By My Side, page 12
“I have to.”
She frowned. She couldn’t figure him out. He didn’t seem cruel, but this felt wrong. “Are you being paid or something?”
He straightened her glass desktop name plate and shook his head.
She licked her lips, curiosity making her mouth dry.
“What are you planning to do?”
He kept his gaze lowered. “Doesn’t matter if you’re not coming with me,” he said in a soft voice.
A voice so soft it was like the sensation of a breeze on a hot summer day—welcoming and inviting. She shouldn’t say yes. She should turn him down. She should tell him that in lieu of payment she’d pay for his dry cleaning for several months. She should keep this strictly professional.
But she wouldn’t.
“Fine. I’ll do it.”
He let his finger trail the length of her name plate. Although he still hadn’t lifted his gaze, she felt as if he was studying her, as if she had his full attention. It was both thrilling and unnerving. “Good.”
“What are you going to do?”
A brief sexy grin came and went. “Don’t worry, you won’t get hurt.”
“That’s not what—”
“Do you have a passport?”
Her eyes widened. “I’ll need a passport?”
He nodded then his eyes met hers. “And a dress fit for the beach.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Belize.
The luxurious beauty of the oceanfront suite which gave her a view of the Caribbean Sea and the large private pool almost made Alicia forget why she was there.
“You can take the master bedroom,” Trey said. He gestured to the living area. “I’ll stay here.”
Full kitchen, private balcony, pool and marble floors. This was nothing like what she was expecting. While her family had several holiday retreats, none were this extravagant.
Alicia chewed her lip caught between excitement and dread. “You cannot ruin a destination wedding.”
“I’m only ruining it for one person.”
“When is the wedding?”
“In two days. Relax, there’s nothing you need to do until then.”
“And then what do you want me to do?”
He sent her a quizzical look. “Be my date.”
“And that’s it?”
He nodded.
“Are you the best man?”
“No.”
“But what—”
“It’s best you don’t know. At least not yet. Just enjoy yourself.” He stripped off his shirt.
“What are you doing?” she asked trying not to sound like a prudish virgin.
“Getting ready for a swim.” He took off his trousers. “I promised myself that was going to be the first thing I did.”
She glanced at his red boxer briefs. “Those don’t look like swimming trunks.”
“Probably because they’re not.” He winked. “There’s a reason I request a private pool.”
“Are you going to swim naked?”
His dimple winked. “Do you want me to?”
Yes. “No. I mean…I wouldn’t stop you.”
Trey laughed and she felt her face burn. “That’s good to know.”
She turned away. She heard the sliding glass door open then the splash of water as he entered the pool. She didn’t mean to watch him.
She told herself she was just enjoying the view.
She couldn’t help if the view happened to include a man’s beautiful brown body slicing its way through the pool’s light blue waters, or the river of water sliding down his chest when he lifted himself out, droplets sparkling like diamonds in his black hair before he disappeared under the water again.
Alicia watched him so long she didn’t notice the sun setting, she forgot that she hadn’t unpacked, that she hadn’t taken a shower, that she hadn’t eaten anything. She watched him with a longing to join him, but also a desire to keep her distance. She would take this as a free vacation. She would enjoy the food and the accommodations—that was all.
He wouldn’t tell her what he planned to do and she told herself she no longer cared. He’d gotten her out of a jam—her father told Edwin he was proud, Edwin in thanks sent her a fruit basket with wine and Pauline had stayed away—and if this was the only favor he asked of her who was she to say no?
Trey came out of the water for the final time and Alicia watched him towel himself dry. Oh to be a towel rubbing up and down his legs, thighs, his arms and chest. He wrapped the towel around his shoulders and walked through the balcony door.
She pretended to stare at the horizon.
“If you don’t know how to swim,” he said, “I’m willing to teach you.”
“I know how to swim.”
“I hope you’ll join me next time.” He grabbed his bag and headed to the bathroom.
Alicia sank into the couch. She had to survive a couple days. She hoped she could at least manage that.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
“Trey!”
A white woman with luxurious brown hair and more chin than face embraced Trey in a bear hug before flashing a smile as wide as Niagara Falls.
Only hours prior, Alicia had tried to convince Trey that she didn’t need to be his date for the rehearsal dinner, especially knowing what he eventually planned to do, but he ignored all her protestations so she found herself wearing a green off-the-shoulder midi dress and matching sandals, standing beside him in the hotel lobby while a woman stared at him as if he’d fallen from the sky.
“I really didn’t think you’d come,” the woman said. She looked to be in her mid-fifties and had a ease with Trey that surprised her. Alicia never would have imagined anyone wanting to hug Trey with such exuberance, let alone that he would let them. From the quick peck on the cheek to the grin on his face, she could tell this woman was special to him and that made Alicia instantly like her too.
Trey shrugged. “Here I am.”
“I heard about you and Jacob. Is it true?”
“Hmm.”
“I just can’t believe that you’d—”
“What’s done is done.”
“Right. The past is gone. All that matters now is the present.” She looped her arm through his, taking the hint that he didn’t want to discuss the topic any further. “Come on.”
