Holding their joined hands in the air, he shouts, “Meet Mrs. Boswell!”
The room erupts as everyone cheers, then the music starts, and TB twirls Ashlea around the dance floor.
I lean over to Athena. “I thought the dancing came later?”
She smiles and looks at her brother. “TB has always walked to the beat of his own drum. And besides, he’s been practicing with Shannon for weeks.”
“Ah, the female best friend.”
Athena giggles. “She’s told you that, too?”
Pulling her close, I kiss her lightly.
“People are watching.”
I shake my head. “No, babe, they aren’t. They’re watching the happy couple. Want to join them?”
“Oh, no. This is strictly a bride and groom moment.”
“Such as it is.”
Turning around, Sophia stands behind us, boredom plastered across her face.
“What it is, is nice, Sophia,” I reply.
With a shake of her head, she gets between Athena and molds herself to my side. “You promised me some photos.” Her hand rests on my stomach in an intimate manner. “Let’s get this godawful tie off you.” Sophia holds up one that matches her dress. “This one isn’t so gauche.”
Athena’s mouth drops open. “You’re changing to match her?”
“Babe, it’s just for the reporters outside.”
“Babe?” Sophia begins to laugh. “She’s who you threw me over for?” Laughing louder, Sophia moves away from me. “Come on, babe, time to work.”
“You’re not going to pose with her, are you?”
Placing my hands on Athena’s shoulders, I shrug. “I made a deal.”
Athena moves out of my grasp. “Right, right, well… off you go then.” Her tone is cold and impersonal, her face shows no emotion.
“Athena—”
“No, it’s fine, really.” With her lips forming a smile, she moves away from me and heads for the bar.
Fuck.
This is not what I wanted on today of all days.
Growling in frustration, I join Sophia outside, pulling my tie off as I walk and stuffing it in my pocket. Sophia hands me the tie, and I loop it over my head and around my neck. She batters my hands away and ties it for me.
“Oh, stop being so melodramatic. Your high school girlfriend will be fine. She’s waited this long for you, I’m sure she won’t mind waiting a little longer.”
Sophia places her hand in mine, smiles, and moves toward the throng of reporters.
Chapter Twenty
Athena
The smile I’m wearing is all for show as I order bubbles and make my way back to the bridal table. TB and Ashlea have taken their seats, and when I get to them, I lean down and kiss both their cheeks.
“Do you two need anything?”
“Water,” replies Ashlea. Her face is flushed.
“I’ll second that. Who knew that dancing could be so good for getting the heart rate up?”
Ashlea leans in and kisses him. “I love you, Ares Boswell.”
“Not as much as I love you, Ashlea Boswell.”
“Dear Lord, I think I’m going to be sick.”
TB gives me a withering look. “Go get the water, woman!”
Walking up to the bar, Tommy Baker smiles at me.
“What can I get you?”
Looking over my shoulder at TB and Ashlea, I say, “Water for the oh-so-happy couple.”
Opening a refrigerator, he places two bottles of water on the bar.
“Do I detect sarcasm in that tone?”
Shaking my head, I grasp the bottles. “Not from me, never.”
Tommy bursts out laughing, and I go back to the bridal table. TB swipes a bottle and grins at me.
“You are the bestest sister ever.”
“I second that,” replies Ashlea as I hand over a bottle to her.
TB looks around the room. “Where’s Kris?”
Smiling sweetly at him, I answer, “He and Sophia are having photos taken.”
“Now?” asks Ashlea.
“Yep, apparently, it couldn’t wait.”
Sitting next to Ashlea, I look around the room. Todd waves at me, and I smile back at him. Picking his way through the tables, he crouches down next to me.
“You okay?”
“No, Kris left to go have photos taken with Sophia. And he changed his tie.”
Todd laughs. “It’s nothing. Did you see the way he was looking at you in the church? I’m surprised God didn’t strike him down.”
