Читать книгу Catch My Breath - Lynn Montagano - Страница 8

“You know, I found out some interesting things about Alastair while you were busy on your mysterious date,” Stephanie glanced at me. We were sitting on the train heading down to Gretna Green. The Scottish countryside flew by in a blur of green and brown. I’d been quiet most of the trip, lost in my thoughts. Damn her for piquing my curiosity.

“And?”

She grinned. “He’s thirty-one, single and filthy rich. His grandfather is Samuel Holden, owner and CEO of Holden World Media. It’s a huge, billion-dollar corporation; TV, broadband, cell phones and music. Alastair is the chief financial officer and heir to the whole thing. You certainly have a way of attracting the high rollers.”

I cringed, feeling nauseous. Why does the universe have such a twisted sense of humor? Guys like that are trouble. They’re controlling, jealous and possessive. I just had an explosive break-up with one of them a couple of months ago. I refused to put myself through that again. But Alastair was…different? I wanted him to be.

“Sounds familiar,” I sighed.

“Oh my gosh. Alastair is nothing like Nathan. He has manners. I’m willing to bet he’d treat you like a princess.”

“It started like this with Nathan, too. Remember? He was all charming and fun, then wham! I couldn’t even make eye contact with another guy if he was in the same room.” I swallowed hard. “He broke me. I didn’t see it coming, but it happened. When I realized it, I was in too deep and…”

I stared at the floor, annoyed. Even now, he still had control over me. Bastard.

“Give Alastair the benefit of the doubt,” Stephanie said softly.

“We’ll see what happens next weekend at the cocktail party. Why is it you two were discussing him?” Stephanie and Darren engaged in more gossip-based conversations than anyone else on the planet. It was an obsession with them.

“Because you won’t. And because Darren knows him. He also overhears stuff from the girls in the office. They’re all enamored with him. Remember that blonde from the benefit? Sarah? Apparently, she’s been trying to get in Alastair’s pants for years.”

Jealousy cut through me like a hot blade. I had zero right to feel this way. He wasn’t mine or anything but the thought of him even flirting with another woman made my skin crawl. I slumped into my seat, looking out the window. I still had to reconcile what happened yesterday. Now that I was away from his magnetic sphere, I could think rationally. I shouldn’t have succumbed so readily to his seductive charms.

I stared out as green field after green field sped by alongside the train. I needed to quiet my mind and stop obsessing over this. My sister was getting married in a few days. That’s where my focus ought to be.

When we finally arrived in Gretna Green, we were greeted by a very excited bride-to-be. Seeing my little sister was always a treat. I missed her terribly.

“Did you guys have fun exploring Glasgow this weekend?” Dayna asked as we piled into the cab.

“Your sister did,” Stephanie volunteered. I glared at her.

Dayna fixed a curious stare on me. “What does she mean, Lia?”

“Nothing,” I said firmly. My sister’s eyes widened, but she didn’t press the issue.

“By the way, mom is on the rampage. She’s not real big on the wedding planner they have on staff at the castle. When I left to meet you guys, they were arguing over how the napkins should be folded.”

I burst out laughing. “If I ever get married, I’m eloping.”

“You will not.” She playfully chided me. “Any imperfections that mom notices at my wedding will get totally micromanaged for yours.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of,” I snorted. The cab came to a rolling stop in front of Auchen Castle. Despite the gloomy gray skies, it was like entering a fairytale. When we walked in to the main foyer, I immediately saw our mother talking with the wedding planner.

“My girls,” Lillian Meyers exclaimed, hugging both of us. “Excuse me for a second.” She strutted back to a short, stout woman holding cloth napkins.

“Celeste, we can’t have these folded like that. People won’t be able to see the silverware.”

Dayna and I exchanged amused glances. Our mother was in her element. She loved planning a huge event. Spouting off orders to people was her other great love.

“Ah, the yin and the yang are here.” Our dad hugged us and grinned. He’d nicknamed us that when we were kids.

