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"Leila," Allegra intervened, trying to diffuse the situation. "Maybe we should-"
"No," Rachel hissed, raising her nose so high I was surprised I couldn't see her brain. Her eyes narrowed as she looked at me like I was something stuck on the bottom of her shoe. "I'm doing you a favor, sweetheart. This isn't a movie--this is real life. On what planet would a girl like you end up with someone like him?" She didn't give me a chance to reply, shoving backward from the table with a screech. "I've lost my appetite."
I balled my fists in my lap as I heard murmurs of interest all around us.
Allegra's voice cut through it, low and concerned. "Leila, don't you go listening to a thing that woman says."
I gave her a halfhearted smile and swallowed the lump in my throat. "You know, I'm not very hungry either."
"Leila-"
"I'll see you in the morning."
I moved to the lobby, shooting a look toward the entrance where Rachel stood posing for pictures, each one snapped better than the last.
Who was I kidding, thinking that Jacob could have a connection with me? I thought despondently. I tried to get close and he took two steps back. And now on top of that, I was competing with Rachel Laraby?
I walked briskly in the direction of the elevator, but a bellhop stood in my way, looking over at Rachel like she was his soulmate.
“Molto bella, no?” he said with a sigh. I didn’t need a dictionary to figure out what he said.
“Yep,” I said acidly, pushing past him. “Gorgeous.”
****
I fussed over my hair, trying to tug it into submission. With a groan of frustration, I snatched a Chanel scarf from the bundle of accessories Jacob had given me. I gathered my dark spirals into a bun at the nape of my neck then wrapped the scarf around the rest, letting only a curve of curls peek out. Paired with a black sheath dress and gold sandals, I actually pulled off chic.
Appearances can be deceiving, I thought glumly, grabbing my purse stuffed with a planner and a notebook. Truth was, I felt like the new girl on the first day of school, completely out of my element.
I moved to the elevator and punched the ‘C’ for the conference floor and the elevator zipped me to my destination.
You can do this, I thought to myself. You’re just taking notes.
But the thought of being in a room with Rachel Laraby was enough to make me hyperventilate. I hated to admit it, but the notion that she’d ever been with Jacob coupled with her disbelief that he could be attracted to someone like me was enough to make my blood boil.
I took a deep breath as I rounded the corner and came face to face with the ornate door of the room Jacob reserved for the meeting. Here we go.
When I pushed into C12, the sight of Allegra, dressed in a crisp charcoal jacket, slacks, and a supportive smile, was enough to make me sigh with relief.
“Leila,” she breathed, bringing me a piping cup of coffee. “You look well rested.”
I gave her a look and glanced at the clock on the wall. It was three minutes ‘til 10. “Jacob’s running late?”
She moved to a table on the wall, lined with fruit, slices of bread, and cheeses. “He had to pick up Rachel.”
A part of me couldn’t help but leap at the last bit. ‘Pick up’ meant that they hadn’t spent the night together. When Allegra turned and gave me a curious look, I brought the mug to my mouth, trying to hide the smile at my lips. If she picked up on my reaction there’d be even more questions, which meant more confusing emotions for me to muddle through.
The door creaked open and the sound of Rachel chattering about chateaus and gondolas came rushing in.
“You should have seen it, Jacob. The stars, the music, the water.” She cozied up to him, obviously for my benefit. “Maybe tonight?”
I hated myself for moving to a table near them, making my presence known. I found his gaze and held it, silently hoping he would just tell her “No” flat out. That he had something. Had someone.
Jacob only looked at me for a moment before he broke away, extricating himself from her arm. “Perhaps we should talk about this later, Rachel.”
I bristled at his vague response, slamming my purse onto the table. “Good morning.”
Rachel turned her head in my direction, flashing a smile so sweet it could rot teeth. “Oh, hello, Miss Montgomery.”
