning. One question stood out above all the rest. What was Matt’s interpretation of the word past?
Had Matt been with that woman after Anna came into his life? Could she blame him? For months, they had not been a couple. Worse yet, had Matt been with her since he became a Christian?
Anna felt trapped in an impossible nightmare. If she questioned Matt and Tamara had been lying, he would be devastated that she didn’t trust him. Yet to have her mind troubled with unanswered questions did not set a good foundation for marriage.
“Come on, Anna, now you’re hedging.” Matt said. “We need to set a date for our wedding. Lorena’s baby is due in early May and if she decides to give her baby up, then I want to be there from the start, not only to bond with the child but to help you with the responsibility.”
Anna stared off into space. “Okay, Matt. I’ll talk to the family and see what works best.” She could barely concentrate on what he was saying. That conversation in the park skirted the edges of her mind. The few words she remembered gave pause for angst. Anna you may have second thoughts.
Her head grappled with shadows. Knots of anxiety twisted in Anna’s stomach and peace eluded her. Rita was just the person she needed to talk to. Anna was confident she would help her view the circumstances through the eyes of God.
Rita tented her wrinkled hands over the soft pou
ch of her tummy and paid careful attention. Her head rested on a stack of fluffy pillows, and she nodded encouragingly to Anna but did not interrupt. Anna unfolded the story of Tamara and her many questions.
Rita motioned her close and hugged her tight before placing her weathered hands over Anna’s. “Well, my dear, you have only one option, and it’s not complicated. You have to talk to Matt.”
Anna let out a deep breath. “I was afraid you’d say that.”
Rita smiled. “Take this bit of advice and carry it with you long after I’m gone. Conversation with the one you love about every detail that concerns you is wisdom. And trust me, my dear, there will be many more things to be troubled about before your watch is done.” She smiled a toothless grin and laughed.
“Rita, do you want your dentures?”
“Not on your life. Since they changed them, they do nothing but hurt my gums. I ask the Lord to take me home where I won’t need such paraphernalia, but so far he has not complied.”
“Rita, you mustn’t talk like that? It makes me sad.”
“Anna, you have to promise you’ll rejoice for me. You know I’ll be in a far better place.”
Anna nodded. “I know. I’m being selfish, but I’ll miss you. Since I quit working here, I don’t get to see you enough.”
“Not to worry, dear girl. Soon you’ll have another baby and life goes on. It’s a natural progression and not something to feel guilty about.
“By the way, how are things between you and Mark? Has he accepted the fact you will be married soon?”
Anna smiled at the way Rita successfully turned the conversation to the hot spots.
“No, he breaks my heart, Rita. There’s been no softening. He won’t even answer the phone when I call. I leave messages, but he never calls back. I get a bit of information on his life through Jason but not much. He’s still with Lori. This April, he’ll finish up his education with a degree in accounting, but Jason told me that Lori is pushing him to go another two years for his master’s degree. Not sure how he intends to finance that, as Steven and I only had enough saved for four years of studies, but I guess we’ll have to see if he even talks to me about it. Matt, bless his soul, has offered to pay for it.”
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