He gently removed her grip on him and said, “This is Alicia.”
The woman jumped, surprised. “You brought someone with you?”
Trey frowned. “The invitation said I could and I made sure to RSVP.”
“Yes, of course we… I mean… I didn’t think you’d actually do it.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Alicia said.
“Likewise. I’m sorry, I’m just so surprised to see Trey and he never brings a date to a family function...” She made a dismissive wave of her hand and gave a nervous laugh. “Well… never mind, change is good.”
“Hmm.” He nodded. “Excuse us.”
“When’s the ruining part coming?” Alicia asked as they headed to the restaurant.
“Soon.”
“Will I need short heels to run?”
“No, I’ll carry you if need be.”
“Wouldn’t that be even more awkward?”
“Awkward?”
“Yes, running while carrying me in your arms.”
“In my arms?” He shook his head. “No, I’d just throw you over my shoulder.”
“Of course you would,” she said in a sour tone. “Because you have the romantic streak of a gnat.”
“Gnats are romantic?”
“Shut up.”
“Trey?”
He stiffened at the sound of his name. When they turned they saw a beautiful, full figured young woman staring at him—her eyes wide, her face pale. She wore a red sundress, seeming to accent the highlights in her brunette hair. She took one step forward before she began to crumble to the floor.
Trey moved like the wind and grabbed her like a romantic hero Alicia had just claimed he wasn’t and held her so tenderly she was strangely jealous. This woman was also someone dear to him.
He took her to one of the lobby couches, whispered something Alicia couldn’t hear and the woman’s dark lashes prettily fluttered before she opened her eyes. She touched a hand to her head. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay,” Trey said in a voice so tender, Alicia could only stare at him. “Sorry I surprised you.”
“I never thought you’d come.”
“I said I would.”
“I thought you were being polite.”
“No.”
“You’ll really do this?”
“Yes.”
The woman bit her lip, tears glistened in her brown eyes. “I’m so scared. I don’t know if I can go through with it.”
“You can. I’ll be there with you. Does anyone else know?”
“I hinted at it to Mom, but I wasn’t sure you’d agree.”
“We can do this.” He squeezed her hand before he helped her to her feet. “But only if you still want me to.” He paused. “How was the wedding rehearsal?”
She lowered her gaze, looking miserable.
“Okay, then it’s settled. I’ll see you at the rehearsal dinner.”
“Right.”
He playfully tweaked her chin. “No more tears. Right, Alicia?”
“Uh, right,” Alicia said surprised he’d still remembered she was there.
The woman’s eyes widened. “You brought a date?”
Trey shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked on his heels, pleased. “She’s the reason I’m here.”
Before Alicia could ask him what he meant by that statement the woman enveloped her in a hug and said, “Thank you.”
“But I didn’t—”
“I’d better go,” she said. “I’m so glad you’re both here.” She hurried away.
“Who was that?”
“Lavinia. The bride.”
Alicia folded her arms. “Now can you tell me what you plan to do?”
“I plan to give her away at the ceremony.”
“Is that all? That sounds sweet.”
“I don’t think her father will think so.”
“Her father’s here?”
“Yes.”
“And she doesn’t want—”
“No.”
“Can I ask why?”
Trey’s tone turned hard. “When you meet him I think you’ll come to your own conclusions.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Attractive, intelligent, debonair. Those were the three descriptors that came to mind as Alicia’s observed Lavinia’s father at the restaurant. He had a sprinkling of silver in his black hair, dark brows and long lashes that Lavinia certainly had inherited. He remained cordial to the wait staff, had offered her a kind smile when introduced and kept the conversation flowing with his vast knowledge of economics, technology and gardening. Alicia couldn’t see why Lavinia didn’t want him to walk her down the aisle. Unless. She grabbed Trey’s sleeve and whispered into his ear. “Did he molest her as a child?”
“No.”
“Beat her?”
“No.”
“Then why?”
“Just wait.”
Alicia scowled at her shrimp and conch cervich. She picked up a fried corn tortilla, reveling in the loud crunch when she bit into it. She was getting tired of waiting. Everything was a puzzle with him. She didn’t see things the way he did. She still couldn’t understand why he’d humiliate himself and break up a friendship in order to save his friend so she doubted she’d see anything here either. The man was a mystery.
“Are you sure you should be eating that?” a deep voice said.
Alicia bit down hard on another tortilla. What was it with people? If you weren’t a size zero people felt they had the right to tell you what to eat—her mother loved to, frequently at that. Sure it was fried, pure carbs but she wanted to enjoy herself, she didn’t need anyone being the food police.
Alicia opened her mouth to tell Trey to mind his own business but when she looked at Trey the tortilla became lodged in her throat. His gaze had turned to steel and his jaw clenched—she felt as if the air in the room had lowered ten degrees, triggered by the controlled icy anger that radiated from him. That’s when she realized Trey hadn’t spoken. Lavinia’s father had and he hadn’t been talking to her.
“The wedding is tomorrow,” he continued, “it would be a shame if you couldn’t fit into your dress.”
