Page 74 of An Improper Deal (Elliot & Annabelle 1)
“Nobody likes her, except for Dad…maybe. She’s probably younger than you,” Elliot says. “Just wait. She could make a brick look smart.”
I don’t have to wait for more than a few minutes before Elliot’s father, Julian Reed, and his wife Tiffany show up. He isn’t that tall, but he radiates a vibrant energy that makes him appear bigger than he really is. And the bespoke suit he wears gives him an air of authority and power. His golden hair is cut conservatively and expensively—finally explaining where Elizabeth got her coloring. His dark brown eyes take me in, and a small frown mars his otherwise smooth forehead. “You’re Annabelle Key?” he asks.
“Gigi,” Elliot corrects.
I stiffen.
“And now Reed,” he adds.
“Right.” Julian nods, but his sharp gaze assesses me, scraping my nerve endings like sandpaper. Unease chills my belly. Abruptly, he gestures at the woman next to him. “My wife, Tiffany.?
??
“Hi,” the brunette says breathily.
She’s gorgeous, the kind of woman that you see in beauty magazines. Her curls frame a doll-like face, and she’s generous with her smiles. Unfortunately her eyes seem to be a bit blank. The fitted red dress displays all her assets so that everyone can see exactly what snagged a rich, older husband. Her manicured fingers flex around a Fendi clutch that matches her dress. The sparkling gems around her neck say she’s being kept in style.
“I’m so happy you invited me! We’re going to get along so well,” she says. “And I love the dress. You really look pretty. And the ring! Let me see!” She snags my hand without waiting. “Oh wow. It’s so big. Is he going to get you a matching necklace and bracelet? No? You should ask. Men can be so obtuse about stuff like that. Diamonds are really better in sets. It’s amazing. I always wanted a cute daughter-in-law I could go shopping with.” She hooks her arm around mine. “Just don’t have any babies, okay? I’m way too young to be a grandma!”
I sputter. “I…we, ah, aren’t thinking of getting pregnant at the moment.” Or ever.
“That’s really smart. Nothing ruins your figure like a baby. Just imagine. Your belly will never be tight after it gets stretched out like that. A body isn’t like spandex, you know? Ryder’s wife is going to have a baby soon. Can you imagine? She’s already so…well, big, to put it kindly. She’ll never lose that weight if she has the baby now. And then what? It isn’t like men stay with women who blow up just because they have children together.”
Oh my god. I look around for a way to escape from the monologue. I catch Elizabeth’s eyes, and she shakes her head and mouths, I’m so sorry.
“Would you like some wine?” I offer.
“Do I see a punch bowl over there? I think I want that. Did you make it?”
“Yes! It’s a special recipe I have.”
“Great. Then I’d love some.”
I serve her a glass and then, while she’s busy juggling the clutch and the punch, make my escape.
“When is Ryder Reed showing up?” Nonny hisses, grabbing my wrist when I pass by.
“I don’t know. Elizabeth says he’s going to be late, but Elliot seems confident he’s going to show. Don’t worry.” I look at the drink table. Tiffany’s gone. “Why don’t you have some punch while you’re waiting. I’m sorry it’s not your kind of event, but—”
“It’s okay.” She beams. “I’m going to meet Ryder Reed! You’re the best.” She wraps her arms around my waist.
An unexpected lump forms in my throat. “For what?” I croak.
“For all this. It’s so awesome.”
I hug her back. “It’s my pleasure, Nonny.”
The reception is nothing like I imagined. Everyone’s so stiff. Well, that isn’t really true. Everyone was okay until Julian and his wife showed up. Not that I can blame Elizabeth, Blake or Elliot. I don’t know how I’d react if my dad appeared with a new wife younger than me.
I scowl as Tiffany puts her hand on Nonny’s shoulder and talks even though my sister stands stiffly. Either the woman’s clueless or maybe she doesn’t care. I don’t know which. Julian ignores everyone around him and nurses his scotch. His head is tilted, and he looks at me speculatively now and again. Maybe he’s heard about my dad and is wondering what his son is doing with someone like me. Does he know Elliot first met me in a strip club? Does that even matter, given how little attention he’s paying to his children? He hasn’t said hello to anyone except Elizabeth.
Nonny finally manages to extricate herself from Tiffany’s clutches and goes for her third punch, then sits with Elizabeth. I check with the chef and the staff to make sure everything’s all right. Except for the awkwardness of the guests, things are going okay. I don’t want anyone to find fault with what I’ve done.
After enough mingling and pre-meal drinks, it’s time for dinner. I hired a chef per Elliot’s recommendation, and thankfully the robust Italian man has taken care of everything.
Just as we’re moving to the dining table, the doorbell rings, and Ryder Reed walks in with his wife. I’ve seen the couple’s pictures on the Internet.
He is just as gorgeous as in the photos and movies. Actually I think he’s better looking in person. A big grin splits his stunning face framed by dark hair. His skin is tanned, but not overly so, and he’s in khaki shorts and a casual blue polo shirt that brings out his eyes. His blond wife is in a purple dress with an empire waist.
