“Hmm.” Seems legit.
“There’s one more thing you should know,” David adds. “I don’t know what you made in Los Angeles, but we’re willing to pay a handsome sum for your efforts. One hundred grand with a fifty thousand pound signing bonus, but it’s a six-month commitment.”
I take a bite of fish. “Is that a lot of money?”
Annabelle laughs. “It’s more than that same amount in U.S. dollars.”
“For six month’s work?”
David nods. “It’s worth it if all goes well.”
“And if it doesn’t go well? If I can’t turn things around?”
“It’s important that you do, Avery,” he continues. “Since the scandal broke, we’ve lost important clients and our value has slipped considerably. We’ve worked very hard to turn this company around after the last economic crisis. We desperately need your help.”
Sipping my beer, I sit back in my seat. “But this isn’t my specialty. I do celebs with PR problems.”
“Avery, you can do this,” my sister says, looking sternly at me. “You’ve handled sex scandals before, you can do it again.” She looks at David. “And in a way, you are dealing with a celebrity. He’s very well-known socially in London. He didn’t do the things he’s been accused of, and he needs your help. If you think about it, it’s a win-win. You need to work and if you can turn this ship around, which I believe you can, everyone will forget all about Atlanta Page.”
“You’ve got me there.” Eating another fry, I look at both of them. “So why isn’t he here too? Doesn’t he want to meet me first?”
David grimaces as Annabelle’s cheeks turn bright red, just like mine do when I’m nervous.
“Annabelle?”
“That’s the thing, Avery. He doesn’t know we’re asking you. The last thing he wants is another publicist.”
“Well, that’s freaking fantastic. Then why are we even talking about this?”
“For all the reasons previously discussed,” David says. “We don’t always know what’s best for us, do we?”
“No, I guess not. So what’s the plan?”
She glances at David. “We were thinking we could have him over for dinner and we could just mention what you do in L.A., and then–”
“Wait just a minute here.” I put my hand up. “You’re planning to just drop the idea on him?”
Annabelle nods. “You could do a little research on the situation and be prepared to rebuttal when he argues.”
“Why should I do that?”
Annabelle takes my hand in hers. “I’ll remind you again, you need a job. A good one that will get things going for you again. You need money, you need adventure, all things you can get by convincing him to take you on. He needs you more than he knows. Someone who doesn’t give up easily and isn’t afraid of a challenging personality. You can do this and when you do…” She smiles. “It’ll be great.”
I want to argue, but how can I? She’s right. I need money and a job and more so, a high profile client to prove myself again. If it’s as bad as she says it is, then it’ll be a good challenge. A creepy CEO is no different than a sex addict movie star. I can do this.
“Okay.” I nod. “I’ll take it on.”
Annabelle and David both smile, but I know my sister knew I would do it all along. She wouldn’t go to all this trouble, if she didn’t. There isn’t anyone who knows me better than her. Pulling a notebook out of my handbag, I flip it open to a blank page.
“Let’s start with his name so I can do my research.”
“Ellis Worthington,” David says slowly.
Putting my pen down, I look up at him with a raised brow. “Are you kidding me? That’s his name?”
“It is. Why?”
Shaking my head, I chuckle. It sounds so, well, hot. “Nothing. When did the scandal break?”
“Three months ago.”
“And it hasn’t died down yet?”
“No. As your sister noted, he’s very well-known, and it was quite a shock. Some have rallied behind him in support, many others haven’t. He wants to clear his name and restore faith in Equis.”
“Got it. I’ll do some research and make a game plan. Are there any articles or interviews with him?”
“Oh yes, plenty.”
“Okay great. I need those to study the media’s treatment of him.”
“Until the scandal broke, they were decent. Now, they treat him like he’s a criminal.”
“I see.” I scribble down a few notes. “I need at least a few days to get my thoughts together.”
“You have it,” Annabelle says. “I really do want to do sisterly things. We’ll go round the city and be proper tourists.”
