Forbidden Attraction (Forbidden Trilogy) (27 page)

“Hey, Jor.” My attempt to hide my agitation fails.

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah. Just getting calls again from the sick fucker who like to breathe heavily into the phone.” I can feel myself beginning to calm down now that I have my bestie on the line.

“I worry about all these anonymous calls your getting ... be careful. I was calling to let you know I’m going to spend the night at Bailey’s. We’re going to get up early to do the final prep for the party.”

“Okay, have fun. You’ll be happy to hear I made a whole loaf of bergamot grapefruit soap just for you.”

“You are the best,” she squeals. “You’re welcome to join our sleepover if you’d like.”

“No thanks. I’m sleeping in my bed.”

“I didn’t think you would say yes, but I had to try. Call me when you get up tomorrow so I know when you’re heading this way.” I never agreed to attend, but I guess I will as long as Grayson and Vanessa are not in attendance.

“See you tomorrow, chica. I’m going to bed now.”

I decide to call my mom before I go to bed. I haven’t talk with her since Thanksgiving break. She answers on the third ring.

“Hey, baby. What do I owe the pleasure?”

“Hey, Mom. Just wanted to hear your voice. I wasn’t sure you’d still be awake.” It should be midnight her time since Houston is two hours ahead.

“Yeah. I was just doing a little reading before I turn in. I have to work in the morning.” She likes reading Lee Child mystery novels while I like romance novels. Ironic I know, seeing as though love has proven to be a myth. It’s fun to fantasize though. I’ll take a book boyfriend any day.

“Well, I won’t keep you from your latest mystery. I just wanted to let you know we should be leaving here around ten o’clock Monday morning. We should get into Houston by Wednesday. We will get a room Tuesday to take a driving break.”

“You girls be safe. Call me once you’re on the road.”

“Okay, Mom. Talk to you soon. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

Slumber overtakes me and I welcome it. I’m that much closer to the only love that exists—familial love.

I HAVE THE opportunity to sleep in again and I’m enjoying it while I can. Once I get home, I’m sure my mom will have plenty for me to do. I may even start running again. It helps clear my mind. It’s only been a week since Grayson shattered my heart, but my coping is Oscar worthy. It’s just before noon by the time I bathe and pull out clothes to wear to this shindig. Given Bailey’s circle of friends, I know I need to dress to impress—somewhat. I decide on a white sleeveless top, brown shorts and orange pumps. I finish the look with a light pink Coach purse and a pink cocktail ring. I look very sophisticated. Jordan is going to be so proud, even though some of these items are from her closet. I make myself a bagel while I wait on my coffee. I hope they have something to munch on. This bagel is not going to go very far.

I grab my phone to call Jordan. “Hey. Are you just getting up?”

“No. I’m actually up, dressed, and ready to head out the door.” I cross my fingers before I continue. “Those two aren’t there are they?”

“Nope. You’re in the clear.”

“Did you guys put food out? I’m starving and all I have is this bagel.”

“We have food and alcohol silly. Just get your ass here.” I hear music and giggling in the background.

“See you in a bit.”

I stop by the nearest liquor store to buy a bottle of Patron for a housewarming present. It’s not much compared to the fancy stuff Bailey has, but she knows I don’t have the same budget. It’s the thought that counts. It begins to drizzle and I quickly make my way back to my car. I don’t want to look like a drowned rat by the time I make it to the party. These heels are definitely not made for running, but I make them work. Finally, I’m heading to Bailey’s. I’ll stay for a few hours to be polite and then get the hell away from there to avoid running into Vanessa or Grayson or worse yet, both.

I arrive at the Carlyle Residences around two. I’m aware Vanessa resides in this building as well, two floors apart from Bailey. As I valet my car, I’m on constant lookout for her. I don’t want to see the smug look of satisfaction on her stupid face. She correctly predicted the brevity of our arrangement. It didn’t even take two weeks for her to prove my insignificance. In truth, she wins and I hate her.

Stepping out of the elevator on the nineteenth floor, I brace myself and put on my happy face. Bailey meets me in the foyer and gives me a hug.

“Shiv! I’m so glad you made it.” She pulls me into her condo. “Wait until you see how this place has transformed.”

I hand her the Patron and take in the contemporary furnishings in neutral beiges and browns. There are splashes of color from accent pillows and the wall art, resulting in overall modern sophistication. “This place is an absolute dream, Bailey. Your decor choice makes this place even more extravagant.” Whenever we viewed this unit before her purchase, it was hard to visualize the space decorated since the rooms are so open. She’s decorated well and I definitely see some of Jordan’s influence.

“Thank you. I’m glad you like it. Let me give you the tour.” The condo has two bedrooms, two and a half baths, and a den. Each room is just as beautiful as the last. The color scheme flows throughout each room with just enough pizzazz to give each room its own personality. Jordan finds us while we’re looking at all the fabulous features in the kitchen.

“Shiv, when did you get here?”

“Maybe fifteen minutes ago. Bailey was giving me the tour.” I pour myself a glass of merlot, opting for a break from my usual choice of white wine.

