“Oh, it was just a case of misunderstanding,” Hallie said, “Someone misinformed Perry about some prize cows being available for viewing here.I wonder if they got it mixed up with Bob’s prize chickens.”
She looked over at Terry, waiting to see if she would try to argue, but only got a sour smirk from her.Evidently, Terry wasn’t ready to announce to everyone that Luke was a prince, not without the fanfare of a news team.
The older family members relaxed as they returned to their dinner.After the meal was over, Luke came over to Hallie and walked alongside her as she headed back to her bedroom.
“Thanks for that,” he said.“I guess that reporter was probably there because of me?”
“I didn’t do it for you,” she said with a tired sigh.After the private humiliation of his kissing Terry, she didn’t much feel like being publicly humiliated by appearing in a music video.However, it was better than having Luke outed as a prince in front of the entire family.She would never hear the end of it.
“Well, thanks anyway.”He smiled with a warmth that reminded her of their fun times together.“Can I talk to you, alone?”
Chapter 74: Misunderstandings and Delusions
“If you want to furtherapologize, save it,” Hallie said.“Do you have anything new to say?”
“Yeah, I do!”Luke replied.
“Okay, let’s go in my room,” she offered coldly, somewhat convinced by his prompt reply.“So, what is it?”
She stood facing him, not offering him a seat so he wouldn’t get too comfortable.
“I just hoped we could start talking again.Sorry if my being here was too sudden.”
“I thought we said no apologies!”Hallie cried.“And what on earth gave you the idea that we could start talking again?”
He winced but rallied himself in his usual way, probably hoping his charm would carry him through.“It’s just that you said...”
“What did I say?”
“You know, you said there was a chance for reconciliation, and that you needed time.”
Hallie was not only angry but also confused.“When did I say that?”
“Just this past week,” he replied, also looking confused as his handsome face evinced a slight frown.“Ms.Simmons told me...wait a minute!”
Hallie rubbed a palm over her face.“I should have known!Ms.Simmons is just as bad as Miss Santer, only she’s nicer and has the exact opposite objective.”