Page 24 of Fake Fiancée for Dad's Best Friend
I wait for his explanation, but he doesn’t supply any. I guess it from his smoldering eyes. He doesn’t want me to look good in front of other guys.
The way he looks at me makes me think he really wants me. Again I wish this engagement is real. The music ends, but I linger in Alex’s arms until I hear someone shouting his name.
“Alex!” It’s a woman’s voice. I look in the direction of the voice and see a tall blonde coming toward us.
She wears a white, viscose cocktail dress that reaches her heels, with a side slide that opens up to her hip. A sparkling diamond necklace drapes on her neck, with a huge pendent on her breastbone.
She’s glamorous and I recognize her right away: Trisha Taylor, Alex’s ex-fiancée and a model who works for Trend. I don’t know why they broke up, but from what he told my dad the other night, it probably had something to do with his mom. Why did Alex’s mom invite her?
Alex’s smile freezes for a moment before he smiles politely, “Trisha! What’re you doing here?”
Trisha doesn’t give me as much as a curt nod and focuses her attention on Alex. She hugs him and kisses him on the cheek. And then, stroking his arm, she says in a husky voice, “What a surprise, Darling! Congratulations!”
“Thank you for coming all the way.” Alex steps back from her and holds me. “Meet my fiancée Vivian, Trisha. Vivian, Trisha is my business partner. She’s done a lot of modeling work for Trend.”
I shake hands with the haughty celebrity. It must be my nerves, because her hand feels icy cold on such a warm summer day. I shiver and force a smile. “Nice to meet you and thanks for coming!”
“My pleasure. Alex isn’t just a business partner to me, but a close friend.” She says to me, emphasizing the wordclose. And then she turns to Alex and pouts. “But obviously, he isn’t treating me the same way. It’s why I didn’t know about the engagement until yesterday. I got on the first plane I could after Samantha called me.”
That explains it. So Trisha and Alex’s sister are friends. I’m annoyed by the fact because it might explain why Samantha was somewhat hostile toward me.
Even though Alex does not show much affection toward the woman, I can’t help the pang of jealousy that threatens to consume me.
The party is supposed to be over at six, but the guests linger long after that. By seven, the workers from the party planning company have cleared the tents and tables from the lawn, and the festivity hours ago seemed to have been a dream.
Karen is saying goodbye to her friends, and Alex is standing next to Mike, speaking to some family acquaintances over the lawn. I stand on the balcony gazing at the view and enjoy the ocean breeze. No wonder people are willing to spend millions on a waterfront house. Just these relaxing moments are probably worth it.
Suddenly I hear women’s whispers coming from the other side of the wall. They must be speaking in front of an open window. I recognize the voice immediately: Trisha.
“I can’t believe Alex would do that to me,” she says. “A woman young enough to be his daughter! Immature and plain.”
My heart sinks. I sensed the hostility in her eyes earlier, but I didn’t know she disliked me so much. What she says is mostly true, but it hurts. I’m not a crybaby, but tears are rushing out of my eyes.
“I’m so sorry, Trisha,” says another woman’s softer voice and it takes me a moment to realize it’s Samantha, Alex’s sister. “But don’t be upset. It won’t last.”
I gasp. How does she know?
“What do you mean?” Trisha asks. “Did you see Alex’s eyes whenever he looked at her? He is bewitched by her. That slut. Who knows what she did to him?”
Ohmygod. My hand flies to my mouth to stifle a gasp. No one has ever called me a slut before because I’m the exact opposite of that! This woman is insanely jealous. I have the impulse to tell her the truth.
“Calm down,” Samantha says. “You know how my brother is. It isn’t even the first time he loses his head over a random woman. Remember that opera singer he dated briefly? It was over as soon as it started.”
“But he didn’t look at that singer like that,” Trisha says. “Besides, this girl is hardly worth his attention. What is she? An intern?”
Tears roll down my cheeks and I stifle my sobs because I’m afraid they’ll hear me. Why does she criticize me like that? She and Alex broke up years ago. Could it be she isn’t over him?
“Exactly,” Samantha says. “One more reason you shouldn’t be upset. Just wait to see when he’s going to dump her. I guarantee it won’t take long.”
Trisha doesn’t answer.
And Samantha speaks again. “Come on. You have nothing to worry about. Alex has been with you for the longest time. A relationship can’t last with just sexual pleasure. You and Alex are also business partners, and you share greater interests. The reason you guys broke up was because you weren’t ready to start a family. You should let him know you are ready now and ask for a second chance. I bet he’ll give it a thought.”
My heart clenches. My guess is right. Trisha wants Alex back. I’m suddenly possessed with jealousy despite my effort to remind myself I’m not Alex’s real fiancée.
“Thank you, Sam,” Trisha says. “I’ll talk to him.”
“That a girl!”
