Page 23 of Crossing the Red Line
“I’m here because I want to know why you are trying to replace me for the charity thing.”
I sat there, looking at him.“I don’t think my trying to replace you is the most important thing here.”
“I do,” he said, meeting my eyes.
We stared at one another for a moment, then I shrugged.“I guess I didn’t think you’d be interested in doing the event after the weekend.”I mumbled.
“I promised you, didn’t I?”
I nodded my head.“You did.”
“Then?”
“Then what?”
“Then why are you going behind my back trying to replace me.”
“Like I said, I didn’t think you’d follow through.I haven’t even heard from you since we came back.”
“Whoa, hold on a minute.I’ve tried to get a hold of you, and don’t you dare say I haven’t.I have every single record of every phone call I’ve made to you in the past week.”
I tore my eyes away from him.I didn’t want to deal with any of this right now.
“So, tell me, why are you trying to replace me?”
“Like I said, I assumed you’d just leave me high and dry.”
Lucas looked at me and shook his head.“You really need to stop assuming things.”
“I don’t assume things.”
“You do, you just said you did.”
“Lucas, I’m not—”
“What did you assume the last night in Vegas?Why did you leave?”
I balled up the wrapper from my muffin and shoved it into my coffee mug, throwing my purse strap over my head.
“I assumed nothing.I made an ass of myself, and I realized it after I went into my room.I knew there was no way I’d be able to face you in the morning, after realizing the things I said to you and that you didn’t want things to move forward.”
“Ella, you didn’t make an ass of yourself.I should have said something to you that night, but when I looked at the situation at hand, you’d had a lot to drink, and now that I know for a fact that you thought the wedding thing was fake, I’m glad I listened to my myself and pursued nothing that night.”
I didn’t want to talk about that night or any night that happened during that weekend.What I really wanted was to turn back time.That way I’d not have to face Lucas, or the memory of the entire situation.
“Lucas, I’m glad you listened to yourself, and you can say whatever you want about me and that night, but I know the truth.If you are fine doing the promotion, then great.I will make sure I send you the address you’ll need to be at on Monday morning.”
“Okay.Will I see you there?”
I shook my head.“No.”
“Why not?”he questioned, staring at me.“I believe you are supposed to be there.After all, you are representing me.If there is a problem, I can’t say anything.”
"It will be fine.They will have my number.Should a problem arise, they can call me, or you can.”
“Ella, I’m pretty sure you are supposed to be accessible at all these types of events.”
“Pamela approved it.You don’t need to worry,” I said, meeting his eyes.