Smiling, I nod. “I think you’re developing a pretty good accent.”
She smiles shyly. “Can’t help it.”
“God, I hope it happens to me too. Maybe I’ll end up sticking around here for a while.”
“You never know,” she says. “Six months might turn into forever.”
“Maybe. I went ahead and gave up my apartment for now. I pay out the ass for it, and I’m hardly there, especially now.”
“Did you put your stuff in storage?” Annabelle asks, with concern in her eyes.
That’s when I sigh and stare into my beer glass. I’ve managed to keep this secret even from her, and I’m not sure if I want to admit this to her, but I might as well. She’ll get it out of me eventually. “I don’t really have a lot of stuff, and the place I rented was furnished.”
She tilts her head. “Why?” I wish I could just tell her what happened, but I can already see judgment reflecting in her eyes. I’m just not ready for the scolding.
I shrug. “I just felt like starting over,” I lie, wishing I wasn’t so damn proud sometimes. “Then I got caught up in Atlanta’s life, and well, now I’m here.” I force a smile to my lips.
Annabelle nods, but based on the crease in her forehead, I know she has more to say.
“For now,” David says, interjecting as he glances at his wife, “Let’s finish eating and get you home for some rest.”
“Sounds good.”
As I finish my beer, my mind is filled with possibilities. If I can pull this off, I’ll be set. I have to do my best. I have to make this work. At this point, it’s my only option.
Chapter 2 Avery
The next morning, I wake to the sound of opera music coming from downstairs. Sitting up, I stretch before climbing out of bed and shuffling to the bathroom in the hall just outside my door. The cold from the wood floors on my bare feet instantly reminds me I’m not in California. After freshening up, I get back to my room, grab my robe, and throw on a pair of socks before heading downstairs. Following the music to the kitchen, I find my sister standing in front of the stove humming along. I watch her for a moment, remembering how her and mom would always sing while they cooked together. I used to feel like an outsider since I didn’t like to cook or sing, but right now, in this moment, it’s the most comforting thing I’ve experienced in a long time.
Annabelle turns around and sees me watching her. “Oh, good morning, sleepy head.”
“Morning.” I sit on the bar stool in front of the island. “Whatcha making?”
“Omelets. Bacon and mushroom for me, bacon and tomato for you.”
I smile. “You remember my favorite.”
“How could I not?” As she finishes plating breakfast, I pour a glass of orange juice from the pitcher in front of me. “Tomorrow we’ll have a full English.”
“That sounds naughty.”
Annabelle laughs. “Only calorically. It’s just an English style breakfast, but it’s lovely. Lots of pork and other good bits.”
Laughing softly, I nod. “You really do sound almost English yourself.”
“It rubs off after living here for four years.”
“I guess it would. I would love to get an English accent.”
“You might. You’ve always been skilled at picking those up.” She hand
s me a plate, then sits beside me. “Hope the music didn’t wake you.”
Cutting into my omelet with my fork, I shake my head. “No, but it reminded me of you and mom singing together.”
Annabelle nods. “That’s why I listen to opera. It’s my connection to her.”
“Makes me wish I paid more attention to it like you did.”
She rubs my hand. “It’s okay. She’s here with us now, and I know she’s happy we’re together.”
“Yeah, she is. Can you believe the anniversary is coming up soon?”
“I hate it.”
“Me too.”
We eat silently for a few minutes, before Annabelle speaks again. “You want to tell me the truth now about why you don’t have any personal belongings?”
Sighing, I chew my bite of food. I knew she was on to me. “No.”
“Come on, Avery. I won’t judge you.”
“Is that even possible?”
She puts her fork down. “Yes, it is. Why do you feel like I think badly of you? I don’t, Avery. I love you. You’re my sister, and I think you’re fantastic.”
I push my eggs around the plate for a minute. “I just… I don’t have things together like you do. I had that roommate, Vanessa, remember?”
