The Things I Do for You (The Alexanders 2)

“At least no one knows he was supposed to be here. You can always just make your announcement and no one will be the wiser.”

She looked around the crowded restaurant. Dagger had apparently spread the word far and wide because it looked like most of the Tidewater area had come out. The maître d’ had been forced to set up a queue outside for all the people waiting to get in who didn’t have reservations. If she hadn’t already planned this informal press conference to announce her new reality show, she would have just stayed in bed with the covers over her head. It was hard enough feeling like she’d just had the bottom of her life yanked out from under her, but having to smile and act normal in front of an audience was cruel and unusual punishment.

Not that she was ready to give up just yet. There was a tiny part of her still hoping it wasn’t true. Maybe it was an old picture taken back when he’d still been married. Or maybe it was Photoshopped. That could have been anyone’s body with Steven’s head pasted on there.

“You’re right. Maybe I—” She broke off when Sam gestured behind her. She turned to see Ridley and Jackson making their way through the crowd.

“Ri! You made it.” To her horror, she felt tears start to build. She pressed the heels of her hands against her eyes. Hard. “I didn’t think you were going to come!” She allowed her sister to pull her into a hug.

“When you said you were meeting Steven here, I made time. I’m sorry I wasn’t more supportive earlier.” She looked around at all the people crowded in the restaurant. “So, where is he?”

“That’s the question of the hour. He isn’t here.” Her phone beeped and she held it up to read the text message.

- - - I’m sure you’ve seen the papers by now. I’m so sorry. I never meant for you to find out this way. -S

The noise of the restaurant fell away. Raina closed her eyes, afraid that the little bit of food she’d managed to choke down was going to come back up. She opened her eyes, looking around frantically. Even though no one else could see the message, she felt like she had a neon sign on her forehead letting everyone know what a fool she’d been. A blind fool.

“Raina? Raina!”

She looked up into Ridley’s concerned eyes. She must have looked pretty bad because Ridley grabbed her arm and pulled her into the corner. Sam and Jackson followed, then stood in front of them, blocking them from the crowd.

“Okay, what is going on?”

Raina pulled the tabloid from her bag and held it out. Ridley looked at the picture and then looked up at Raina. “Tell me this isn’t true.”

“It’s true. He didn’t even have the decency to tell me himself. He just sent me a text that he was sorry I found out this way. Sam tried to warn me that he was a weasel. I should have listened.”

Ridley folded the paper in half and handed it back. “What are you going to do about…” She glanced behind her. “You know?”

“I guess I’ll need those brochures after all.” Raina ignored the pitying look on her sister’s face and straightened her spine. There were too many people here for her to allow herself to break down. She would make her announcement about the show and then get the hell out of there. The show was still the biggest accomplishment of her professional life.

She wasn’t going to let anyone or anything take that joy away from her.

“I guess I should just go ahead and make a statement about the show. I’m really sorry I asked you to come out for nothing.”

Ridley put a hand on her arm. “Of course we don’t mind. I’m just pissed on your behalf.”

“Wait, what are we pissed about?” Jackson asked. He leaned closer to hear over the noise of the crowd.

“Steven’s not coming,” Ridley hissed.

“Well, let’s not indict the guy yet. Maybe he got stuck in traffic and that’s why he couldn’t make it. Or maybe he was in a car accident.” Jackson pursed his lips and then whistled softly when they both turned to glare at him. “Or maybe I won’t say anything else until I get the whole story.”

“Whatever, it doesn’t even matter. Let me just do this so we can get out of here,” Raina muttered.

She walked over to the small stage in the corner. The bandmaster saw her coming and the music stopped abruptly. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s Raina Winters!”

CHAPTER FOUR

RAINA MADE HER way carefully up the steps leading to the stage. All I need right now is to face plant in front of all these people, she thought. She thanked the bandmaster before taking the microphone. Once she faced the crowd, everyone quieted a little.

At the sight of all those faces staring up at her, Raina felt the familiar tightening in her throat. God, it was so much easier to be photographed than to have to stand up in front of people and talk. She gulped. At least she knew she looked good. The red Marchesa cocktail dress she wore fit like a second skin, showcasing every curve she had. It was short enough to show off her long legs but long enough not to be completely scandalous.

Well, almost.

“Thank you all for coming out today.” She paused and took a breath, blinking against the sudden flurry of flashing lights as the photographers in the crowd took pictures.

“I’m so excited to announce that the Ntertainment Network has picked up my new reality show about life behind the scenes in the cutthroat world of modeling!”