“Dad, are you going to call us that forever?” Dayna scrunched up her nose.

“Yes, blondie, I am.” He ruffled her hair, eliciting a squeal of displeasure from my sister.

“Joe, stop teasing her,” my mother scolded.

Living in Florida kept me away from my family for most of the year. Dayna only saw us at Christmas, so it was rare that the entire Meyers clan was in one place at the same time. Being scattered around the world seemed to work for us though.

* * *

The days and hours flew by as the wedding grew closer and closer. Guests arrived on Wednesday, and by Thursday there was a palpable excitement in the air. I was arranging the seating cards in alphabetical order, lost in thought.

“How’s work going Lia? Is it too stressful?”

I looked up from the letter Ks and smiled at my mom.

“It’s good. Television people are television people.”

“Too bad we can’t see the program at home. It’s no fun bragging about your big shot producer daughter with nothing to show for it.”

I could practically taste the sourness in her voice. She loved to brag about me and Dayna to her circle of friends. The ladies she chose to spend her time with all had doctors, lawyers and business magnates as offspring. We were the lone creative types. With Dayna writing for a food magazine in London, my mother never failed to remind me how much easier it was to show the women back home her articles, than explain my broadcasts.

“It’s regular, local news. No more intriguing than what you watch in Darien. Google the station. We stream the news live every night.”

Her aquamarine eyes narrowed at the mention of watching something online. She looked just like an older version of my sister when she did that.

“I know you don’t like watching TV online, but it’s all the rage. If it’ll make you feel better, I’ll put something together and send it to you guys. I’m sure Dad would like to see it too.”

“Your father would love it,” she beamed. “How have you been doing since breaking up with Nathan?”

It only took her four days to ask, I thought, trying to smooth out my annoyance at the mere mention of his name. “Fine.”

“Lia, you’re trembling,” she said softly. “It’s okay to still be upset.”

I clenched my fists so tightly that my nails left little half moons in my palms. Anger boiled through my veins.

“I’m not upset,” I glowered, snatching another name card. “He’s not someone I want to talk about at the wedding, if you don’t mind.”

Thankfully, my dad chose that exact moment to interrupt our conversation. “Hey, kiddo,” he smiled at me. “Mind if I steal your mom for a bit?”

Salvation. He always knew when to diffuse a tense situation between me and my mother. He draped an arm around her shoulder and led her toward the hall. I finished with the cards and spent the rest of the night curled up in my castle hotel room.

* * *

A frigid wind swept through the courtyard on Friday afternoon. It rustled the trees and sent leaves swirling. We crowded close together by a fountain, dresses fluttering about and well-sprayed hair-dos fighting against the breeze. Dayna's sparkling cathedral veil slapped me in the face just as the photographer snapped a picture.

"Stay still ladies. Don't move….and smile," he directed.

I huddled in close to my sister, trying valiantly to keep a happy, relaxed smile plastered on my frozen face. Why she had to pick Scotland in April to get married mystified me. Castle staff members brought out a few platters of food for us to snack on, but it was difficult shoving bacon wrapped scallops in one's mouth while attempting a pretty smile at the same time.

The photographer dismissed the bridesmaids and groomsmen, but kept Dayna and her new husband, Andrew, for some couples shots. I trotted over to a plate lined with delicate rolls of raspberry and brie wrapped in filo pastry.

"Aren't those tasty?" my mother asked as she popped one in her mouth as well.

I managed a semi-enthusiastic nod while reaching for another roll.

"Your father and I can't wait to sit down and enjoy dinner. I had no idea being mother-of-the-bride was so exhausting!"

I grinned and watched the photographer finish up with the newlyweds. Dayna looked stunning in her ivory gown and Andrew was handsome in his tuxedo. Dayna squealed in delight, or shock, as Andrew scooped her off her feet. Her veil caught the breeze that was still blowing through the courtyard and soared over their heads, the crystals sparkling in the sunlight.

