Maya
I am exhausted. Meredith has been making me do everything, even though she has other people to help. But nope, she has decided it is all on me while she makes the rounds and sips champagne with the guests. I wanted to go home, but I still had a few hours before I could.
I sigh as I head towards the bathroom. My eyes fall on Conrad’s table, and I notice someone sitting next to him. I have no idea who it is, but I don’t like the way she seems to be touching his arm. Who the hell has their hands on my man? I could always go over and find out and come up with an excuse because I am there. I go to take a step but soon pause when the person finally turns, and I realise who it is. Bridget!
Fuck! She is the last person I want to see. I start to panic, turn and rush to the bathroom to hide in one of the stalls. Why is she here? I don’t remember her name on the guest list. Why is she sitting with them? Unless his mother planned it? I don’t know what her thoughts are now on Conrad seeing someone else. I am not sure if she still wants Conrad and Bridget to get back together.
It is just my luck. It is karma for all the secrets and lies. If I didn’t need my job, I would storm over to the table and plant myself on Conrad’s lap. No, I probably wouldn’t. I don’t have that sort of confidence, but I would make sure to remind Bridget that Conrad was mine and only mine.
It is going to be hard to avoid Bridget for the rest of the night, but I need to. I am confused as to why Conrad wouldn’t tell me. Then again, I haven’t even had a chance to check my cell. I took it from my bag and saw Conrad’s texts telling me about Bridget. He has probably been stressing, too, since he hasn’t heard back from me.
Sorry, I haven’t had any time to look at my cell until now. Why is she here? Did you know she was coming? What am I going to do? What if she sees me? Xx
I stare at the screen, eagerly waiting for a reply. I see him writing back after only a second.
Can you meet me out back? In about five minutes? Xx
Yeah, I will see you then xx
I just need to avoid Meredith and Bridget between leaving the bathroom and getting outside. I leave the stall carefully, making sure there is no one in the bathroom, and thankfully there isn’t. I quicken my steps, pivot through the crowd and arrive outside without being caught. I wait for Conrad, and he comes into view a couple of minutes later, looking around.
“Conrad,” I call out.
His attention focuses on me and he makes his way over.
“Hey, beautiful.” He smiles and pulls me close to him.
I glance around nervously in case someone sees us.
“Hi, what are you doing? What if someone sees?” I whisper.
Conrad sighed, letting go of me, and I put a distance between us. I know he is disappointed, but it was for the best.
“I am sorry, angel. I had no idea Bridget was coming tonight. Neither did my parents. She just showed up at our table.” He says.
“It must have been a last-minute thing because I don’t remember seeing her name anywhere. What am I going to do? What if she sees me?” I panic.
“I think it was a last minute thing. I don’t know, but please be careful. I worry if she sees you, then she won’t think twice about exposing who you are.”
I can hear the concern in his voice for me.
“I am sorry you need to lie and keep secrets because of me, Conrad.” I whimper.
I feel guilty about it, about everything that has been going on since he met me. He pulls me close to his chest and hugs me tightly against him, stroking my hair.
“You have nothing to be sorry for, sweetheart. Yes, I wish we could be open and public, but I know what is at risk if we do that. I understand.” He says softly.
I bury my face in his suit coat, “I don’t know why you put up with me.”
I regret the words the second they come out of my mouth. Conrad places his hand on my chin and uses one of his fingers to tilt my head back, making me look up at him.
“Don’t ever say that, Maya. No, things haven’t been easy since we met, but that doesn’t matter. I am happy I met you. I care for you, and you have become such a huge part of my life in such a short space of time. I wouldn’t change a thing. I have no regrets with us.” He says softly and caresses my face.
“I can’t help it.”
“I know you can’t, but please don’t ever think I am just putting up with you.” He replies and dips down to press a soft kiss to my lips.
I moan softly and rest my hand on his cheek. He pulls back only after a moment.
“I should head back inside before Meredith comes looking for me.”
“Yes, please be careful. I will make sure Bridget doesn’t see you.” He sighs.
“I swear if I see her hands on you again, I may not be able to keep hidden away.” I huff.
Conrad chuckles, “Aww, are you jealous?”
“No!” I protest.
He smiles, “Yes, you are, but you have nothing to be jealous about. It is her trying her best to play nice even after everything she did and said. I told her not to touch me. I would rather not need to deal with her at all, but it is too late to switch tables.” He says softly and caresses my hair.
“She isn’t very good at taking a hint, is she?”
Conrad shakes his head, “I will deal with her. Don’t you worry, okay? We just need to get through the next few hours.”
I nod, “Yes, we do.”
Conrad reaches down and kisses me softly, “I will see you at home.”
“Yes, see you there. Hopefully, I will not be too late.”
I kiss his cheek and head back inside. I will be on edge for the remainder of the night. I can avoid Bridget if I tread carefully. I wouldn’t be surprised if she planned everything for tonight so she could see Conrad. Does she truly believe they will reconnect? It isn’t going to happen. He is with me, not her. He doesn’t want her, even if they are probably a better match than Conrad and me.