An Improper Ever After(38)

Oh how I want to ask him for help. But I'm not entirely sure if he'll believe me without any evidence, and the possibility makes my chest ache until I tear up. It took a week before Elliot was ready to listen to me about Mr. Grayson. I don't know if I can afford to wait that long or survive another week of my husband's brooding skepticism. Even now Annabelle Underhill is planning to screw me somehow, and I don't want another thing for Nonny to be angry with me about.




 

 

If not Elliot, who? Traci is out of the question. It'd be like throwing two eggs at a rock, and I don't want her getting in that bitch's crosshairs when Traci's just getting her life together.

Elizabeth.

I actually gasp. Elliot's half-sister is so sweet and nice that it's impossible to imagine her saying no. On the other hand, she and I aren't really close enough that I can impose on her like this. But I have nothing to lose by asking, do I? At the very least, she can listen and maybe offer some advice.

My mind made up, I dial her before I lose courage.

Elizabeth answers on the third ring. "Hello, Annabelle." Her voice is so, so soft. "How are you feeling?"

"Much better, thanks."

"I was worried."

"I'm sorry. I should've called."

"Just focus on getting better," she says, her voice full of gentle concern.

I clear my throat. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"Of course not."

"There's something I'd like your advice on."

"Go ahead."

I swallow, my mouth suddenly dry. I wish there was a bottle of water in the car. "It's about something that happened at the dinner."

"Oh?" There's an alertness to her tone now. "What about it?"

I tell her about Annabelle Underhill's threat. Elizabeth listens without interruption or comment, but I know she's paying attention to every word out of my mouth. She is so quiet when I'm done that I almost wonder if the line's been cut.

"Did you tell Elliot?" she asks finally.

"Um …  No. Not yet."

"You should."

"I'm not sure … " I bite my lower lip, feeling like a disloyal idiot. "I don't know if he's going to believe me without proof."

"Annabelle, your word should be more than enough."

"Should be, but …  It's complicated. I'm sorry, but it's hard to explain." I slowly sink deeper into my seat, my body folding on itself. Now I wish I hadn't called. "Can you help?"

"Of course. But for now, I want you to wait while I look into what she's really up to. Don't do anything rash. My guess is, she wants to rattle you to see if you'll undermine your own position. If she really had anything, she wouldn't have gone after you that way."

"You think so?"

"I know so."

I nod, then remember she can't see me. "Got it. And thank you."

"You're welcome. But you know … " She sighs. "You have to learn to open up to Elliot. He can't help you if you don't tell him." 

"I'm worried that he won't help even if I do tell him."

"Oh, I wouldn't. He's surprisingly protective of the people he cares about."

"You know our marriage isn't like that."

"Isn't it? I see how he looks at you. He cares about you more than you think. Don't let his colorful reputation put you off."

"Thanks for the advice," I say, almost in reflex, but I'm not really sure if she understands what I'm going through. No matter how hard I exercise my imagination, I can't picture the man who wouldn't believe every word out of her mouth and wouldn't throw down his life for Elizabeth. She just naturally arouses a protective instinct in people.

"I'll call when I come up with something. And I'm sorry you had such an unpleasant experience at my event."

"Elizabeth, please don't misunderstand. I'm not accusing you of anything."

"I know. But I should've been more … selective."

We end the call. Staring at the concrete wall on the other side of the windshield, I wonder if I'm paying the price for being less than cautious and deliberate with my decisions since my parents' deaths. Right now it feels like everything that's happening is for a reason-my past.





Chapter Sixteen



Elliot

It doesn't take me more than four quick laps to come up with a way to disgrace and humiliate Annabelle Underhill and get her to stay the fuck away from me and mine. It is so simple that it's almost laughable. I just need a little time and a few items to pull things together.

After a quick shower, I go to my office and call the front desk to speak to the supervisor of security at my building. The man is quite accommodating when I explain the situation.

Why, of course you can have the footage. Of course we'll be more than happy to email it to you. Terribly sorry that you're dealing with a stalker. Would you like us to blacklist her, should she try to harass you and your wife again?