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“You love the man you think he is, but that man doesn’t exist, sweetheart. And it doesn’t matter how much you love somebody; nothing is worth losing your self-respect. You don’t bow down to any man. And no man worth a shit should ever ask you to do that.”
“I’m so humiliated. I can’t go back and face that crowd.”
“Then don’t.”
“There’s a ballroom full of three-hundred guests. How can I just disappear?”
“Easily.”
“Where will I go? We’re supposed to be in the honeymoon suite. I can’t even go to my apartment. I moved all my stuff into Elliott’s condo last week. Even my dog is there.”
“You can have my room. I’ll get another one.”
“The hotel is booked solid.”
“What about your friend, Maggie?”
“She’s staying with her mother while her apartment is being painted.”
“Your parents?”
“My God, my parents. They spent a fortune on this wedding. They love Elliott. They’ll tell me I’m being silly. God, I suddenly feel like I can’t breathe.”
I take her hand. “It’s going to be fine. I think you need a day to think about this before you go back to him, which I’m praying you don’t do.”
She huffs a choked laugh. “I can’t believe this is happening.”
“I’m being honest with you, Elaina. I know exactly what a life with Elliott will mean for you, and it won’t be pretty. It certainly won’t be the life you deserve. And he’ll be a horrible father to any children you two have.”
“Oh, God.”
I wave over the waitress and order us another round. Then lean forward, my elbows on the table, getting close. “How in the hell did a sweet girl like you end up with my brother?”
“I started working for your father’s company. Elliott was my boss.”
“So, an office romance.”
“He seemed indifferent to me at first, then about six months ago, he really started pursuing me. He took me to fancy restaurants and bought me flowers. I thought I’d finally found my Prince Charming.”
“He’s no prince, Elaina. I promise you.”
“I feel like such a fool.”
“It’s not your fault.” I cock my head. “What do you do at my father’s company?”
“I’m Elliott’s personal assistant.”
“And what does that involve?”
“Anything he needs, really. Keeping track of his schedule and appointments, making travel arrangements, handling correspondence, that kind of thing.”
“So, without you, he’s lost.”
She grins. “I suppose so.”
“Then I suppose shit will hit the fan when he goes to the office, and you aren’t there.”
“You mean quit?”