“Stop it.” I burst out laughing.
“Girl, you stop it. That man is in love with you.” The air whooshes out of my lungs, and I shake my head. “Of course, he is.”
“N-No. He’s, he’s…”
“He is what?”
Shaking my head, I feel tears prick the backs of my eyelids. “C-Can’t do this now.”
Todd frowns and pats my leg. “Okay, honey. Keep it together. How about we take a trip to the ladies’ room?”
Todd stands and pulls me to my feet, then escorts me into the ladies’ room. He pushes each door open to make sure we are alone, then turns to me. “What’s going on?”
“I don’t know. I think I’m just feeling…” I pause as I search myself for the answer, “… jealous.”
“Of who?” Todd throws his arms up in the air. “Not Sophia? Jesus, Athena, he never looked at her the way he looks at you.”
“Really?”
Todd pulls me into the warmth of his body. “Yes, you idiot, really.”
The door to the ladies’ room opens, and we immediately separate. Todd smiles, taps on the counter, and looks at the woman.
“Everything in here appears to be in order.” Then he nods a couple of times and walks out.
The woman smiles and says, “I was young once, too, but it’s kind of early in the festivities to be making out in here.” She pats my arm and goes into a cubicle.
I stumble outside to a waiting Todd. His face is red, and we both start to laugh.
“You know she thought…” I begin to say.
“Oh, yeah. My reputation is ruined,” Todd replies dramatically. “Come on, you loose woman, let’s get you back to your table.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Kris
As Sophia and I walk back into the yacht club, she stops me and smiles. Tilting my head to the side, I wait for her to say something, and when she doesn’t, I go to walk away, but she tugs on my hand. Turning back to her, Sophia cups my face and kisses me hard on the lips. Wolf whistles sound throughout the room, and I pull away from her in disgust.
Pouting, she uses her thumb to wipe off her lipstick, then leans in smiling. “I’m not feeling well. You can make my apologies to the bride and groom.” Sophia turns to walk away, then stops and looks over her shoulder at me. “Have fun with your high school sweetheart, it’ll never last.” Then she winks and walks away.
I watch her leave, shake my head, and walk toward the bridal table. Athena looks shocked, TB looks fit to be tied, and Ashlea has a vice-like grip on his arm.
Sitting down next to TB, he levels me with a furious glare. “What the fuck was that?”
“What the fuck was what?”
“You’re kissing another woman in front of my sister?”
“No, that was Sophia kissing me and trying to stir up trouble, which she’s done, going by your reaction. TB, you know me.”
Squinting his eyes, he leans in. “Yeah, I do, and I remember how you left.”
Shocked, I sit back in my chair and stare at him. Slowly, TB lowers his gaze, purses his lips, and sits back.
Flicking his eyes to Athena then back to me, he asks, “What are your intentions?”
“Fuck me, TB. What is this, the fifteenth century? My intentions?”
Leaning in again, TB nods. “Do you care for her at all?”
I lean in too, our noses almost touch, and I whisper, “Care for her?” I shake my head. “No.” TB moves back an inch. “It
’s far more than that. It always has been. I’ve loved Athena since I was seventeen years old but now? Now it’s so much more.”
His eyes widen, and a grin slowly spreads across his face. I think I’ve won him over, then he scowls at me.
“And Sophia?”
“The Ice Queen by any other name means nothing to me.”
TB thumps me on the back and laughs. “About time you got your head out of your ass, and that Shakespeare shit won’t work on her or me. Now, get over there and profess your love lest she find another.”
“Thought you said that Shakespeare shit wouldn’t work?”
“Some of us have a talent, and some don’t.”
Smirking at him, I look past him to his sister, who’s doing her best to smile at the people around her while she keeps an eye on both of us. Standing, I move around the happy couple and hold out my hand to her.
Athena looks at my hand, then up at me, then back to my hand.
“Dare you,” I whisper.
Turning her head slightly, she frowns and then puts her hand in mine.
