“Whitney happened.”
“She did all this?”
“If you mean did she sneak into my condo, cook my favorite meal, freak out when I told her we weren’t getting back together, overturn my table, slap me, then leave? Then yeah. That’s what she did.”
“Oh, Ben.” Andi was at his side in an instant, her arms around his waist in a tight hug. He pulled her to him, relishing the feel of her body pressed against his. She didn’t seem to care that she stood in a pool of juice from the pan of braised beef, or that a broccoli floret had attached itself to the front of her shoe. She wasn’t asking him what he’d done wrong to cause Whitney to flip out.
In that moment, the contrast between Whitney and Andi was startling. Whitney was emotional and unpredictable. Andi was level-headed and consistent. Whitney focused a lot on herself. Andi constantly thought of others. Whitney had tried to guilt him back into a relationship. Andi let things progress naturally between them. He tightened his arms around her waist and kissed her softly on the cheek.
She pulled back, eyebrow raised. “What was that for?”
“For being you.”
“I’m so sorry about this, Ben.”
“You have nothing to be sorry about.”
She let go and he craved the loss of her physical touch. Andi was the real thing, and he would do anything to help her see that.
She motioned to the breakfast nook, where the broken table lay amid the ruins of dinner. “Is this what it’s always like with her?”
“Not always. But most of the time.”
Her smile was sad but compassionate. “I’m going to change, but I’ll be back in two minutes to help you clean this up. Don’t you dare start without me.” She gave him one more hug. “It’ll be okay.”
He knew it would be, because he had Andi.
He waited until Andi was gone, then dialed Rachel’s number. There was only one way Whitney could’ve possibly found out where he lived and gotten into his condo. This time, he would make it abundantly clear to Rachel why she needed to stop interfering.
“Hello?” Rachel said.
Ben rested a hand on his hip, surveying the disaster that was his kitchen. “You owe me a dining room table. Whitney destroyed mine.”
“Whoa, back up. What happened?”
So Ben told her the summarized version. Even a week ago, he would’ve glossed over details and tried to downplay the situation. But not anymore. It was time to tell Rachel everything. When Ben finished, it was silent on the other end of the line except for the sound of breathing.
“Ben, I swear I didn’t give her a key.”
He folded his arms, hearing the truth in her voice. “Then how did she get one?”
“I think she stole it out of my purse. It’s missing from my keyring. I can’t believe she’d do that. I can’t believe she’d do any of this.”
He closed his eyes, wishing Rachel could maintain her rosy perception of Whitney forever, while at the same time grateful she now realized what he had been up against, and why he’d had to let go. “It isn’t the first time something like this has happened. She’s really sick, and she needs help. Talk to her, okay? Encourage her to go back to Arizona. And please, don’t let her keep living at your house.”
“I’ll talk to Adam and we’ll figure something out. And I’ll get the key back from her. I’m so sorry.”
“I’m glad it wasn’t worse.” Ben said goodbye, and then hung up.
He prayed that was the last conversation he’d ever have to have with or about Whitney.
Andi couldn’t remember the last time she’d taken a day off work. Certainly she hadn’t used a single vacation day in the year she’d been at Galloway, Harmon, and Witte. But today Luke was doing a news spot about his donation to Footsteps for Change, and she wanted to be there—for Luke and for Elle. After the spot, she’d finally take Rachel out for mani-pedis. Andi was looking forward to a few hours of hanging out with her best friend.
Andi arrived at Footsteps for Change thirty minutes before Luke’s news spot, just like she’d promised Elle.
Elle rose as soon as Andi walked through the front door. “Let’s go to my office so we can talk.”
Andi nodded and followed Elle through the doorway to the left of the reception desk. It opened to a short hallway lined with office. Elle stopped at the second door. The office was cramped, with boxes overflowing and papers stacked everywhere. Andi itched for a pair of rubber gloves and a bottle of bleach, but she sat down on the chair and tried to ignore the disaster zone.
“Let me hear it,” Elle said. “Are we in trouble?”
