Page 50 of Something New

Anna put on her best media-friendly face for the rehearsal dinner and kept her distance from Wyatt, except when they had to practice their walk down the aisle. As if Anna needed practice walking. When she caught herself snapping at someone for the fourth time about her career and her time onBlazing Passions, she decided she needed to get away so she didn’t offend anyone else and ruin what little positive public attention she had gained this week.

She headed for the porch and some solitude, with only a glass of wine for company. How had her life spiraled so out of control so quickly? Granted, when the week had started, she had no career prospects and no friends to speak of. During the week, she had reconnected with her friends and hadn’t realized she had missed them as much as she had. And she had found Wyatt again, only to lose him. Again.

How dare he demand that she give up her career for him? As if her life, her dreams, were nothing. Was this payback for five years ago when she walked out on him, for the five years that she lived her dreams? No, Wyatt wasn’t that cruel. He wouldn’t intentionally sabotage her life for him, but he was through waiting. Maybe hearing about the media stalking scared him off, exactly as she had feared. Maybe they were just at different points in their lives. She wasn’t ready for the next step, like Caroline, Delaney, even Brigid. Anna was still trying to get established. Setting up a home, kids, and all of that was still years away. And Wyatt wanted her to give all of that up and teach acting, accepting her career was over.

She sipped her wine and watched the moon rise over the water, seeing couples out on the hotel lawn take advantage of the romantic night and stroll through the starlight. She should be doing that with Wyatt, not sitting here alone, sad and pathetic.

But she still had a chance with Wyatt. She could cancel the audition, give up Broadway, and stick withBlazing Passionsand find something else in California, too. However, the bottom line issue was still there. They would be separated by distance, not as much as New York, but absence didn't always make the heart grow fonder. She learned that the hard way the first time around. She took a chance this time and got burned again. Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be.

She couldn’t give up her dreams, not this time. No, it might break her heart into a million pieces, but she’d have to find a way to go on. Wyatt clearly was ready to move on without her, willing even. Maybe she needed to do the same. And where better than in a new city like New York, where everything would be different, media, actors, environment?

She was ready this time. Her heart would heal. Eventually.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Saturday dawned beautifully, as if it would be anything but gorgeous for Caroline’s wedding. But Delaney looked like she hadn’t slept at all the night before, and Anna thought she had heard her pacing in her room most of the night. Of course, Anna was up, sitting on her balcony, not fit company for anyone, hiding out, trying to figure out the mess that was her life. The guys had slept at the hotel, so there was no chance to talk to Wyatt, even if she knew what to say.

The rehearsal dinner had been exhausting, and the wedding was probably going to be as challenging. Anna was so looking forward to answering more questions about her antics, her show, and her relationships with the leading men in Hollywood. As if anyone really cared. They only wanted gossip, and she refused to dish on any actor or give anyone the satisfaction of being pissed off. She just smiled until her cheeks hurt and made a non-committal mumble. Her agent would be so proud. She had spent the rehearsal dinner feeling Wyatt’s eyes bore holes into her, his glare never leaving her as he brooded in the corner. He had stayed as far away from her as possible, only touching her for a split-second when he had no other choice when they walked down the aisle, dropping her hand as if it was flame when they got to the end. She pretended it hadn’t bothered her, but his rejection stabbed her harder than anything he had said, and she retreated to the bar to forget. But not even tequila could do that, and Caroline had rescued her from drinking too much.

Some bridesmaid Anna had turned out to be.

People were moving around, and the stylists were arriving, so it was time to get inside and get ready for the dog and pony show. Brigid had not returned, and Anna couldn’t believe it. Anna had been sure she would return. Caroline was quiet and refused to discuss Brigid or her departure, but everyone could see the sadness on her face. Anna sighed and pushed up from the wicker chair and went inside to shower. No sense sitting and waiting around. There was plenty to do that day.

A short while later, Anna, Delaney and Caroline sat in Caroline’s room as the stylist began working on the bride’s hair, a classic updo in an old-school style reminiscent of Grace Kelly, one of Caroline’s idols. They sipped mimosas and tried to carry on a conversation, but every topic fizzled out after a few, general comments. A commotion downstairs drew their attention, and the girls went to the landing to see Brigid in the foyer, her overnight bag at her feet.

“It’s about goddamn time,” Anna bellowed. “Where the hell have you been?”

“I don’t answer to you, Costado,” Brigid retorted. She looked as miserable as the rest of them, Anna was happy to note. Good. Maybe they could resolve one thing today, even if everything else went to shit.

Caroline pasted on her haughtiest expression and folded her arms in front of her. She wouldn’t make anything easier. Everyone not associated directly with the wedding scattered, leaving the bridesmaids and bride alone to work out their issues. Anna walked down the stairs to meet Brigid on her level while Caroline and Delaney stayed on the landing.

“You’re back. To stay?” Anna folded her arms and stared at the other woman.

Brigid looked up at Caroline, ignoring Anna. “Caroline, I’m sorry. I know I have no right to be here or even apologize. What I did was unforgivable; to leave you right before your wedding when all you asked is for us to be here for one week. It was the least I could do for all you’ve done for me.”

“The very least,” Anna muttered.

Brigid shot a dark look behind her but refused to let herself be goaded. She took a step up. “I had my priorities all screwed up. Nothing is more important than my friends, than your wedding.”

“Not even your promotion or your deal?” Caroline arched her eyebrow.

Brigid took another step forward. “No, I quit yesterday.”

Caroline gasped and raced down the stairs to hug her. “Brigid, I never wanted you to quit. How could you? I’ll talk to daddy tomorrow. We’ll make sure you have your job, I promise. My wedding shouldn’t cost you your job.”

Brigid hugged her. “It didn’t. I made the decision that I didn’t want to make those sacrifices anymore. Any job that requires me to give up my life, my friends, is not worth it. I can find something else.”

“Hell, yeah. Lawyers are a dime a dozen. You can hang a shingle out of an office and be your lawyer,” Anna said. “Shouldn’t be that hard.”

“Stuff it, Anna,” Delaney said, following Caroline down the stairs, more slowly, looking as tired as Anna felt. “We’re glad you’re back, honey. You okay?”

Brigid shrugged, her eyes wet with tears. “I’ll be okay. I’ll figure it all out on Monday.”

Delaney grabbed her shoulders and peered into her eyes, then nodded. “You’re strong. You’ll survive and figure this out, coming out stronger for it. Trust me; I know this.”

Anna pushed Delaney aside and hugged Brigid. “Glad you’re back, counselor. This wedding wouldn’t be the same. Now, what can we do to help you?”

Brigid took a deep breath. “One of those mimosas might be a good start. After that, I don’t know, but am open to suggestion.”

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