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Sitting down at the kitchen table, I forced myself to eat two pieces of toast and a large mug of coffee, wondering if Will would be in the car that picked me up. My breakfast churned in my stomach as whips of fear struck my body.
What will he say? Will he be angry that I came?
Even though it was still hours from their arrival, I ran to the bathroom and brushed my teeth, applying my makeup afterwards. The next few hours were spent on the couch, grimacing as I checked the time and running backto reapply makeup.
The chime of the doorbell sounded through the apartment and I dropped my lipstick, which clattered against the porcelain sink.
“Shit.”
I looked in the mirror to check my appearance and wiped my sweaty palms on the hand towel before I grabbed my purse and dashed out of the bathroom. I hoped they would approve of my dress. My heels sank in the horrible carpet, making me stumble as I rushed to the front door.
“Shit, shit, shit.”
I yanked it open and was startled to see Dominic Pardini standing on my doorstep, dressed as though he was going to a cocktail party. His eyes were very much like William’s—intense and dark, but they lacked all of his warmth. They scanned me before he gave me a small, approving nod. I tried to block his view of my apartment as much as I could.
“Ms. Porter, it’s wonderful to see you again.”
Wonderful? I opened my mouth, but he gave a slight shake of his head.
“If you’d just follow me to the car.”
I stepped outside to the gleaming black Mercedes stopped on the curb and turned around to lock the door, and then I noticed the pair of men on either side of me with giant cameras.
“Whoa!”
“Do not be alarmed, they’re only the reporters I hired.”
I swung around to gawk at him. “You hired them?”
“Yes. I’ll explain everything in the car.”
They shoved the cameras in my face and took pictures. Mr. Pardini grabbed my arm and led me down the steps; then he opened the door, and I lumbered inside. The photographers didn’t follow us into the car.
“Go,” he said to the driver when he swept inside.
The sound from the outside world disappeared when Mr. Pardini shut the door of the car. I bit my lip and looked outside. Now that I was alone with him, I felt awkward. I kept stealing glances at William’s father, intrigued by him.
“Thank you for coming, Ms. Porter.”
“You’re welcome. And you can just call me, Natalie.”
He was so different from Will; he was formal, poised, and dignified, whereas Will was crass and loud. It was a startling contrast.
“Very well, Natalie.” The name rolled awkwardly off his tongue. “We are en route to William’s apartment. We’ll leave to Redwood City and take photos of Will leaving flowers at the crash site, and then there will be photos with the families. The cameras will follow you inside their home.”
Oh my God.
My stomach churned, and I looked at his determined face. “Will agreed to do all this?” I really wasn’t sure it was the right move.
Mr. Pardini blinked at me. “No, of course not.”
I looked away from him and bit my lip hard, twisting my hands in my lap.
“What is it?” he said, sounding bored. “Just say it.”
I gave him a frightened look. “Um, Mr. Pardini, don’t you think that’ll look really staged?”
He let out a long sigh and rolled up his sleeve to glance at his watch. “I’ve been doing this for a long time, Natalie. The shots might be staged, but William’s emotions will be real. Isn’t that the whole point?”
