Page 46 of Landen

“What if Ididn’t?” She sounded defensive and could not help it.

“Then I wouldhave to think that this man has made you some sort of promise for youto behave so recklessly.”

“He has.”

“Good.”Brian resumed eating. Then he looked up suddenly as if a thought hadoccurred to him. “Why the hell do you look so damnedunhappy?”

“I have nottold you his name.”

“Why would thatmake a difference?” He asked with a frown.

“His name isLanden Chapman.”

“I can’tsay-”

“Britishroyalty,” she added as she watched him.

“I stilldon’t-” Without a word, he took out his phone and typedin the name, watching as the wealth of information about the familypoured in. When he looked over at her, she braced for the questions.

“How?”

“He cameinto the gallery almost four weeks ago. I am surprised you have notseen our photos splashed all over the internet.”

“So, this isnot a secret, and it’s not a fling either?”

“No.” Sheshook her head. “Oh Brian, I am in such a damn mess.”

He glanced from herto his phone. “It says here that he is supposed to marry Ms.Sara Pendleton.”

“Yes.”

“And you areokay with that.”

“He said he isnot going to marry her.”

“I see.”His voice was quiet. “Let me guess- he fed you some lines aboutmarrying you.”

“Yes.”

“And youbelieved him.”

“He loves me.”She sounded defensive again but did not care.

“That might bethe case, but you are smart enough to realize that will neverhappen.”

“Why not?”She challenged. “Because I am black?”

“Yes honey,that’s exactly why, and the fact that you are not Britishroyalty. I think you have come to the same conclusion, and that’swhy you are sitting here and not eating. He will not marry you. Evenif he is in love with you, as you claim, he will not go against hisfamily’s wishes, and they will not accept you. That’s thereality.”

Swallowing the lumpin her throat, she looked away from him as she fought the tears; allweek, she had been trying desperately not to think about the futureor the fact that he would be leaving soon.

She jumpedreflexively when Brian reached out to touch her hand. “Honey?”

“I am sorry.”Turning to look at him, she tried to bolster a smile and did notquite manage it. “Oh God, Bri, what am I going to do?”

His hand closed overhers reassuringly. “We are here for you, no matter what.”

*****

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