Page 50 of Conflict
I watch in silence as she smooths out the skirt of her dress, places her purse over her shoulder, and heads for the door. I follow her into the elevator and straight out of the hotel to her car. Ariana glances into the back seat, and she smiles a genuine, relieved smile. When I see two suitcases there, I have a feeling I know what she’s doing.
“Where will you go?” I ask.
Ariana’s eyes meet mine, and I realize that it doesn’t freaking matter where she goes as long as it’s far from here. “Anywhere.” She shrugs. “Somewhere far away from Atlanta where our parents—and probably his—can’t try and talk me into marrying him. I just need to get away. Regroup. I know I shouldn’t ask this of you, but can you cover for me? You know how William and Victoria have been waiting for this day to come, and now, it’s just going to be one more disappointment for them.”
If I weren’t so happy for her, I’d roll my eyes. This might be the first time in her life she’ll will do anything even resembling disappointment.
The devil on my shoulder is rubbing her hands together with maniacal glee. Oh, I’ll handle this, all right.
I place a hand on her shoulder and give her a reassuring squeeze. “You got it, sis. I’ll handle everything from here. Just promise to call me when you get where you’re going.” I bring my forehead to hers and look into her eyes. “And for the record, I’ve always thought you were too good for him. I’m glad you see that now, too. I love you.”
Tears well in Ari’s eyes as she musters a smile. “I love you, too. And I appreciate it, Lyssa. I’ll call as soon as I get settled.”
Just as Ariana’s peeling out of the parking lot, Benjamin, with his father hot on his heels, runs out of the hotel, yelling after her.
“Sorry, Benny,” Ariana yells out of her open window. “Looks like you’ll have to find another trophy wife.”
And just like that, my sister’s gone.
