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Sitting there while everyone eats three courses is torture. My stomach cramps and I feel lightheaded. But at least I have champagne to keep me company. By the time the meal is finished, I’m more drunk than tipsy.
Freja says, “I have to go. My mom is giving me the look. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine.” I touch my chest, where the pills are hidden in my dress. “This helps a ton.”
“I’ll make sure I have more goodies the next time I see you.”
“You’re the best, Freja.”
“No, you are.”
We hug, and she joins her mother and sisters at the door. I stay in my seat, afraid to stand. The room continues to clear out until it’s just Grandmama, Mother, and Odin. Sighing, I make my way toward them, only swaying a bit.
Mother says to Odin, “This dinner was wonderful. I only wish more Families had shown up.”
“They will for the engagement dinner,” he says confidently.
Grandmama nods. “Of course they will. It would be a death wish if they didn’t.”
Death wish? Wonder if that means I can stay home then. I snort softly to myself.
“Something funny, Anna?” Odin asks with a raised eyebrow.
“No, sir.” I turn to my mother. “May I be excused? I’d like to go home.”
Before she can answer, Odin says, “Selma, I’d like to take Anna out for ice cream. Get to know her a bit better before the wedding.”
I know my mother and she does not like this one bit. Her gaze darts to Grandmama, who slightly shakes her head.
Mother turns her attention to Odin, giving him a megawatt smile. “How thoughtful of you. You really don’t have to, though. Anna needs to watch what she eats.”
He answers, “I’ll make sure she has nonfat frozen yogurt.”
“Well, I suppose it would be alright.” She turns to me, smiling. “Have fun, dear.”
Her smile is so fake that I wonder if it hurts.
I smile back. “I will.”
Inside I’m screaming. All I want to do is go home and go to sleep while I’m still feeling buzzed. Instead, I follow Odin outside to the waiting SUV. I climb in first, which is hard since I’m wearing a gown. He slides in next to me, not saying a word.
“Ice cream, huh? What, am I twelve?”
“Sometimes you act like it,” he answers, scrolling on his phone.
We don’t go to an ice cream parlor. Instead, we come to a stop in front of his building. The same doormen who were here the last time dip their heads as we pass, making our way inside.
In the elevator, I ask, “Going to spank me some more?”
“Hadn’t planned on it,” he replies, smirking down at me. “Unless you want me to.”
“Pass.”
We reach the penthouse, and he walks in first. I follow, curious why he brought me here. Instead of going to the living room, he takes me to the kitchen and grabs two wine glasses and a bottle of wine. We’re both silent as he pours. He motions for me to take a seat at the island. He sits next to me, taking a sip.
“Why did you bring me here?”
“I’m not really sure,” he says with a small shake of his head. “Sounded like a good idea when the words left my mouth, but now I’m thinking it wasn’t.”
