The Billionaire's Forever(2)

I glanced at Alicia who was smiling conspiratorially with the young woman. "Thank you, Delilah." She looked back at me and winked at my surprise. "This isn't my first time at the rodeo, dear."

It made sense that she’d know the old bait and switch play. At the height of his fame, Carlton Whitmore was sure to have had photographers hounding him and his family. I was only known as an extension of Jacob and now that we were engaged I could barely get a cup of coffee in peace. To have any privacy, any sense of normalcy, one had to get creative.

More than surprised I was impressed that she’d thought ahead and worked something out with the hotel staff. Her misdirection was genius and we didn’t have to deal with flashing cameras on top of everything else.

I stopped in the lobby, waiting for Jacob.

Alicia shook her head, her salt and pepper bob swishing. "We can head on up to the apartment. Lindy is waiting."

My eyes bulged. "What?"

"There's so much to be done," she explained, dragging me in the direction of the elevator. "If you want the ceremony as soon as possible as you’ve stressed on several occasions, we have to set everything in motion."

Just tell the truth! "Um--” I racked my mind for something, not sure she could handle the truth. She’d just been hospitalized for crissakes. “Should you be doing anything strenuous?"

She gave me a look before punching her floor button. "It's wedding planning, not a 5K."

Classical music spread through the silence as I stood there, silently freaking out. I was glad the elevator didn’t stop for other passengers because I was pretty sure I'd explode if I had to move one inch.

This was too much. I had to say something--or it really would be too late.

The doors parted and I didn't realize I was still standing inside the elevator until she said my name.

"Leila?"

I blinked and Alicia was in front of me, concern in her gray eyes.

The doors started closing so I hit the door open button, then wished I hadn't.

"Is everything alright?" Her name rung out and the truth I was about to finally release was wasted. She'd already started down the hall before I could say 'No'.

I sighed and followed her, finally seeing Lindy Alistair in the flesh. She seemed much younger than Macy Scott, both physically and demeanor-wise. She had long, jet-black hair except for blunt bangs that slashed across her forehead. While most would hide their freckles behind foundation and concealer, she rocked hers proudly. The spots sprinkled one cheek before spreading over the bridge of her button nose and spilling onto the other cheek. Big blue eyes were framed by dark, thick lashes. I was surprised by her casual dress, her thin body clad in an oversized plaid shirt, denim shorts, and gladiator sandals. She looked ready to meet a friend for coffee, not discuss the wedding of the century. And standing in the hall of Alicia’s posh hotel, she looked downright dowdy.

She held out her hand, bubblegum pink nails glittering. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Leila!"

I shook her hand gingerly and stood their awkwardly as she and Alicia hugged like they were best friends.

“And you,” she said, holding Alicia at arm’s length, worry clouding her face. “Are you alright? We totally could have done this after you got settled in.”

Alicia plunked her key from her clutch and we spilled into her suite. "Don’t be silly. Thanks for meeting us, Lin."

"Of course," Lindy answered, picking at her bracelet. "I'm still a little shocked you wanted to see me so soon after you left the hospital."

Alicia waved her hand, dismissing the statement. "I'm not an invalid. And we have a lot of ground to cover if we're going to get them down the aisle in three weeks."

"Three weeks?" I hissed, clutching my chest. Heart attacks weren't contagious, but damn if I wasn't feeling all the symptoms. Pressure tightened my chest. Nausea settled in my stomach and the urge to vomit was overwhelming. I couldn’t catch my breath and my heart banged in my chest.

Lindy took my reaction in slowly before looking back at Alicia. "I was under the impression the bride was aware of the date?"

Alicia glided to the wet bar. "She said as soon as possible. Short of Vegas or eloping, that's as soon as possible."

She was right, I had said ASAP and while a tiny part of me jokingly just wanted to get on with it, honestly, I thought I'd have enough time to talk my way out of it. Three weeks nixed that as an option.

I tugged at the front of my blouse, heat slapping me in waves as sweat dashed down my spine. Lindy looked genuinely concerned. Her eyes told me that she could tell something was very wrong.

I gave her a pained smile. "Could you give us a second?"