“I must have been out on the balcony,” she surmises.

“Maybe so. This place is spectacular. You both did a great job with the decor.”

“I can’t take that much credit. Bailey has a really good eye for what needs to occupy certain spaces. I envy her. I wish I had this place,” Jordan jokes. Although her family is just as wealthy and spoils her to some extent, they also ensure she is grounded. She has to maintain good grades in exchange for the condo they’re providing and it’s nowhere near the grandness of this place.

“I have a second bedroom if you girls ever want to sleep over.”

“Forget sleepover, we’re moving in. Right, Shiv?” I nod in agreement and we laugh at the absurdness of it. I pour myself another glass of wine before we leave the kitchen to mingle with the other guests. We’re having a good time until a buzzer announces the arrival of another guest. My hand tightens around the stem of my wine glass, my heart rate quickens, and a lump in my throat suppresses my air exchange. Please don’t let it be either of the two people I’m so desperately avoiding. Bailey opens the door and holy shit. It’s my worst nightmare realized—it’s both Vanessa and Grayson. And they’re arriving together. I gulp the rest of the wine and race to the kitchen for glass number three. Shit, I need the whole bottle. I’m trapped. I can’t run out of here now like a coward.

Vanessa’s eyes land on me first and, as suspected, she gives me a smile so false I just want to slap the hell out of her. Grayson’s eyes follow hers and he’s not as amused. He nods some sort of greeting and I give a timid wave. I summon my mask of indifference, determined to survive in their presence for thirty minutes. Just thirty minutes and I can ease out with some lame excuse without being a total loser. Jordan joins me in the kitchen under the pretense of refilling her wine glass. She gives me a knowing look as she squeezes my shoulder.

“About time you guys showed up. I was beginning to think you weren’t going to show,” Bailey chastises.

“Blame your brother. I wore him out last night and then couldn’t get him out of my bed. He wanted to sleep the day away,” Vanessa says while eyeing me for my reaction. I’m proud I don’t give her any, but inside everything is crumbling. Grayson flinches at her recollection of their apparent rendezvous last night.

“Ew, Vanessa. TMI. We’re going to work on your oversharing. I don’t want to hear about the dirty deeds you do with my brother.” Bailey shakes her head in disgust while Vanessa throws her head back in laughter.

“Sorry. I just didn’t want you to blame me.” She wraps her arms around Grayson’s waist. Even though his back is to her, I can tell he’s uncomfortable with the overt display of affection.

The physical contact is more than I can take. Jordan reaches for my hand, but I pull away. Bailey is oblivious to Vanessa’s intentional twist of the knife already in my heart.
Fuck
. She has already won. How can a person be so cruel? I excuse myself and head to the bathroom. Jordan attempts to follow me, but I shake my head to discourage her. I don’t want to draw attention to how distraught I am.

Once in the bathroom, I lock the door. I don’t want any surprise visits from some unsuspecting guest or that bitch who would come in just to rub more salt in the wound she created. All the progress I made this week is shattered along with my resolve to remain strong. I turn on the faucet to drown out my sobbing. I slide down the door in defeat and let the tears fall. Grayson and I have shared many firsts and it made me feel special. Now I learned he shared a bed with Vanessa—something he admitted he only did with me. She has tainted what little was special about our pseudo relationship. I got him to relax some of his rules only for him to share his newfound openness with her. My chest heaves at the perceived betrayal.

There is a soft knock on the door. Shit did anyone hear me? “Shiv. Can I come in?”

Oh thank goodness, it’s Jordan. I unlock the door and let her in.

SHE TAKES ONE look at me and gasps. “Oh, hell no, Shiv. Babe. She doesn’t get to win. You had a fling. It ended. It was fun while it lasted. Don’t give her the power of feeling like she took him from you. He was never yours.” She turns me to face her. “He was a distraction. That’s it. And it worked. You are over Liam so now you can move on to someone better.” I appreciate Jordan’s pep talk, but the heart wants what it wants.

“Thanks, Jor, but it’s going to take time. It hurts to see them together. I need to go.” I wipe the tears from my eyes. Black mascara streaks the back of my hand. Crap, I look like a raccoon. I quickly wash my face, but it is useless. My puffy red eyes are a dead giveaway that I’ve been crying. I can’t go back to the party like this. “Can you bring me my purse? I’m going to leave now. Tell Bailey bye for me.”

“I can leave with you.”

“No. Stay here and help Bailey entertain. I don’t want to cause a scene.” Jordan looks hesitant, but finally agrees. I pull myself together while she’s getting my purse. When she comes back, she hugs me and tells me she’ll see me back at the condo in a couple hours. I’m almost out the front door when Bailey spots me.

“Are you leaving?” As she gets closer I can tell she notices my red nose and puffy eyes. “Are you okay?” This catches the attention of Grayson.
Shit.
Thank goodness Vanessa isn’t around.

“Yeah. I think I’m getting a migraine. I’m going to go before it gets worse,” I lie.

“Okay, feel better and be careful. The weather is nasty out there.” Grayson looks at me with sympathy, but he makes no move to come toward me.