Page 61 of London's Calling: Part 1
I take a step toward her, sensing she is finished with her conversation with the woman, but as I draw closer to her, she says something to the woman before turning and walking away. I stride after her, but the woman whirls around. Finally able to see her, I realise it’s Clayton’s mother.
Shit!
No wonder she didn’t want me to come over. I turn, not wanting her to see me, and head in the direction Roni went. If Angelina is here, Clayton must be here somewhere too.
I need to find Roni and get the fuck out of here before he sees me.
Chapter Forty-Three
Roni
I stand in the middle of the ballroom, trying to admire the stunning decorations, but all I can think about is how sick I feel. My eyes fill with tears, but I suck in a breath and will them not to fall for fear they’ll ruin my make-up.
Such a ridiculous thing to be concerned about considering what tonight is going to bring. There’s going to be plenty of time for tears later. Right now, I need to look the part. I need to keep it together, get through the next couple of hours, then I can break. I shake off the heavy melancholy that’s settled inside me and stroll around the room, checking everything is ready for the guests.
Fuck, I wish I could have a drink, a line of coke—who am I kidding a whole bag of it wouldn’t be able to help me. And I don’t have that luxury right now. Trust me, the thought crossed my mind. No baby means no leverage. But I can’t do it. It might have only been hours since I discovered the life I’m carrying inside me, but it’s long enough to know I’d never hurt a child, my child—our child. A child Mickey will never know about.
Inner me is screaming “Fuck you all!” at the top of her lungs and destroying everything in this room. The corporeal me is numb, smiling at the right moment, speaking without true thought or emotion, just existing.
Nothing like a reality check to make you realise your true feelings. At the exact moment you realise you unknowingly gave your heart away, that you could have a different life, a better one, it’s ripped away from you in the blink of an eye.
Chatter behind me has me turning to see the first guests arriving. I’m out of time. The corners of my mouth turn up in a smile, and I almost don’t feel the strain of it. Like I said, numb.
As the room fills, I begin to realise there are more people here than I planned, most of them are associates of my father and Clayton. That sick feeling in my gut twists sharply, a warning, a foreshadowing of what’s to come since my father revealed his plans.
“Roni,” screams a voice behind me, and I almost break when Haydn spins me, wrapping me in a tight hug. “Happy birthday, beautiful!”
“Thanks,” I choke out as she gives me a last squeeze before releasing me.
“Wow, this place looks fucking amazing!” she says, turning on the spot to take in the entire room. “Is that a?—”
“A vodka luge? Yeah.” I manage a true smile at the look on her face.
“Bitch, that’s insane. I’m going to have to give that a go.” She holds up a bag. “Gifts?”
“There’s a table over there,” I say, pointing in the direction of a table laden with gifts I don’t need or even want.
“I’m going to put this over there, maybe swing by the luge on my way to the bar. I’ll see you in a bit.” She waves as she walks away.
It’s been an hour since the first guests arrived and there’s still no sign of Mickey. Maybe he’s changed his mind.
Please have changed your mind.
I’m standing by the buffet table when Angelina finds me. “This is wonderful, Veronica. You did a fabulous job.”
“Thank you. How is Mr Simmonds doing?”
“He’s much the same, and please, Clayton Senior is fine, no need for such formality when you’re going to be our daughter in law soon.”
“Of course,” I manage to say around the lump in my throat. I look away for a second to compose myself only to gasp as my eyes meet Mickey’s. I drop my gaze instantly, explaining to Angelina that I need to check on something and make my escape as Mickey walks my way.
I don’t look at him or look back as I slip into the crowd, praying he doesn’t follow. I’m not ready. Not ready to face him and see the look on his face when I say what I need…it is in no way a need or a want. It is a must if I want to protect myself long enough to have this baby. After that…
I burst into a side room as panic grips me. I lean against it, my head hitting it with a thump. Pushing away from the door, I march forward, sucking in breaths with a hand on my stomach. Just as I get my breathing under control and stave off the desire to throw up, the door opens behind me.
“There’s the birthday girl. I thought you said Clayton wasn’t invited,” Mickey says as the snick of the door closing echoes in the room.
Get it together, Roni. Be brave.
