Eyes Wide Open (The Blackstone Affair #3)(36)
Author: Raine Miller

“Yes. He’s so busy right now with organization meetings.”

“Why on earth didn’t you call me? I’d have taken you out for a spin.”

“No, you have plans with the fantastically handsome Ricardo, remember? I’ve not felt like going out for a spin the last days anyway.”

“You’re not feeling well?”

Fuck. “No, Ben, really I’m good. I was just home alone and missing my friend and wanted to hear your voice is all. We haven’t talked since the boot photos you took.”

“Oh, God, they’re gorgeous. I’ll send you some of the proofs on email.”

“I can’t wait to see them.” I couldn’t wait, but Ethan sure could. He was still voicing his displeasure at my modeling, but I wasn’t budging on the issue. Especially now. If I couldn’t work at the Rothvale on the paintings, then I sure as hell was going to have plenty of time for my other job of modeling. At least now, before my body got big. I hoped to even do some pregnancy-themed shots. It was something that crossed my mind, even if I couldn’t share my news with anyone. Ben didn’t know anything yet, and neither did Gaby.

They were both going to kill me for not telling.

“So you’ve moved in with Blackstone, huh?”

“Yes, Ben. I did. Ethan demanded it, really. After what happened at the National Gallery the night of the Mallerton Gala, he sort of put his foot down. I’m keeping the lease on my flat to help ease Gaby’s way through the end of the year, but yeah, we are now cohabitating.”

“When’s the wedding?” Ben asked dreamily.

I laughed at him. “Would you stop!”

“I’m serious, girl. You’re so headed there, and if I know anything at all it’s that Blackstone loves you well and good, my darling.”

“You really see that in him?”

Ben scoffed into the phone. “A person would have to be dead not to. I’m happy for you. You deserve it, and so much more.”

Oh, we’ve got the more coming all right. “I’ll be crying if you utter another word, Ben, I mean it.” I wasn’t lying this time.

He seemed to get my vibe and lighted the tone. “You have to let me help you choose your dress. Promise me,” he pleaded. “Vintage, fitted, handmade lace . . .” The dreamy voice was back. “You will look a goddess, you know, if you let me have at you.”

I smiled into the phone and thought about how surprised Ben would be to find out he and Ethan were on the same team on this one. “I’m not saying a word, buster. I gotta go but I loved hearing your voice. I’ve been without it too long.”

“Me too, lovely girl. Text me your free days and let me take you to lunch next week?”

“Will do, Ben. Love you.”

Wow, that was a close one, I thought as I hit End. Better not call Gaby either. Second that on Dad, Mom, and Aunt Marie as well. Gaby would have my pregnancy planned out and the hospital scheduled after just one look at me. I knew I couldn’t hold out much longer. Ethan was pushing for the announcement of our engagement, and if I knew one thing about Ethan, it was that he usually got exactly what he wanted.

Being a sucker for punishment, I logged into my Facebook next.

A message from my high school friend Jessica was sitting in my inbox. We’d kept in touch through Facebook since I’d moved to London. I didn’t have a ton of friends on my profile, and kept it pretty private. Ethan had checked it out thoroughly and given the okay. He said that the threat was from people who already knew me, where I lived and worked, so having a Facebook wasn’t going to matter either way.

Jessica Vettner: Hey honey. How are you? I’m just doing the same old with work and life and you’ll never guess who I ran into today. Karl Westman from Bayside. Remember him? He’s still mega hawt too!!! LOL He asked for my number. ? Karl’s been working in Seattle and just got transferred back here to Marin. I bumped into him at the gym of all places. I still go to First Fitness over on Hemlock. I see your dad there sometimes and we share the same personal trainer! Your dad is a sweetheart and really proud of you. ☺ He talks about you all the time and said you’re doing more modeling and loving it. I’m happy for you, Bry. I would love to just see you again! When are you ever coming back to SF for a visit?? ♥ Jess

Wow. That was an unexpected blast from the past. Not Jessica, but Karl. I don’t think she remembered, but I sure did. Karl was the boy I dated for a while once Lance left for college. Karl, who made Lance insanely jealous when he found out I wasn’t just waiting around for him to come home from university and f**k me, or so that was the story I knew. The reason Lance and his buddies abused me on that pool table and thought it would be a fun idea to make a video of it.

I never saw or talked to Lance again or even Karl. I know Karl tried to get in touch with me a few times before I was shipped away to New Mexico, but I wouldn’t see him or any of my old friends, apart from Jessica. I just couldn’t go back to that place in time; that was the same reason I hadn’t been back to my hometown in four years. I had no intentions of ever going back.

It was weird thinking about all that again. I had no hard feelings about Karl, no feelings period. Karl had actually treated me pretty decently considering what my reputation had been in high school, but I’d shut down after the incident and was unable to look anyone in the eye who had seen the images of me on that video. I wonder what Karl thought when he saw it. Was he trying to comfort me because he felt sorry for what had happened, or was he hoping to get some more action out of me? Who knew? I’m sure I never knew at the time, nor did I much care. I was too busy trying to find my way out of this life.

I wrote a happy-happy-nice-nice message back to Jess wishing her luck with him, and logged out of Facebook.

I had a new life now. In London . . . with Ethan . . . and the baby I was having.

Neil sat across from me and looked more affected than I’d ever seen him in my life.

I didn’t blame him, really. Telling him that we no longer need worry that Brynne might have got tainted food or drink at the gala had been just the start of his shock.

“Blow me down!”

“I’ve waited a week to tell you. We’ve not even shared with our parents yet and she’s been struggling with severe pregnancy sickness.”

He turned his head and winced. “Is that you, E? You should hear yourself speaking.”

“What?” I couldn’t wait until Neil was in my shoes. Hell, he was getting married in a few months and it wouldn’t be far long after that, I’d wager, before he came into my office looking like he’d been brained with a large stick.