“And that’s another thing, Annabeth,” Hank’s voice boomed over the phone. “The only one who gives a damn about your supposed lack of education is you! No one else is holding it against you or judging you. Everyone looks at you and sees a smart, savvy, beautiful businesswoman.”
“And what happens when I’m not so beautiful anymore, Hank?” she snapped. “When I actually have to hold a conversation with you or your friends and I don’t measure up?”
“What?” Hank’s exasperated voice shouted in her ear. “What are you talking about? We’ve spent the last two weeks talking. Have I ever given you the impression that you didn’t . . . measure up? That I haven’t enjoyed our conversations? Or that they’ve somehow been lacking?”
Annabeth could feel his anger biting through the phone. She felt a little ashamed, but she had no other way to explain herself.
“Tell me, Annabeth, did you think these past two weeks of e-mails and phone calls were just a prelude to sex?” His voice had gone very quiet. “Do you honestly think I’m that shallow?”
No, she wanted to shout. She knew he wasn’t shallow, that his interest went beyond just a physical relationship. The problem was, she wasn’t sure she could keep him satisfied beyond a physical relationship, and she didn’t want to see his face when he came to that realization. Annabeth cared about him too much to endure that kind of pain.
When she didn’t answer, he spoke. “Well, I’d hoped for more, Annabeth. A lot more. I know you’re capable of that, but until you realize it too, there’s nothing more I can say.” He swallowed. “I hope one day you find the courage to see who you really are. Have a nice life, Annabeth,” he said softly before hanging up the phone.
Numb, she slumped back into the sofa and let the tears fall.
Twenty-four
Will Connelly was in love with his wife. He wasn’t sure when or how it happened, but somehow he’d fallen head over heels in love with Julianne. Flighty, messy, neurotic, sexy Julianne. Maybe he’d fallen for her that first night on Sea Island, where the connection between them had sparked to life. Or perhaps it was watching her fight for their son, sacrificing so much so he would live a happy life.
However it had happened, Will was glad she’d weaseled her way into his heart. He sat on the bench in the locker room of the Ship’s Iron Gym studying the wedding band on his left hand in wonder. It actually looked good on him.
“Damn, Will. You could warn a guy first before you blind him with that,” Gavin teased.
Will knew his friend was happy for him, but there was an edge in Gavin’s voice, too. His own fiancée had called off their wedding last summer, just days before the ceremony. While Gavin played down her desertion, Will sensed it still stung.
“Sorry.” Will didn’t need to say any more. They’d been friends long enough that Gavin knew he meant it in a variety of ways.
Gavin shrugged it off. “I’m just a little miffed I didn’t get to toast the bride and groom at their wedding. You married so quickly, we never got a chance to celebrate.”
Will paused in packing his workout clothes in his bag. He and Julianne had married quickly, but it wasn’t supposed to be a marriage based on love, so he hadn’t cared. Now, though, their marriage meant something more. Something to be celebrated. He pictured Julianne in one of her sexy wedding gowns. Every woman wanted a wedding, didn’t they? Perhaps he should suggest they have a more traditional ceremony and reception. One with music and flowers and cake. All the things he’d denied her the first go-around.
He glanced at the gold band again. Will hadn’t been able to bring himself to say the words back to her the other night. Instead, he’d gone out and bought a wedding ring. Hopefully, by wearing it, she’d know he loved her.
“Maybe we’ll have another ceremony. With a reception this time.” The more Will thought about it, the more he liked the idea. They could start over, actually meaning the vows they spoke to one another.
“Ah, now you’re just trolling for wedding gifts, Will. I’m not buying you any china.”
“Funny.” Will zipped his gym bag closed. “We bought china for a wedding gift for Chase last year.”
“Yeah, that’s because we listened to Amanda, who was filling my place with crystal and place settings for sixteen. Seriously, who needs sixteen sets of dishes? If I’m having that many people over for dinner, I’m ordering pizza.” Gavin slammed his locker shut. “I still say we should have gone with our guts and gotten that vintage pinball machine. Chase would have loved it.”