His words were so smoothly spoken they didn’t sound like an insult although they certainly felt like one.
Alicia swallowed hard.
Lavinia took another bite of her fried plantain and said nothing.
Alicia silently cheered her. Best to say nothing, sometimes parents said silly things when they cared.
But Alicia soon learned that Lavinia’s father only cared about one thing—humiliating his daughter. He jokingly made references at his surprise that anyone would want her, ignoring every effort by his wife to stop him. Nervous laughter skittered around the table in an attempt to lessen the sting of his words. He dramatically thanked Lavinia’s fiancé for taking her off his hands. Berated her job, her looks, her friends.
Alicia had a sinking feeling as she realized why Lavinia didn’t want this man to be part of her wedding day. She knew and understood and silently applauded her courage.
“There’s been a change of plans,” Lavinia said. “Last minute.”
Her father laughed and turned to the groom. “Don’t tell me you’ve already changed your mind.”
“You’re not walking me down the aisle. Trey is.”
His laughter faded. “What?”
“I’m tired of pretending that you don’t hurt me. That it doesn’t hurt that you’re embarrassed and ashamed of me. You don’t have to be anymore. There will be no pictures of us together at my wedding. You can stay and watch or you can leave, but this relationship ends today.”
“But I—”
“You have no rights to claim. I made sure to pay for this wedding myself, with some help.” She cast a shy, grateful glance at Trey before returning her gaze to her father. “It’s my day. Not yours. I made sure that you didn’t have to worry about how much extra cloth my dress would cost because of my size: the reference to the size of the church aisles, the seats, my ring. I’m sick of this, Dad. I’m sick of it all. This is a day I want to celebrate with people who truly love me.
“I know you don’t. Not as I am and that’s a shame because I’m a pretty amazing woman. You just can’t see that. Your loss. So if you decide to show up tomorrow fine, if you don’t, that’s fine too. Because I—” She gulped ominously and turned green. She took a deep breath and tried again. “Because I—” She covered her mouth.
Her father sneered in disgust. “You’re going to embarrass me by throwing up? Is that your grand plan?”
Lavinia surged to her feet, tears swimming in her eyes, she opened her mouth and took a step towards him. Alicia gripped her fork half expecting Lavinia to vomit on him, but her face turned pale and she covered her mouth before she raced towards the ladies’ room.
When Lavinia’s mother stood, a thin, frightened looking woman with big eyes, her husband grabbed her arm and said, “Sit down. If anyone’s going to run after her, let it be him.” He pointed to the groom. “Go and hold her hair back if you want to. See what you’re really getting.”
The groom hesitated. “I would but—”
Alicia understood his unease. As much as he’d want to go after Lavinia it would be awkward to enter the ladies’ room. Fear shimmered over the table. No one spoke. No one seemed bold enough to move, this man held reign.
Alicia heard Trey sigh, heard the soft scrape of his chair as he pushed it back. He would go after her, but Alicia knew that could spell disaster. A big black man entering the ladies’ room with a face that looked like thunder wouldn’t end well. She would have to take action instead. Fortunately, Lavinia’s father didn’t scare her at all. Her brother Edwin could eat him for breakfast. Her father could eat him as an appetizer.
Alicia lightly touched Trey’s arm before she stood. “I’ll go see if she’s alright.”
“I told her she shouldn’t have eaten that,” she heard Lavinia’s father say, but this time only the cold edge of silence followed his words.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
The rush of water being sucked down a toilet bowl assaulted her ears the moment Alicia entered the ladies’ room. Thankfully only one stall seemed to be occupied. Alicia crinkled her nose as the faint stench of Lavinia’s purged dinner lingered in the air. She heard a faint groan.
“Lavinia? It’s me, Alicia.”
“I feel like such a fool,” she said in a small voice.
“I thought what you did was very brave.”
“Is everyone laughing?”
“No.”
“I can’t stop shaking.”
“You were great.”
“I was scared.”
“You don’t have to be scared anymore. You took control. You were fierce.”
“Until I got sick.”
“He made us all sick.”
Lavinia giggle. “No one would ever admit that.”
“You made your point.”
She sighed then opened the stall door. “You can go, I’m okay now.” She washed her hands.
“Um…not an option. Either I leave here with you or Trey’s coming to get you. If I didn’t know you were getting married, I’d be jealous of your relationship.”
Lavinia laughed. She laughed so hard she had to hold her sides. “Trey and me?” She gasped before she laughed harder. Alicia didn’t understand why Lavinia found the thought so funny, but she preferred it to seeing her sad.
Lavinia wiped her eyes. “Thank you so much for that.” She turned to the mirror and patted her face. “I’m so glad you convinced Trey to come.”
Alicia began to shake her head then decided now was not the time to reveal Trey’s lie.
“He wanted to be here, he’s just using me as an excuse.”
“No, that’s not Trey at all.” Lavinia spun to her and grabbed her hands. “I know my idea was silly and crazy and I should have been strong enough to do it on my own, but just knowing that Trey was there, will be with me at my wedding, gave me the courage I needed to finally stand up to my dad.”