“I remember you mention her, yes.”
“So, anyway, we kept getting in fights over stupid stuff, but mostly the randoms I kept waking up to in the apartment. A few times, I caught her doing drugs with a bunch of people, so I wanted to go our separate ways. I offered to pay to the end of the lease and she agreed. Everything was ready to go, and then I was in San Diego one weekend on work, and she called and said there was a fire and everything was ruined from the water and smoke. I came home to literally nothing. Everything was ruined except a few pictures and books. My clothes, my furniture, all of it was gone.”
Annabella gasps. “That’s awful.”
“Yeah. Anyway, I found the place I’m renting now and just focused on replacing basic needs and, of course, my entire wardrobe.”
“Wow.”
“Turns out the fire was her fault. The landlord wanted it investigated, and it was started by a lit joint in our living room.”
“Shit. Seriously?”
“Yeah. I was gonna go after her for damages, but she was actually charged with negligence and later, drug possession, so I just moved on.”
She nods, remaining silent.
“Just another example of my fine decision skills. I can afford my own apartment, but I thought it would be more fun to have a roommate so I found one online, and this is where I ended up.”
“Don’t beat yourself up for that. Lots of people make that mistake. You didn’t know.”
“I know.”
“Why did you keep it from me? I thought we were close.”
“We are, it’s just…” I sigh, averting my eyes. “I feel like at this age, I should be more like you. Settled in a cute little house in a suburb with an adoring husband and a solid career. I’m not sure why I’m not.”
“Hey,” Annabelle says, pulling my hands in hers. “My path isn’t yours. Just because we look the same, doesn’t mean we should be the same. You’ll find your way.” She smiles, tucking a lock of my hair behind my ear. “Honestly, I can’t imagine you in the suburbs. I see you in a gorgeous, modern flat right in the heart of the city with your designer handbags and stylish clothes. I see you with some gorgeous executive type traveling the world and slaying everywhere you go.”
Laughing softly, I nod. “You see me in the heart of this city?”
“I hope so. I miss you so much, but my life is here. Maybe yours could be too.”
“Maybe. It feels really good to be with you again. It’s like finding my way home even though we’re in a foreign country. I guess family is more important than I realized.”
“It is important, and someday, I’ll have kids who want to know their aunt.”
My eyes tear up as I smile. “You’ll be a great mom.”
“You’ll be a great aunt. Only the best designer onesies for my baby.”
Laughing, I throw my arms around her neck. “Absolutely. Are you getting close to that?”
“No. I want to wait another year or two just to see how things with my career go. David’s ready, but he’s being patient for me.”
“He loves you so much. It’s obvious just by the way he looks at you.”
“Yeah, I know. He’s amazing.” She squeezes my hand. “I hope you find someone spectacular someday. You deserve it.”
“Love is the last thing on my to-do list right now.”
“I know.” She smiles. “So, you ready to go see London?”
“Definitely.”
An hour later, I find myself standing right in front of Buckingham Palace in complete awe. Annabelle loops her arm through mine.
“Isn’t it pretty?” she asks.
“It’s amazing seeing it in real life.” I shake my head slowly. “I’ve seen it so many times on TV, in magazines and movies, but right in front of me is something else.”
“I know.”
“Do you think they’re in there? Like right now, looking at all of us gawking idiots taking pictures of their home?”
“They? Like the royal family?”
I nod. “Yeah, Will and Kate and Harry and the Queen, all just walking around in that big amazing palace doing whatever it is royalty does. It’s so cool.”
Annabelle chuckles. “It is cool, and yes, I suppose they probably are in there doing their royal thing ignoring all of us.”
“It never gets old for me watching people who live their life under a spotlight.” I turn to my sister, smiling. “I’ve witnessed it a thousand times, how some people thrive and others crack.”
“You live your life in a spotlight.”
