Page 5 of True Hearts

“You suppose?”

“I have to hear him out, don’t I?”

“You don’t have to do anything.”

“He made me quit my job.” I groan, dropping my head back. What a mess I have gotten myself into.

“Why?”

“There is always something he needs me to do or get ready for. His mother dragged me to these functions.” I know she doesn’t approve of me either. She thinks I am beneath her son. Even though I am the one with a law degree. It almost makes me nauseous thinking how much I tried to please her.

“Did you love your job?”

“No.”

“Did you love him?”

“No.” The word pops out of my mouth before I can think better of it. Graham's brow lifts. “That sounds bad, I know, but I didn’t lie to him, and I don’t think Michael is capable of love, but this was supposed to work. It would have been all right.” Even as I say it, it doesn’t sound at all right.

“You were going to marry someone you don’t love?” I glance over at Graham, who is in a suit that cost more than I’d likely make in a year. He was born into wealth. I mean, he freaking bought a one-year-old a sports car, for crying out loud. Money's no object for him, so I don’t expect him to understand.

“This is a bad idea.” I glance back over my shoulder to see how far away from my place we have driven.

“Don’t do that.” Graham takes my chin, drawing my eyes to him. “I’m not judging, only asking.”

“You wouldn’t understand.”

“I could try,” he offers, being kind.

“I want to fit in,” I admit. “I don’t want to be the poor girl anymore. The girl that only got into college because of scholarships and programs that were offered to help kids in the system.” I shake my head. “I was stupid, though. Why did I think I could fit in with the Montclairs? I couldn't ever fit in with a family. No matter how many they shuffled me in and out of. I was never quite sure what anyone was looking for. No matter how hard I tried.”

"No, Luna, you would never fit with the Montclairs."

"Ouch."

"I promise you that you don't want to fit in with them." His words soothe my bruised ego a bit, but they also pique my curiosity. What else does he know about the Montclairs that’s not public knowledge? “We’re here.” Graham takes my hand but pauses, lifting it to glare at the ring before sliding it off my finger and then pulling me from the car.

I don’t protest. I let him lead me into the restaurant that I have heard about before. Not only from my girlfriend Nat, but it’s a hot spot and hard to get into. You often see pictures of well-known people and celebrities having their pictures snapped as they enter and leave the place.

“Has another one bitten the dust?” a man dressed in a chef's coat inquires as we enter. He’s leaning up against the host stand.

“Brooks, this is Luna.”

I offer him my hand.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He takes my hand, leaning down to kiss it.

“Don’t,” Graham half-growls at him. Brooks drops my hand and chuckles.

“Come.”

Graham takes my hand as we follow behind Brooks through the restaurant. Every table is full. I wonder where we might be sitting and am surprised when we enter the kitchen to a private table.

“Oh wow, Graham, you didn’t have to do all this,” I say, taking my seat.

“Some of us aren’t all talk.” He takes his seat too. Is he speaking of Michael?

“You know, some men all dressed in black were here asking about you about thirty minutes ago,” Brooks tells Graham. “You should have come in the back.”

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