Page 41 of Convincing Him
“Then you’ll be nearly bankrupting yourself,” warned Hudson.
“I know,” Britney was impassive. “It is my decision Rex.”
Ignoring Hudson’s protests, Britney hung up the phone. Sitting perfectly still, she wondered if she could go back to the day when she had met Gabe Ramesly and undo what had happened. Instead of letting him rescue her, she should have rescued herself. If she could, Britney would have saved herself a lifetime of heartache.
“Britney, the meeting is about to start,” Tara poked her head in the office.
“Meeting?” she echoed. Britney couldn’t remember any meeting scheduled for today. Then again, she could barely remember what else she was supposed to do today. Her brain was still focused on how she was going to get through life without Gabe. How she was going to endure.
“You know, the meeting,” Tara motioned impatiently. “Let’s go. We’re late and I have still got to pick up the paperwork. Our client isn’t going to be overly impressed with us.”
Automatically Britney got up from her chair, following Tara. “Please tell me you are going to take the lead on this one? I’m not feeling up to it.”
Tara waived a hand dismissively. “I have got it. I totally understand you are focused on the wedding and Gabe.”
Britney had a short unamused laugh causing Tara to give her a confused look. Sobering, Britney noticed they weren’t headed for the conference rooms. “Where are we going?”
“Surprise!” employees happily exclaimed. The cafeteria was ensconced with streamers, balloons, and a banner which read ‘Congratulations Britney’. A large cake and gift bag sat on a nearby table.
“Welcome to your wedding shower,” Tara told her happily. “We all chipped in for something and signed the card.”
With a choking breath, Britney burst into tears and the applause died down as everyone stared at her in shock.
“Those are not happy tears,” observed Tara with concern. She wrapped an arm around Britney. “Everyone eat cake while Brit and I have a talk.”
Leading Britney out of the room, Tara brought her to an office. “Have a seat and tell me what’s going on.”
“I’m not getting married,” Britney took the box of tissues Tara offered, pulling one out and wiping her eyes as the tears poured out. “I’m not going to marry Gabe.”
“Honey, you love Gabe. He’s finally popped the question and you were over the moon,” frowned Tara. “What happened?”
“We’re both such hypocrites,” Britney found herself spilling everything. She told Tara about James’ betrayal to Erwin and the unwitting revelation from Parker. “He’ll never love me. We’re both just using each other. Our marriage would be a sham, miserable for both of us. I don’t want that for him.”
“He’s miserable?” Tara ground her teeth. “He has a habit of making you miserable!”
“Well I’m done,” Britney blew her nose and grabbed a clean tissue. “I’m not going to marry him.”
Tara eyed her. “There is more to it.”
“I’m going to give him his inheritance,” stated Britney quietly. “I’m going to buy Ramesly stock and gift it over to Gabe. Then he can marry whoever he wants rather than being stuck with me.”
“He doesn’t deserve it, Brit,” she said stoutly.
“Maybe not,” Britney shrugged morosely. “I can’t make him love me and I have to stop trying to find validation in him. The only thing I can do is free him to fall in love with whoever he wants. Then maybe he’ll be happy.”
Tara shook her head in disbelief at Britney’s generosity. With a sigh, she hugged her friend, rubbing Britney’s back. “I’ll cancel the bachelorette party tonight.”
“Thank you,” whispered Britney. “I’ll have to return all the stuff I bought for the wedding. Plus, the gifts which have already arrived should be sent back.”
“I’ll help you,” Tara told her. She hesitated before asking, “What about a baby?”
Britney’s voice was thick as fresh tears came. “I’m going to schedule the surgery. There is no point in waiting.”
“I’m so sorry Brit,” murmured Tara.
“Me too,” Britney sniffled as she leaned against her friend.
Monday, five days before the wedding.
