Page 111 of Jagger

“Don’t fucking look at me,” Jagger said, grinning as he looked in my direction.

“Hey, I was just the decoy,” I told them.

Denise smacked her hand on her waist. “To what?”

The doors were opened and as everyone inside screamed surprise, any possibility of responding was lost in the gleeful whoops and hollers of the fifty or so people. Instantly, music began to play, almost everyone coming up to congratulate them. Poppy had pulled out all the stops, creating a breathtaking environment. There were waiters walking around with silver trays full of flutes of champagne, the delicious scent of food wafting throughout the room.

Candles were everywhere and there was a small band that was lively and already creating a warm atmosphere. I also noticed a group of video equipment pushed against one wall. The event was going to be videotaped. An instant wave of nausea rolledthrough me. The thought was far more difficult to shove away than normal.

“Champagne, city girl?” Jagger asked.

“Sure.” I could tell the instant he realized something was off, his brow furrowing and as he’d done before, he swept the room. “What are you looking for, Jagger? Do you expect someone to crash the party?”

“No, of course not. What’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“Just a nagging feeling like you obviously have. Why do I have the notion you’re hiding something from me?”

“Why don’t you relax for tonight,” he suggested.

“Jagger. Please don’t patronize me. I know you at least well enough at this point to realize you’re doing everything you can to protect me. I think that includes using whatever contacts you have from the past in an effort to destroy Joel. If I’m right, I appreciate the thought, but I need to fight this battle.”

“I don’t think you understand what you’re up against.”

“Meaning what?”

“Meaning your marriage was arranged. Did you know that?”

I took a step away from him. “I already mentioned that’s what I believed. The way you just said that is like you know it’s true for certain and why. Is that true?” I was right. He’d done some searching. What could he have learned that I didn’t know?

Whether or not he was going to answer I’d never know, as Denise broke through the crowd of well-wishers, pulling me into a tight embrace. “Thanks for this.”

“I can’t take any credit. It’s all Poppy’s doing.”

“I’m surprised you were in on this, but it’s a nice surprise.” Shephard reached out, waiting for Jagger to shake his hand.

Jagger and I locked eyes. I had a feeling this was going to be a very long night.

“Come on. This is a party you helped orchestrate. Don’t stand here like wallflowers,” Denise dictated. I could tell she wasn’t going to take no for an answer.

“We better follow her orders, bro,” Shephard piped in. “Thank you.”

“Sure. Anything for the happy couple.” Jagger grabbed my arm before we were absorbed into the crowd. “Do me a favor. Stay by my side tonight. Don’t go anywhere without me.”

While I’d been afraid before, the concerns were nothing in comparison to the way I felt at this moment. “Okay. But you need to explain what you meant.”

“I will. I promise.”

As we meshed with the partygoers, everyone in town I knew joining in the festivities, I continued to look over my shoulder. The apprehension remained, but slowly over the next half hour, I started to relax.

Maybe I was a fool, but if I didn’t let go of my past, I’d never have a future here.

Poppy was suddenly at the podium that had been brought to a small makeshift stage. She clapped her hands first, finally tapping the microphone.

“Ouch!” someone called from the audience.

“Well, I had to get your attention somehow. We have the entire night to drink and dance, but now, it’s time for the show.”

“Oh, no,” Denise hissed. “I don’t think I like where this is going.”

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