“Not really. I get my name in a paper or a TV show sometimes, but every single thing I do isn’t scrutinized. Not even now.”
“True. I don’t think I would like it.”
“I know I don’t.” I look back at the palace pulling my scarf tighter around my neck. “I guess the royal family didn’t choose it. They were just born to it, but I bet it helps them because they have people to tell them how to handle it. I’ve seen so many celebrities crash and burn because they can’t.”
“I bet.” We both watch in silence the people flowing around us, taking pictures of the guards, of each other, of the palace. “Do you miss it yet?”
“Hollywood?”
“Yeah?”
“No, but it’s probably because I missed you more than I could ever miss a place.”
“Aww, that’s almost gushy.”
“Only for you.”
She laughs. “Let’s go get some tea. It’s cold out here.”
“Or coffee?”
“We can get coffee too. After, we can go see the London Eye, The Tower of London, and Westminster Abbey. Then we’ll do some shopping the rest of the week. Sound like a plan?”
“A great one.” As we walk, my mind wanders to our parents. “I think mom would’ve liked it here.”
Annabelle nods. “I think so too, but dad probably wouldn’t.”
“Dad didn’t like any place but our little patch of land with our house on it.”
“True. Do you ever wonder how heaven works, and if they’re both up there hanging out together, arguing over what channel to watch and keeping an eye on us?” She glances over at me. “I do.”
“I don’t believe in Heaven, Annabelle. Not anymore.”
“Why?” I ignore her question and continue walking, but she stops walking and repeats her question. “Why, Avery?”
I pause, turning back to look at her as people swerve around us. “How can you believe in something that would take both our parents from us when we were still kids? How can you believe that same something would take our only living relative just two years later? How can you seek comfort in something that would leave two girls alone in this world at only nineteen years old? How?”
Annabelle
lowers her head for a moment before looking back at me and stepping closer. “Because I’m strong. You’re strong too. We can handle anything. Because of those losses, we were driven to create a life our parents and grandmother could be proud of, and we did. We put ourselves through college with no debt, working ourselves to the bone, but we did it. Because of my schooling, I came to London and met David, the love of my life. Because of that, we’re standing here together right now.” She smiles, holding my gaze when I try to look away. “We’re good people, Avery, both of us are, and we carry them with us everywhere we go. I feel them so many times in my life, especially mom, and I don’t know, maybe we need them more up there watching over us than we did down here. Maybe that’s why two of us were made. So we would never be alone.”
I blink back the tears that flood my eyes. “You make them proud, but—”
“No, Avery, I won’t let you tear yourself down. So you had a setback. It’s bound to happen in your line of work, but it doesn’t take away from your accomplishments, and I won’t let you diminish yourself.”
I offer a slight smile before pulling her into my arms. “I’m so lucky to have you.”
“Luck? Or maybe that big crazy something I believe in had something to do with it.”
“Maybe.”
She steps back and brushes my hair off my shoulder. “You’ll get there someday. You’ll see how it all comes together. It doesn’t make sense right now, but it will. I know it will.”
“So you believe in destiny and stuff?”
“I do. Even losing our parents must have meaning. Otherwise…” She shrugs. “I couldn’t get up in the morning.”
I nod, considering her words. We don’t talk about this much, barely at all in the years since it happened. Maybe we should a little more.
Annabelle smiles. “Let’s go get that coffee.”
“Yeah. Let’s do that.”
◆◆◆
A few days after sightseeing, I’m sitting in my bed getting ready to start my research after losing some time to jet lag and sleeping way too much. Slumped over my computer, I begin researching Ellis Worthington. He’s a pretty good looking guy, but seems stuffy. There are pages of hits about him, mostly about the company. He’s very philanthropic too, active in the community with both his time and his money. There are many pictures of him at charitable events, fundraisers, corporate dinners representing Equis. He always has the same stoic expression on his face, and almost always a pretty woman on his arm.
Mind the Line Page 2