Pulling her to her feet, I smirk. “Still fearless.”
Tilting her head up, Athena says nothing and allows me to guide her to the dance floor. A slow song comes on, and I pull her into me. Athena is stiff in her movements, looks beyond me, and the smile on her face is anything but friendly.
“Tell me, Athena, are you hungry?” I whisper into her ear.
Sharply, she pulls back from me, eyes wide.
Crushing her to me, I run my chin up her neck. “For I am ravenous.”
Athena stumbles, but I hold her to me.
“Please let me go.”
Her voice sounds pained, and I immediately move away from her. Tears well in her eyes, she turns from me and stalks for the exit.
Todd comes up to me, his face a mask of fury. “What did you do?”
“To be honest, Todd, I have no idea.”
His anger melts away, and he points at her retreating back. “Well, get a move on. Go chase her. Do you know nothing of women?”
“And you do?”
Hands on his hips, he leans forward. “Well, clearly better than you.”
Scowling at him, I jog outside to find Athena moving quickly away from the club. Numerous cameras flash, and I’m left standing there wanting to go after her but not wanting to drag her into the world I’ve created for myself.
“Kris, is Sophia okay? She left the reception early?” someone shouts.
With my eyes on my prize and my hand to the back of my neck, I answer, “Sophia Thorne and I are no longer a couple. She was gracious enough to come to the wedding with me but decided she couldn’t keep up the pretense any longer.” My gaze goes to those in front of me as they shout questions. “I wish her all the best, and we are, of course, still good friends.”
With that, I turn on my heel and go back inside.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Athena
It’s Sunday, and after our argument last night, my bed is empty. The whole house is empty. And normally, that’s enough, but now that Kris has blown up my life again, I don’t want to be alone. My cell begins to ring. Looking at the screen, it’s Todd.
“Hello, Todd.”
“I’ve been calling you all night.”
“I know, I’m sorry. Did you get my text?”
“Yes, but I was worried.”
“Yeah. Sorry?”
“Did Kris catch you?”
I shake my head.
“Athena?”
“No, I’m guessing he was with Sophia.”
Todd makes a clicking sound. “You know I wasn’t a fan of his at the beginning, yes?”
“Yes, and you were right.”
“Oh, stop it. I was wrong. You overreacted last night. A blind man could see he loves you.”
“Pfft!” I throw back my covers and sit up. “Please. You love me, my family loves me, but Kris? No.”
“Do I have to come over and beat you senseless? You’re acting like a slighted queen, and I don’t mean royalty. Kris told the world last night that he and Sophia were over. Is that something that he’d do if he wanted her? Use your head!”
“What?”
“He told that pack of vultures last night that they were through. Go find him, ask him for yourself.”
I stand and look at myself in the mirror. “Thank you, Todd.”
“Thank me when you sort this mess out.” He ends the call.
Todd is right, I overacted.
I pad into the bathroom and do what I need to do, then get dressed. I’m going to find Kris and apologize. He told me Sophia meant nothing to him, and I let jealousy cloud my judgment.
Opening my front door, the sun shines down on me, instantly making me feel better. Walking down the path, I make the short walk to Kris’ motel. I’m relieved to find no reporters hiding in the bushes. Small Delights is open, and I wave at a less-than-perky Shannon who’s serving the locals coffee. TB employed a short-order cook to look after it while he and Ashlea are away.
Finally, I reach the motel, and I knock on the door to Kris’ room. I can’t hear any signs of life, so I knock louder. I’m wearing jeans, flip flops, and a simple white V-neck tee, my hair is loose and free, and the only thing to give away my nervousness is the small amount of makeup I’m wearing.
“Hey, Athena!”
I turn around and see the motel owner, Mr. Mortimer, walking toward me.
“Hey, Mr. Mortimer.”
“You looking for Kris and Ms. Thorne?”