"Let's get this party started," Andrew Riley bellowed, carrying the new Mrs. Riley toward the reception hall.

Soft light glittered through the crystal chandeliers in the castle's main reception hall. The space was warm and inviting, with half a dozen decorated tables spread throughout. Dayna and Andrew had purposely kept the wedding numbers low, based on the distance guests would have to travel. Only immediate family and a handful of their closest friends were there, making the affair cozy and intimate.

Smiling guests filled the room. A low hum of conversation mixed with soft music. Some of Andrew's friends gathered around their newly betrothed mate, singing and chanting some soccer songs but changing the words for the occasion.

"These Brits and their soccer,” Stephanie remarked, resting her arm on my shoulder.

“Yeah. Dayna told me he drags her to at least one game a month. I told her she should bring a magazine and read.”

We laughed as Andrew sang along with his friends.

"By the way,” Stephanie grinned. "You are a vision in sage, my friend.”

The sage chiffon flowed effortlessly around my legs as I swished the gown back and forth. “The color doesn't look as dreadful on as I thought it would. Thank goodness."

After the main courses were enjoyed and dessert served, the DJ let loose and we partied the night away. My mom and dad danced to song after song. Stephanie managed to pair off with one of Andrew's friends. They sat huddled at a table by one of the massive picture windows. Her peals of laughter floated over the music.

Before the reception ended, all of us made our way to the back terrace for one final surprise for the bride and groom. Once everyone gathered outside, the night sky lit up with a dazzling display of fireworks. Glasses of champagne were raised and the bride and groom were toasted, as brilliant colors burst across the sky, illuminating the castle.

I stayed out on the terrace after everyone went back inside. Stars shimmered and glittered their way through thin tendrils of clouds in the night sky. A soft breeze tickled my skin. This was the closest I’d been to experiencing pure serenity in months. I wanted to bottle up this moment of peace and solitude forever.

“What are you doing out here all by yourself?”

I turned, surprised to see my sister.

“Admiring the view.”

“What view? It’s pitch black out here.” Dayna gathered up her dress and stood next to me.

“I was looking at the stars. I don’t get to see them much in Orlando with all the light pollution.”

“I know what you mean. We don’t see them in London either.” She flicked a strand of my hair behind my shoulder.

“Why aren’t you inside mingling with everyone?”

“They won’t mind if I’m spending quality time with my big sister,” she grinned.

“I know that look. What do you want?”

She sighed. “We haven’t really talked since the break up. Is he still harassing you?”

The one person I could never lie to was Dayna. Sure, Stephanie could read me like a book, but Dayna knew what was on the page before it was written.

“Not anymore. Well, not since I moved. There’s a guard stationed at the entrance gate, so he couldn’t get in even if he tried. Plus, I have an alarm in my apartment.”

“How about the texting and calling?”

“That cooled off last week.”

“Are you sure he still doesn’t have someone tailing you? He’s a sneaky fucker.”

I had to smile at Dayna’s pissed off expression. It clashed so fiercely with her sparkly veil and wedding gown.

“You look like a demented bride with that grimace,” I giggled.

“Lia, come on. I’m serious.”

I leaned my head back, inhaling the crisp, fresh air. “There’s nobody tailing me. There’s no more harassing. I don’t know what it means, but hopefully he got bored and moved on. Although, I wouldn’t wish him on any girl.”

“Guys like that think they own the world just because their bank accounts are bigger than their dicks. He’ll find some willing gold-digger to boss around and tell what to wear and who to talk to. I’m just glad you finally saw him for who he really is.”

We both turned our heads to see where the blast of music was coming from. Andrew had opened one of the French doors, waving to us.

“There you are. You coming back inside?”

“In a minute,” Dayna answered. Her new husband nodded and closed the door.

“Go back to your reception. I’ll hang out here a bit longer.”

Bright blue eyes lingered on my face long enough to make me squirm. I really wish everyone would stop fussing over me.

