Page 29 of Tethered Hearts

Brie

Gnawing on her bottom lip, Brie wondered what kind of injuries she’d sustain if she opened the car door and jumped out. Perhaps she’d be lucky enough to escape with only a few bruises and grazes, given how slow the Uber was moving in the procession of vehicles dropping their passengers off at The Sorrento in downtown Sea Haven Beach. But they would heal, and at least the quick escape might settle her stomach and give her an out for the evening. Although she doubted she’d be able to move anywhere too fast in her heels and evening gown, so that ruled out the drop-and-roll option to escape.

Up ahead, red carpet spilled down the stairs and bright flashes exploded against the night as the glamorous who’s who of the athletics world gathered to celebrate their achievements. Brie’s pulse thundered in her ears the closer they drew to the entrance. There was no way she was ready for this. She would probably fall flat on her face and make a fool of herself and cause Matt the greatest embarrassment of his life. As though sensing her trepidation, Matt reached for her hand and gave a reassuring squeeze. She only hoped he didn’t notice how sweaty her palms were.

“You’ll be fine, Brie.” His eyes twinkled in the interior of the car as a flash went off near the window. “Just be yourself.”

That was one of the things she was worried about. Being herself would mean talking for the sake of talking. She was already a chatterbox, but being nervous took it to a whole other level. And she certainly didn’t want anyone questioning who the weirdo was on Matt’s arm if she couldn’t control the verbiage pouring out of her mouth.

The car slowed to a stop and the door swung open as a valet greeted them for their turn to walk the red carpet. Wide-eyed, Brie took in the scene before her while Matt lowered his legs to the ground and used a cane for leverage to stand. It was a new apparatus for the event to replace the awkwardness of using crutches. He’d been practicing with it under Tom’s guidance all week, and along with his navy trousers and sports jacket, it made him look debonair and sophisticated. Camera flashes exploded as soon as he stepped out of the car, momentarily blinding Brie as she stepped out beside him. Slipping her arm through his, she forced a smile and focused on taking slow, deep breaths as they made their way toward the entrance. Matt used her for his balance, but she was clinging to him just as much and counting each step until they would be safe inside, away from the media hounds.

“Matt!” Someone called from the throng of journalists gathered on either side of the roped-off runway. “How’s your recovery going?”

“Who’s your lady friend?” someone else called.

He nodded and smiled in response. “This is the worst part,” he murmured from the corner of his mouth. “They’ll heckle us all the way to the door. Throw in a few curveball questions to get a reaction. I’m not going to stop and answer anything in case I fall over.”

Whether he was joking or not, Brie squeezed his arm in response, grateful they could rely on each other for support. She didn’t want to be out here any longer than necessary, either.

After what seemed an eternity, they entered the lobby. Brie gasped at the sight before her. Beautiful people mingled around in their suits and sparkly evening gowns. Fit, tanned bodies glided effortlessly around the room, making Brie question her current exercise regime and lack of sun exposure.

“Stop,” Matt whispered. “They are just people, like you and me. You’ll be fine. They can’t hold a candle to you.” Her stomach did a slow somersault with his words and before she had a chance to reciprocate with a compliment of her own, he tugged her closer as they made their way across the black carpet flecked with gold. Whether it was intentional or only to avoid being elbowed in the ribs by passers-by, Brie didn’t mind standing closer to him. The scent of his cologne and the heat emanating from his body were a welcome distraction from the overwhelming feelings of inadequacy swallowing her. Sure, they might be people, but they were certainly not in the same league she was used to. She sucked in a breath and wondered how long she could hold her stomach taut. Her planking exercises were useful, but obviously not enough when compared to the flat abdomens around her.

“Matt!” A slim gentleman with neatly styled salt and pepper hair strode toward them with arms outstretched. He wore a navy suit and black-framed glasses and looked like he spent a great deal of time in the sun, given the healthy glow of his skin. “You made it.”

“I said I’d be here.” Matt grinned.

“You’re looking really well.” Sincerity warmed his voice. The two men embraced with some back-slapping while Brie stood awkwardly to the side clutching her purse.

“And who is this beautiful woman?” The stranger turned to Brie, and she felt her cheeks heat under his praise.

“This is Brie.” Matt cupped her elbow, and something akin to affection flashed in his eyes as he smiled warmly at her. “Brie, this is Blayne. A good friend of mine and my old manager.”

“Enough with the old.” Blayne nudged Matt before turning to her, a warm smile on his face. “Delighted to meet you, Brie. You must be a special woman. Whatever you did to convince this one to come along, thank you.”

“Oh, I …”

Matt reached for her hand, tucking it into the crook of his elbow before she could get any words out. “We might go to our seats if that’s okay.”

“By all means. We’re sitting at the same table, so I’ll catch up with you then. Lovely to meet you, Brie.”

“You too,” she said as Blayne waved to someone across the room and made his way through the lobby.

A soaring ceilinghung with glistening chandeliers greeted them as they entered the main room. Garlands of green ivy looped around the room providing a bright pop of colour against the dark carpet and wood-panelled walls. Dim lighting created an ethereal ambience. Upbeat music, which was unexpected given the formality of the evening, piped from speakers around the room. Once seated, Brie tried not to dwell too much on Blayne’s words.A special woman?What did that even mean? She’d done little to convince Matt to attend; she’d simply reminded him that he was someone worthy without all the accolades.She’dbeen the one who needed convincing.

As the proceedings began, the vacant chairs around the table were soon occupied by Blayne and his wife, Emily, and another couple who Brie didn’t recognise. Wine and conversation flowed freely as the emcee took the stage. Brie was content with her sparkling water, and she noticed Matt preferred the same. Did he still drink? After Helen’s concerns of using alcohol as a coping mechanism, she wondered if he still imbibed occasionally, or if he’d gone cold turkey since setting his life on the right path. It was his choice to drink, of course. She only hoped that he’d given up any reliance on it now that he’d found God.

“So, how did you two meet?” Blayne leaned back in his chair, draping one arm behind his wife.

“At the physiotherapy clinic where I work,” Brie replied, knowing just how bad that sounded. Such a cliché. He was her client. She was his physio. And they couldn’t keep their eyes off each other. Well, that part had been true for her, at least. Not that she’d dare admit that.

“Ah.” Blayne nodded knowingly. “That’s how a lot of relationships have started.” He waved a hand around the crowded room, as though indicating many of the athletes were there with their physiotherapists or trainers as well.

“We’re not …” Aghast, Brie shook her head but didn’t get a chance to finish her sentence as a waiter set their first course down on the table. She glanced at Matt, hoping he’d speak up and refute Blayne’s assumptions, but he was busy talking with someone on his right. Great. Now Blayne probably thought she’d crossed an ethical boundary. She really wasn’t cut out for this.

Shaking out her napkin, she placed it on her lap before poking her fork at the chicken satay sticks on her plate. The presentation of awards began. Athletes took to the stage to accept awards as montages of their achievements and various events played on the large screen behind them. Plates were collected, the main course delivered, and the process continued until dessert was served.

Brie rubbed a hand over her stomach, truly wishing she’d worn her Spanx. A food baby was not an attractive look on anyone. If her lack of athletic prowess wasn’t obvious before, it certainly was now. As she took small mouthfuls of chocolate mud cake, Melanie’s words came back to her.Enjoy the free food and entertainment in the company of a handsome man.Well, she may as well, given that this was a once-in-a-lifetime event for her.

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