I smile at the tone of his voice in reference to Sophia. Clearly, he doesn’t like her much either.
“Yes, Mr. Mortimer. Are they here?”
He shakes his head, dislodging his glasses, so he pushes them back up his nose. “They checked out this morning. Yeah, they got in that fancy car and left.”
My stomach drops to my feet. “They left? Are you sure?”
“Yep, that Ms. Thorne said she was glad they were going home to LA, and Kris said he couldn’t wait to drop her off and for life to get back to normal.”
Tears well in my eyes, and I nod at him. “R-Right. Umm, okay, I’m going then. Thank you.”
I stumble as I move away from the motel and find myself heading toward Kris’ father’s house. Once there, I knock on the door. I’m surprised when my mom answers and opens it.
“Mom?”
“Honey, what’s wrong?”
“Is Kris here?”
Mom steps out and embraces me. “No, honey, I was just checking on Leonard. Leonard said he’s gone off to do some film or something. Didn’t Kris tell you?”
Shaking my head, the tears disappear, and the sadness is replaced with rage. “He left me again!”
Mom takes a step back. “Athena, why don’t you call him?”
“Me call him? Why, so I can be humiliated all over again?” Throwing my hands in the air, I walk in a circle. “I’m such an idiot. I fell for it all again. Jesus, after everything we shared. Everything. He left?” I stop walking and look my mother in the eye. “Well, two can play at that game.”
“Athena, what does that mean?”
I start walking backward. “It means, Mom, that maybe it’s time I left here, too.”
Twirling back around with a new sense of direction, I pull out my cell and dial my publisher as I head for home.
“Hello? Athena? You do know it’s Sunday?”
“Yes, I know. Were you asleep?”
“Ahh, yes, but that’s okay. Have you finished the new book?”
“Yes, Raquel, I have. Well, sort of.”
“That’s a no.”
“It’s almost done, okay?”
“Why are you ringing me?”
“Is the offer to come to New York and do that book signing still available?”
“The book signing that’s set for next weekend?” she asks with attitude.
“I get it, it’s late notice, but I’m coming. So, you might as well try to get me in.”
&nb
sp; I hear her rustling papers. “It’s too late to do a preorder for your books.”
Breathing hard as I’m practically running, I say, “I don’t give a fuck. Let’s just give them away. I’ll stay the whole fucking day. I will pose for photos, I’ll talk to whomever you want.”
Raquel makes a clicking noise. “Will you have a sit down with a studio exec on Monday or Tuesday.”
“Tuesday works. If that’s what you want me to do, yes.”
“What are you doing? Jogging?”
“Something like that.”
“Well, fuck me, Athena, if exercise makes you want to leave that town of yours, I’m all for it. When will you be here?”
“I’m leaving now.”
“What?”
“I’m packing a bag, and I’m leaving now. I’ll ring you when I land in New York.”
“Wait! You’re going to be here all week?”
“Yes, that’s the plan.”
Not that I have a plan, I have no idea what the hell I’m doing.
“Okay, I have a sit down with one of the guys from Multi-Media to pitch a book for a screenplay. How about we get you in on that meeting, too?”
“Fine, whatever. See you soon.”
I hang up and increase my speed for home. It’s been just over three years, but I think it’s about time I left this town.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Kris
The drive to Wiscasset Speedway takes about half an hour, but with Sophia sitting next to me, it feels like an eternity. We’re still in the car, but I can see the end in sight. I wanted to talk to Athena this morning, but with time constraints, it wasn’t possible. After last night and her reaction to Sophia, I need her to know there’s no other woman for me. Unfortunately, today I’m filming for my upcoming movie, Powerful. It’s only promotional shots of me in a car and maybe some with Sophia, but it’s important that I be there on time and act like a professional. Andy Westin is the man who gave me my big break in Hollywood, and I owe him a debt of gratitude. The real filming begins in a month.
Powerful: A Driven World Novel (The Driven World) Page 13
