Page 140 of In Case You Didn't Know
“You know me so well. And that’s why I love you.”
I reach out to squeeze her hand. “Thank you for all your support. But this one is mine.”
“Shall I stay here? Circle the block? Wait at the corner like a mom on a school run?” she asks.
I shake my head. “Go over to Hudson’s. Make him grovel. I’ll grab a cab when I’m done.”
Skyler looks more than a little disappointed. But she’s also a good friend, so she nods. “Fine, but call me as soon as you’re out of there. I need proof of life.”
“I will,” I promise, reaching for the door handle. I’m trying not to show how scared I am. How confronting Annalise feels like I’m heading back to high school and standing up to my bullies. But I have to do this. And do it alone.
She has videos of me. She was using them to blackmail Asher. And I can’t let her win.
I climb out of the car and go to close the door. “Hey Francie,” Skyler says. She’s giving me a serious look.
“Yes?”
“Don’t let her get in your head.”
“I won’t,” I promise.
And with that, I close the door and step into enemy territory.
The doorman looks at me as soon as I walk onto the path. “Can I help you?” he asks.
I put on my best rich-girl smile. Because if I’ve learned one thing growing up with money, it’s that bluffing is so much easier when you’re confident and not afraid.
“I’m here to see Annalise Vale. She’s expecting me.” I pretend to tap out on my phone then smile. “I’ll let her know I’m here.” I wink. “Ugh, she’s in the bathroom. Urinary infection, probably best not to call over the intercom.”
He shifts his feet, looking distinctly uncomfortable. “She’s on the top floor.”
I give a light laugh. “I know that, silly.”
He hesitates for a beat. Probably weighing whether he wants to deal with Annalise in full diva mode if I’m telling the truth. But then he steps aside and pushes the door open.
“Have a nice day,” he murmurs.
I smile as I breeze past like I own the place, then feel the cool rush of air as the door closes behind me.
The lobby is all marble floors and fresh flowers. The kind of place where the furniture costs more than most people’s annual salaries. I press the old-fashioned elevator button, and watch the wooden doors whisper open before I step inside.
My heart starts to speed as it smoothly rises up. I try to get my thoughts straight in my head.
When the elevator arrives on the top floor – directly opposite her door – I step out and rap my knuckles against the oak. Steeling myself for what happens next.
Within moments the door is flung open.
And there she is.
Annalise. The woman Asher used to love. I try to ignore the clench of jealousy in my stomach because I don’t want to be that girl. The one who gets annoyed that her boyfriend has a past. And she is the past.
Whatever he’s doing, he’s not cheating on me. He’s just being an idiot.
Barefoot, wearing a floor-length cashmere cardigan over what looks like extremely expensive loungewear. Her gaze rakes over my face. Her expression is a mixture of shock and pure Upper East Side disdain.
“Oh my,” she says slowly, like she’s trying to decide if I’m just a bad dream. “I wasn’t expecting a trash collection today.”
I smile sweetly. “Figured I’d drop by and say hi. Since you seem so obsessed by me.”
