Читать книгу Wedding Belles - Beth Albright - Страница 15

10

Harry Heart would not miss a media event for anything, and this dedication of the mansion was certainly no exception. Now that the speeches were over, he made his way over to the crowd of reporters to steal himself some camera time. He couldn’t help himself. The media might have gathered for Lewis today, but Harry couldn’t just let his brother have the spotlight. No, Harry Heart would go to hell and back to get on camera. He and Dallas shared that trait.

Dan “The Man,” Harry’s campaign manager, was right by Harry’s side, talking to reporters and making sure Harry said all the right things. He caught my attention and nodded his head toward Harry, standing in the middle of a small cluster of cameras, signaling that I was failing in my duties as a future senator’s wife. I knew I’d be stuck playing this role for a few more excruciating months, but I’d made a promise and I intended to keep it. I kissed Vivi on the cheek and whispered that I’d be right back. After shooting Sonny a look of apology, I reluctantly made my way over to Harry and Dan and took my requisite spot next to my husband, the candidate.

I had been an actress years ago, so now I acted happy and enthused. I hoped Sonny would understand. I had agreed to this farce, in large part, to protect him. People wouldn’t look kindly on the man who broke up the future senator’s marriage. The truth was, though he wasn’t exactly a model husband, he was exactly right for the role of senator. Our relationship issues aside, I trusted him to take care of the city that I love.

Harry was in full soapbox mode, sermonizing with quick one-liners and forced laughter. Cameras rolled and reporters threw him simple questions. I stood at his side, as obligated, smiling and looking approvingly at him—glancing every so often at Sonny, while inside I felt sick.

“Oh, yes, I am eager and ready for this challenge,” Harry said, wearing his starched white shirtsleeves rolled up to make himself look more like a man of the people. “I look forward to making your voices heard in our nation’s capital.”

He smiled his perfect megawatt smile, and it struck me as bittersweet that we were now so far apart. I had truly loved him once, and I’d been attracted to him from the moment I saw him. Even now, I could feel the shadow of the old familiar tug. He was still preppy gorgeous as he continued to wave and shake hands, but good looks and a few shared interests weren’t enough for me anymore. I wanted the fairy tale. The happily ever after. It’s hard when you’re painfully lonely, especially in the arms of the one you’re supposed to love.

“Fellow constituents,” Harry went on, “I know, with your help, we can make a difference in Washington and enhance the future for all in this great state of Alabama.”

Harry gestured to me. “Please say hello to my wife, attorney Blake O’Hara Heart. She will be an asset for you, as well.”

What? I couldn’t believe he could lie like that, knowing full well I would not be going to Washington with him. It struck me then how very different we were.

He pulled me forward and I waved as Harry continued to speak of our marriage and me. He was in full senator mode, not caring about anyone or anything but winning.

Sonny stood next to Bonita a few yards away, his hands in his pockets as he watched me, listening to Harry’s false laughter and small talk.

I hated this and with what I was feeling now, I was afraid I wouldn’t last in this role all the way to November. Sonny was precious to me. He fed my soul and it drove me crazy to hurt him. He was feeling it, too. I saw it in his eyes, even as he sent me a little grin. November felt like a lifetime away.

I went back to listening to Harry, then froze when I saw Dallas approach.

“So, Harry, tell me,” Dallas said with a slick smile. “If you win the senatorial election, will your devoted wife, Blake, be joining you in Washington?”

My heart just stopped. I did not like that woman. Have I said that already? Well, there, I said it again. Harry smiled nervously at me. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Sonny stiffen, wanting to protect me, yet unable to jump to my rescue. I felt butterflies—no, make that bats—take flight in the pit of my stomach.

Dallas’s smile grew broader as the seconds passed by in awkward silence. “Well, come on, you two. It’s really not a trick question.” She shoved the microphone closer.

Harry seemed exasperated, too. “I am sure when the time comes, my wife will make that decision. I look for her to be by my side, like she always has been.”

Dan gave him a nod of approval. Dallas just smirked.

“Really?” She turned the mic toward me. “Anything you’d like to add to your husband’s comment, Blake? I mean, you have your law practice here and, of course, your family and special friends.” Dallas batted her lashes. “I’m sure they’d be so tough to leave behind.”

Her look said she knew I was spending time with Sonny, and she’d do anything for a juicy scoop. I didn’t know how she’d found out about us, but I did know there’d be no more smooching on the porch. This shark was circling for the kill.

