Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 34035 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 170(@200wpm)___ 136(@250wpm)___ 113(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34035 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 170(@200wpm)___ 136(@250wpm)___ 113(@300wpm)
“Yeah, of course I am. Totally fine. It’s just, you know, leaving Tara alone.”
That was probably the best lie she could come up with. What she didn’t want was for Caleb to be nervous, or to think anything bad.
She’d gone to the salon that morning, had her makeup and hair done. They’d also told her how to maintain it. Annie hadn’t worn makeup in a long time. She hadn’t dressed up for anywhere special either.
They arrived at his friend’s house. The large driveway looked like a parking lot, there were so many cars. Caleb found a spot, pulled in, and after he turned off the ignition, he turned toward her.
“Are you ill?” he asked.
“What? No, of course not. What makes you think that?”
“The way you’re sweating.”
“This is natural.” She forced a laugh, as if it was the most natural thing on the planet. “The house looks stunning.”
“Yeah, Ryan prides himself on decorating it himself. He always does it in the dark as well.”
“It paid off.”
She was not going to have a panic attack. Everything was fine. Everything would be fine.
Annie’s heart raced.
“Are you ready to go inside?” he asked.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
He got out of the car and she opened her door but he was there within seconds to offer her his hand.
She smiled up at him to take it. “Thank you.”
“Always a pleasure.” He pulled her in close and banded his arm around her waist. “You look stunning in this dress, but I’m looking forward to removing it.” He kissed her lips.
The lipstick they had put on her lips had long since gone. She’d not bothered to retouch it.
“You don’t look too bad yourself.”
He ran a hand down her back, going toward her ass. “We could leave now. Tell Ryan we got here but I got the flu or you got sick, and we had to leave.”
“Caleb, we promised we’d make an appearance, and we’re not liars.” Also, she had something she wanted to do, and it wouldn’t go well if they weren’t there.
“Are you sure?” he asked.
“Yes, totally sure. One hundred percent sure.”
She also couldn’t help but giggle.
“Have you been drinking?”
“Not a single drop.” She took his hand. “Come on. We don’t want to keep your friends waiting.”
Being in large crowds made her feel a little nervous. Actually, they made her feel a lot nervous. She was doing this for Caleb.
Arriving at Ryan and Katherine’s, the couple themselves were at the front door. Ryan took her hand and kissed her cheek. Katherine pulled her in for a hug. Annie noticed the woman was already showing, and she smiled at her warmly.
Katherine gave her a wink and she turned to look at Ryan, who also winked at her. Great. Okay. Everything was in place.
“I need a drink,” Annie said.
She pulled away from the group and found a passing waiter. She took the glass off the tray and drank nearly half of it. She’d never been one to enjoy alcohol, but right now it felt like she truly needed it. Finishing off the second part, she put the glass on a passing tray.
“I can do this,” she said, whispering to herself.
Her arm was suddenly grabbed. “Tell me this is a go,” Ryan said.
“It is a go, but I … I’m nervous. I’m not good at speaking in crowds, and you freaking said this was going to be a small crowd. This is not small. This is freaking huge.” She was trying to keep her calm. “Where’s Caleb?”
“Katherine is introducing him to people. We were worried with how you walked off.”
Annie put a hand to her stomach. “Is it hot in here?”
“No, it’s not hot.”
“Oh my God. I think I’m going to be sick.”
“No, you don’t get to be sick,” Ryan said. “You came to me. You asked me to do this, and I did. You’re not going to fuck this up.”
“What if he hates it?” Annie asked. “What if I read him wrong?”
“You didn’t. I know my best friend, and you read the whole thing exactly the way he’d love it. Now, mingle, or do your thing, but don’t run away.” Ryan glared at her and gave her space.
Annie was tempted to run, but he was right. She had gone to him. She had asked him to make this party the perfect setting. Caleb had talked about the party, but she believed he’d forgotten all about it.
Nibbling her lip, she looked toward the band that was playing soft Christmas-themed music. This was her chance. No more champagne, or excuses. Annie headed toward the main stage. The man looked down at her.
“I’m Annie,” she said.
Ryan had told her to tell a blond-haired man her name, and that was all it would take. Her hand was gripped, and she was helped on stage and given a microphone. She cleared her throat and the sound echoed around the whole room.