Page 34 of Anything For This Love

“I know, son, but it’s not that simple.”

“Go with your gut, Dad. That's what you always tell me.”

He gives me a sad smile and clamps a hand on my shoulder. “That’s sound advice.”

“Speaking of Mom, will she be in attendance this evening?”

“She’s already here. She’s somewhere mingling with her cronies.” He waves his hand around, indicating the general vicinity.

Great. I’d rather not run into her and have to act like everything is fine and dandy. Even worse, I’m not sure Abby can pretend, even for one evening.

“Thanks, Dad.” I pat him on the shoulder and go in search of a drink. We’re stopped a few times on our way to the bar by old acquaintances. I introduce Abby, but we don’t stay long to chat with anyone. Abby sips a glass of champagne while I toss back a drink much like my father’s.

“Are you alright?” Abby rests her hand on my forearm, worry filling her bright green eyes. I stare into the emerald depths, losing myself in the soothing gold flecks nearly hidden in their irises. It calms me. My pulse begins to even out and I feel my tense muscles relax. I wanted to make this night enjoyable for her and I’ve let a couple questions from a complete stranger throw me off course.

“I am now.” I pull her into me and press my lips to her forehead. “Sorry I’ve been so jittery since we got here. The reporters have me a little shook up.”

“It’s okay. You’re worried about your family. I get it.”

“Thank you for being so understanding.”

We start toward the tables where dinner will be served, anxious to find our seats and chat. As we cross the dance floor, a flash of red enters my vision a moment before I hear my name called.

“Jacob, is that you?”

What is she doing here?

The new engineer, Erin sidles up to us, a huge grin splitting her face. “Itisyou! What are you doing here?” She reaches out and touches my forearm with familiarity. I feel Abby stiffen beside me and I fight the urge to pull back.

“I attend every year,” I inform her. She finally releases me and steps back.

“I had no idea. I haven’t been in a few years since I lived out of state, but I used to attend these things all the time. My mom is one of the charity organizers.”

That explains her presence.

“You must be Abby!” she gushes. “Jacob has told meso muchabout you.”

I wince as questioning fills Abby’s eyes. She glances to me and back to Erin, her eyes brimming with confusion and suspicion.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t catch your name.” Abby attempts to be diplomatic about not knowing who Erin is, but it’s entirely my fault. I’ve kept Erin a secret from her and it’s about to blow up in my face.

“I’m Erin.” She holds out her hand for a shake and Abby takes it. “I’m the new girl around the office. Jacob’s been training me.” She smiles brightly, clearly more excited about this meeting than my girlfriend.

Abby’s face falls, but she quickly pastes on a smile. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“You, too.” Her voice is chipper and a little too high-pitched. “Well, I’ve got to catch up with my date. I’ll see you around.”

A sliver of relief snakes through me at her mention of a date, but it’s gone the moment I take in Abby’s expression.

Abby’s face tightens, her lips pursed in consternation. “So...that’sErin?”

“Abby.” My tone is pleading and remorseful.

“Why didn’t you tell me she was drop dead gorgeous? Hell, why didn’t you tell me she was… well… ashe?”

“Does it matter?”

“Should it?”

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