Andi had spent all of her free time over the last two days reviewing the case Elle had given her. Her heart ached for the girl who had to live with that man as a step-father. “No.”
Elle sagged back against her chair, expelling a loud sigh of relief. “You have no idea how much this has weighed on me.”
“You got lucky this time. There are quite a few police reports indicating domestic violence is a frequent occurrence in the home, and she’d already been removed once by child protective services. But if he’d had a clean record, he absolutely could’ve charged you with kidnapping. He might try to sue, but if you get any half-decent lawyer, you’ll win the case. As it stands, my official advice would be to not make a move unless he makes one.”
“Thank you so much, Andi.”
“Of course.” She had loved using her skills to protect an organization doing so much good, instead of using them to break up a couple who shouldn’t have gotten together in the first place.
There was a knock at the door, and an employee poked her head in. “The camera crews are here, Elle. And Mr. Ryder’s assistant called. He’s on his way.”
“I better go wait for him,” Andi said.
Elle rose, holding out a hand, and Andi shook it. “I can’t thank you enough for your help.”
Andi waiting in the foyer, watching out the window for Luke. She wondered if he’d arrive in the limo or his Aston Martin. The front doors swung open and closed, bringing gusts of cold air, as cameramen brought it equipment.
A limo pulled up in front of the building. “He’s here!” someone shouted, and a cameraman ran outside. Andi followed at a more sedate pace, the dutiful girlfriend for the cameras. Luke stepped out, looking every bit the wealthy CEO in his fitted suit. A tall man with dark skin and short black hair, curly and cropped close, got out behind him—Luke’s assistant, Mitch. Andi had met him a few times before. Mitch was high-strung, but nice.
Andi walked forward and Luke met her halfway, leaning down to kiss her cheek.
“Ready to do this?” she asked.
“Absolutely,” he said.
Mitch held out a hand, and Andi shook it. “Thank you for letting us know about this opportunity.” He shot Luke a glance, and Luke smirked. “We’re always on the lookout for positive PR opportunities.”
Andi led Luke and Mitch back to the common area. A few teens slept on couches or watched television, but the center was mostly empty since school was in session. Camera crews had set up equipment everywhere and rearranged furniture for better shots.
The producer rushed forward, holding out a hand. “Mr. Ryder, it is such an honor. We wanted to thank you for choosing our station for this news spot.”
“See that this spot gets a lot of publicity, and I’ll keep your station in mind for my future news needs,” Luke said.
“Of course, sir.”
Luke wrapped an arm around Andi and pulled her close. She placed a hand on his chest, playing up the girlfriend angle for the cameras. “When Andi told me about the work they do at Footsteps for Change, I knew I had to contribute in some way.”
The next two hours were a blur of camera shots and interview questions. Andi was surprised when they even asked to interview her about her experience teaching dance.
“Last shot,” the producer said. “Bring in the check.”
Someone rushed into one of the studios and returned a moment
later with an oversized check. Luke stood at the front of the room, and the cameras went crazy as he handed the check to the director of the charity.
Elle let out a gasp. “That is a lot of zeroes,” she whispered.
Andi could only nod. She had known Luke was wealthy, but she hadn’t realized he was also so generous.
“That’s a wrap,” the producer said. He walked over and shook Luke’s hand. “Thank you so much again, Mr. Ryder.”
“My pleasure,” Luke said.
The room erupted into organized chaos as the crew dismantled the equipment. Luke walked over to Andi, holding out his arms. “How did I do?” he asked.
Andi laughed, letting him pull her in for a hug. “Phenomenal.” She pulled Elle forward. “Luke, this is Elle, the friend I told you about.”
“It is such a pleasure, Mr. Ryder.” Elle held out her hand and Luke gave it a firm shake.
“Please, call me Luke.”
Elle laughed, tears glistening in her eyes. “Thank you so much, Luke. You have no idea how much this will help.”
“I hope the news spot raises awareness and brings in more donations,” Luke said. “You guys are doing a really good thing here. I’m happy to be a part of it.”
