Crazy in Love

“I’ve invested too much time and energy into this to turn back now. This is about doing what’s right for the family. It’s time I do my duty.”

She comes to me and straightens the collar of my white shirt. “You look very handsome.”

“It’s not about me. Let’s go.”

33

Tatum

“You tricked me.”

“It’s not a trick when you love him,” Natalie starts, completely unashamed by her actions.

Shifting the phone to my other ear, I taste a cucumber lobster bite before the caterer finishes loading the tray. I’m starved, having to work a proposal event for the father of my child to another woman, and my best friend is denying all culpability in the matter. I say, “That’s why the contact information was missing. I asked for it how many times? Until I got here, I had no idea who our client was. It’s not totally foreign to work with event representatives for the location like we’re doing here, but you knew, didn’t you?” Pointing at the appetizer cucumber bites, I whisper, “Add a hint of sea salt. Thanks.”

“Just give him this one chance, Tate.”

“I’ve given him two. But apparently, I get no credit for that. It’s all about innocent Harrison. He’s a big boy. He helped create this mess, and he can dig himself out of it. Next, you’ll harp on about a third time.”

“Third time’s a charm. I know firsthand with Nick.”

I grab a piece of bruschetta and walk out to the proposal site. “Natalie, do you hear what you’re saying?” She’s got to be off her rocker. “You want me to ruin a beautiful marriage proposal that you designed and organized for my own selfish gains.”

“Yes. I do. Call me a horrible person, but if it makes everyone involved happy, why wouldn’t you do this?”

Everyone? I can’t imagine the woman he’s about to propose to is going to be too happy about this. My friend’s hormones are definitely clouding her better judgment. “Natalie, our business could be destroyed if I purposely ruin the event.”

“Love is powerful. Everyone will understand. I bet most will even support it.”

“You’re talking crazy. You need to get to the candle ceremony, and I need to check on the flower arrangements for the dinner.”

“Tatum?”

My patience has worn thin, but I know it’s not with her. It’s coming, the breakdown I’ve been dreading for a month, the one I raise my chin above and put off. “Natalie, I need to go do my job.”

“Tate—”

I hang up. I’ve never hung up on her, but this is taking things too far. Heading for the door, I tell the caterer, “It looks great. Thank you.” I rush outside, wishing it was winter to help cool my heated face. I’m met with the heat of the day instead.

With my suppressed emotions bubbling to the surface, I struggle to hide behind a stiff upper lip. I can’t do this. Why would my best friend put me in this position? I’m strong on the outside, but this is just too much. I walk the length of the dinner table, checking to make sure everything’s in place.

He may break my heart and me while he’s at it, but I won’t let him ruin my reputation. It doesn’t matter that I was so easily replaced. He’ll be in LA, and I’ll be back in the city. We’ll live our own lives separately. The baby is the only reason we need to have any contact, and as much as I never imagined I’d be raising a child alone, I can do it. That way, we don’t ever have to come face-to-face again.

I grab a bottle of water from the bar and leave to go back to my room. There has to be a way to avoid having Harrison’s family bear witness to my heartbreak. Who can I call to step in for me?

My phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out, knowing I’m not answering any calls, but texts are a necessary evil. Cookie Christiansen: I heard you were in LA. I’d love to see you if you have time in your busy schedule.

That’s it. I need Cookie.

She arrives as if she had nothing better to do today than assist me. After hugs and greetings, she waits while I get dressed for the event, and says, “This doesn’t sound like Harrison at all. Meeting a girl and moving quickly is not so shocking because he was a spontaneous kid. But proposing? That doesn’t sound like him. Should I call Nick? Wouldn’t Nick be a part of it?” She peeks into the bathroom, and our eyes meet in the reflection. “He’d invite me, and I knew nothing about it.”

“It’s clearly very last minute, which is why they hired our company to plan it for them.” I don’t miss the effects of alcohol while pregnant. I miss giving fewer cares while I’m drinking, especially tonight. Cookie thinks I need to face my demons head-on. Why does mine have to be so handsome, though? I can only imagine how gorgeous his soon-to-be fiancée will be. He lands very pretty women.