“I know we’re an ocean and a time zone apart, but if you need anything, anything, you call me, okay?”

“Dayna—“

“Just because you’re my big sister doesn’t mean I don’t worry about you. We Meyers girls have to stick together.”

“Yeah, I know. Thanks, Cinnamon.”

“Ugh, you and Dad with the nicknames,” she groaned. “Don’t ever use it in front of Andy. I’ll never hear the end of it.”

“I make no promises.” I smirked.

Dayna pulled me into a suffocating hug before returning to the reception.

* * *

I sat quietly on the cushy bed in my room, flipping through a magazine. The reception ended a couple of hours ago but people were still laughing and walking through the hallway. My sage dress rested on a chair by the window with the pair of sparkling heels next to it on the floor. I have to pack at some point. Now is not the time.

Leaning back against the pillows, I stretched my legs, wiggling my French manicured toes. Letting out a big sigh, I grabbed the magazine again. Nothing was coming into focus on the pages. It was all jumbled words and blurry images. According to my cell phone it was barely one in the morning. I idly wondered what Alastair was doing.

A stupid smile attacked my lips. Really? I thought back to what Stephanie said about my ‘needing’ this. She might be right but I wasn’t ready to jump into something physical with anyone. Although, it could be fun. He is awfully sexy.

The door swung open, smacking against the wall. "Jesus, Stephanie. You just about gave me a freaking heart attack."

"Relax. I didn't do anything. These doors are so old and heavy, I had to push really hard.” Stephanie kicked off her heels and flopped on the bed. "What were you thinking about so intently that I scared you so badly?"

I sighed, annoyed. "Nothing."

“Liar. You’re thinking about your guy.”

“He’s not my guy.”

“Are you nervous about seeing him tomorrow?”

“No.”

“Oh my God,” she snorted. Stephanie knew. Stephanie always knew when I tried to hide my feelings. Sometimes, being her best friend was a curse as much as it was a blessing. “Did I tell you Darren’s company is hiring a graphic designer? He says I should apply.”

“That’s exciting. Isn’t that your dream job?”

“Yeah, but I thought I’d be doing it in Orlando.”

“You have to go where the opportunity takes you. Otherwise, you’ll be cutting hair for the rest of your life.”

Stephanie rolled her eyes. “I don’t know.”

“Apply. What’s the worst that can happen?”

“You know if I do, Darren will make certain I get hired,” she fretted, her face turning white.

“And that’s a bad thing?”

“Well,” she shrugged. “Not really. I mean, I have a built-in friend and stuff, but … I don’t know.”

“Do it. Darren wouldn’t suggest it if he thought you weren’t up for the challenge.”

Stephanie’s ice blue eyes lit up. I knew she couldn’t back down from anything that remotely resembled a challenge.

“Maybe I will, Amelia Grace. That way, you can move here with me and go on fabulous dates with one Alastair Holden.” She started digging through her purse. "What time are we getting up tomorrow? Will I have time to pack after breakfast, or should I do it now? I want to get to Glasgow at a decent hour. Darren's expecting us by mid-afternoon."

"There’ll be time to pack in the morning. We'll catch the one o'clock train and be back in Glasgow by three. No worries."

"Perfect. I'll see you at breakfast. Sleep well.”

Stephanie bounded out of the room as exuberantly as she entered. I leaned my head back a little too abruptly, hitting the headboard.

“Honestly,” I grumbled, grabbing for my phone to set the alarm. It beeped the second I touched it.

1:06am I hope you had a cracking time at the wedding. I’ll meet you at 8 tomorrow night. Wear something sexy.

1:07am Don’t push your luck, Holden.

1:10am Fair enough. Good night, Amelia

1:11am Good night

I set the alarm and tossed the phone on the nightstand. Curling up under the blankets, I let my mind run a bit, thinking about what was in store for tomorrow night.

Sleep? Not possible.