“Luke, we should be going,” Mitch said, motioning to his watch.
“I’ll walk you out,” Andi said and followed them outside.
Luke paused next to the limo. The wind whipped Andi’s hair, and she gathered it in her hands, trying to keep it out of her face.
“Five minutes,” Mitch said, pointing again at his watch.
Luke nodded. Mitch got in the limo, shutting the door behind him to give them some privacy.
“You seem really happy there,” Luke said.
“I am.” The whole place had a warm, compassionate vibe that she loved. It was so different from the sterile coldness of the law firm. “I think I’ll ask Elle if I can teach another class when this one ends.”
“You should. I bet you’re an excellent dancer.”
Andi shrugged. “Your donation was a lot more generous than I expected. Thank you.”
“I’m glad I’m in a position to help. I can tell this place means a lot to you.”
“It does.” Andi smiled, resting a soft hand on his arm. “You’re a great guy, Luke. Brooke’s a lucky girl.”
He laughed. “Maybe you can send her a plaque with that engraved on it or something.”
“She’ll come around soon.”
Mitch rolled down the window, pointing at his watch. Luke let out a growl, then leaned forward and kissed Andi’s cheek. “I’ll see you at the Toujour party tomorrow?”
“I’ll be there.”
Andi watched the limo disappear down the drive, then she got in her car and headed to the day spa to meet Rachel.
Rachel’s car was already in the parking lot. Andi pulled out her phone and checked the time. No, she wasn’t late. Andi found Rachel in a plastic chair in the waiting room, flipping through a magazine. She looked up when the bell tinkled on the door and smiled.
“You’re here,” Rachel said.
Andi leaned down and gave her friend a hug, then sat down next to her. “I was worried I was late. How long have you been waiting?”
“Not long, maybe fifteen minutes.”
A woman walked to the front and pointed to Andi. “Your friend is here?” she asked. Rachel nodded, and the woman waved for them to follow her. “Your chairs are ready.”
Andi sank into one of the cushioned pedicure chairs, letting out a sigh. She slipped out of her shoes while Rachel did the same. Two Asian women filled tubs of water.
“Why did you get here so early?” Andi asked.
“I had to get out of the house. Whitney was driving me crazy.”
Andi froze. When she’d helped Ben clean up his condo, he’d told her how Whitney stole Rachel’s key to break in. After that, Andi and Ben had both kept the conversation light, avoiding the conversation they knew they needed to have. It hadn’t felt like the right time.
The nail technician grabbed Andi’s feet and lowered them into the tub of warm water, and she sighed in pleasure. “What’s Whitney doing that’s bothering you?” Andi asked.
“She’s spent the last two days in bed crying. I’ve never felt so helpless. Tonight Adam and I are telling her she needs to move out, and I’m terrified.”
“She does seem volatile,” Andi said.
Rachel shook her head. “I don’t know how I missed all the signs. After talking to Ben for one night, even you could see that he wasn’t happy with Whitney.”
“You and Whitney are good friends,” Andi said, giving Rachel a sympathetic smile. “Of course you only wanted to see the good in her.”
Rachel let out a groan and covered her face. “Ben and I talked on the phone for a long time last night. I feel awful for what I put him through.”
“Hey.” Andi reached over, grasping Rachel’s hand. “You had his best interest in mind. He knows that.”
“I know.” Rachel’s voice was small. “Doesn’t help my guilt, though.” She sighed, closing her eyes and leaning her head back against the chair. “I need to work on that.”
“Yeah, you do,” Andi said, and then they both laughed.
“How are things going with Luke?” Rachel asked.
“Good.” Andi bit her lip, ready to sow the seeds of doubt over her relationship. “Luke is a great guy. But I don’t think it’s going to work out between us.”
Rachel’s eyes popped open. “It’s because of Ben, isn’t it?”
Andi jerked forward, her foot popping out of the tub and causing water to slosh over the edge. The woman grumbled and yanked her foot back into place. “What makes you say that?” Andi asked.