“I will always support Harry,” I said strongly, utilizing every bit of acting talent I could muster. “Thank you for your interest in my welfare.”

She stepped closer. “One more question—”

I shot a quick glance at Dan, and he immediately stepped over to interrupt Dallas.

“Thank you, Miss Dubois, fellow news media and future constituents. That will be all the questions for now as Mr. Heart has another engagement to attend.”

Dallas smirked again and sent me a warning look as if to say, You got away this time, but soon heads will roll.

I shuddered.

Smiling to hide my nerves, I kissed Harry on the cheek for show and walked back toward Bonita and Sonny. My cop never took his eyes off me as I approached. I wanted to cry on his shoulder. I wanted him to fold me in his arms and cuddle me to him. I wanted to grab his hand and run far away from all this madness.

But, of course, I couldn’t do any of those things.

Dallas and half the state of Alabama were watching me.

“Hey, you two,” I greeted both Sonny and Bonita. “Glad y’all could make it.”

I leaned in and hugged Bonita, then Sonny, measuring my every move as I felt Dallas’s eyes searing like lasers into my back.

“Hey, beautiful,” Sonny whispered to me.

Just hearing those words made me relax all over. He wasn’t the least bit upset. Relief allowed me to finally inhale a full breath. Sonny understood what I had to do, and he wasn’t gonna stand in my way.

I smiled gratefully.

Bonita greeted someone passing by, and Sonny bent closer to whisper, “I could eat you alive right this second.”

“Why, sir, if you’re hungry, there are refreshments available with the caterers. I’m rather starving myself.” I smiled and squeezed his hand before quickly letting go.

“I’m ’bout to pure ol’ dee die out here in this heat. I’m headin’ over for some lemonade,” Bonita said, dabbing her neck with a tissue from her purse.

Vivi walked toward us. I saw Kitty and Meridee over her shoulder with the mayor and Lewis. Now that Kitty was openly dating the mayor, she looked as giddy as a fifth-grader with her first crush.

Meridee was congratulating Lewis and looking like a politician herself, talking to the media and laughing. It was her radio station, too, after all, since she’d made such a huge investment in it. But she preferred to be the silent partner and let Lewis have all the spotlight. That was her way.

Meanwhile, Dallas became more persistent to get that quote from Vivi.

“Oh, my Lord, I cannot get that dung fly Dallas off me,” Vivi said. “She is the most paparazzi-fied reporter in history. And have you seen her skirt? My God, you can just about see all the way up to the promised land.”

Sonny reached over and hugged Vivi. “Congrats on the ground breaking. Y’all got quite a future ahead. This is a great day,” Sonny said. “And, Vivi, I don’t think I have ever seen you glowing like you are today.”

“That’s ’cause I’m sweatin’ my ass off, Sonny. Now, if I could just have you put a restrainin’ order on the Mouth of the South, the day would be perfect. Dallas is driving me crazy for a statement.”

“Then give her one,” I said.

“Yes, a good one,” Bonita added as she rejoined the group with her sweet cold lemonade. “A shocker that’ll shut her up.”

Just then we saw Dallas heading our way, tiptoeing on the dirt with her stick-thin stilettos.

“Here we go again,” Vivi said. “While I do love all this attention, something about that woman’s attitude just rubs me wrong. I’d rather talk to a rattlesnake.”

“Vivi,” Dallas snapped, coming up beside us. “Are you ready to make a remark regarding today’s dedication yet? It is hot as hell out here and I have to prepare for my newscast. I can’t wait all day.”

“Why, Dallas,” Vivi cooed, in a falsely sweet voice, “I would be happy to give you a statement. I am just so proud of Lewis Heart and everything he has done for the city of Tuscaloosa that I could strip him naked and ride him like a bull, right this second.” Vivi smiled innocently. “How’s that, sugar? Will that work for you?”

All of us broke out in embarrassed shocked laughter.

“Oh, crap, I didn’t have my mic on,” Dallas said. She thrust the newly powered up mic into Vivi’s face. “Can you say that again?”

“Of course, sweetie. Anything for you. I love my Lewis and I am extremely proud of him.” She stopped and smiled.

“That’s not quite what you said before,” Dallas insisted. “Could we try that again?” She repositioned the mic under Vivi’s nose.

Vivi shook her head. “Sorry. Gotta go see my man now. He’s busy saving the day and I wanna be with him. Bye, y’all.” She winked at me and took off toward Lewis.