Rachel shook her head. “I’ve been such an idiot. I noticed it last night when Ben talked about teaching dance classes. The way he talked about you, the tone of his voice … It reminded me of how I talk about Adam.”
“What are you saying?” Andi asked, her voice shaking.
Rachel smiled. “It’s okay, Andi. I realize now that you look at each other the same way I look at Adam. It’s not just a crush. You’re in love.”
“I’m not …” She couldn’t even say the word. Her throat closed up on the l, choking off any sound.
“I think you are,” Rachel said. “Ben’s a good guy, Andi. He’ll make you happy.”
Andi looked down, suddenly very interested in her cuticles. “What if it doesn’t work out?”
“He’s not Mark.”
Andi’s head snapped up.
Rachel nodded. “I know that breakup messed you up. Why do you think I’ve been trying so hard to help you find someone else?”
“It’s complicated.”
“It always is. I’m through meddling in peoples’ lives. But Andi?” She waited until Andi’s eyes met hers. “If you and Ben want to be together, you have my full support.”
“I’m scared,” Andi said.
“I know. So is he. But love is worth the risk.”
It felt strange to be at Toujour when the waiting room wasn’t filled with people. The office was closed for the night, and the Toujour employees—along with Luke and Andi—were celebrating the company’s success.
Luke led Andi through the cubicles to the glass conference room, where employees laughed and talked around a table filled with food and drinks. A banner that said “congratulations” hung on one wall with balloons underneath it. But the focal point of the room was the cover of Allure magazine. A picture of Toujour’s founder graced the front, with the headline, “Matchmaker Revolutionizes Love with Toujour.”
Andi smiled in satisfaction. In some small way, she’d helped them achieve success by dating Luke. Now it was time to break up with him and move on.
Andi and Luke mingled and talked with the other matchmakers, playing the part of the happy couple. Andi counted down the minutes until she could break up with Luke and go eat dinner with Ben. Ben, who made her heart race and her palms sweat. Ben
, who made her laugh and want to spill all her secrets.
She’d spent another restless night, thinking about her conversation with Rachel. After Mark, she hadn’t thought she’d ever want another relationship. But Ben made her believe in love again, and Rachel was right—he was worth the risk.
Tonight, she’d go over to his house for dinner so they could finally talk about the almost kiss and where there relationship was going. She would arrive a free woman, unattached even in the press.
Someone clinked a glass, and Andi fell silent, taking her place next to Luke.
“Thank you all for being here today,” Charlotte, the founder of Toujour, said in her heavily accented French. “Two months ago, I thought something like this would be impossible. We owe it all to Brooke and Luke.” She lifted her glass. “To Brooke and Luke.”
“Speech,” Zoey called. Brooke swatted her, and Andi hid a grin. Zoey was a good friend. She’d gone to great lengths to make sure Luke remained unattached emotionally. Andi owed Zoey a lot for that, too.
After all, dating Luke and seeing his love for Brooke had helped convince Andi to take another chance.
“Yes, we should have a speech.” Charlotte turned to Luke. “The ceiling is yours.”
“The floor,” the receptionist corrected, and Andi laughed along with everyone else.
Luke stepped forward and cleared his throat. “What can I say? If not for Toujour, I wouldn’t be standing in this room right now, with the love of my life.” His eyes locked onto Brooke’s, their gaze so intense Andi almost felt awkward being in the same room as them. “Toujour gave me my life back. It gave me a reason to fight, a reason to become a better man. For that I will always be grateful.” He raised his glass. “To love.”
“To love,” everyone echoed. Andi offered him a warm smile. It had been a good speech. She had a feeling Luke would be perfectly fine when she broke up with him that evening. He and Brooke were going to live a long and happy life together.
Zoey playfully shoved Brooke. “Your turn,” she said.
Brooke nodded, walking to the front of the room. “I want to thank Charlotte for going along with my crazy idea, and Luke for agreeing to it. I believe in matchmaking, and I believe it works.”
Not Your Match Page 19
