I wasn’t a hundred percent sure what I was going to do next, so I headed for the place where I felt the most comfortable. The lounge was empty, only lit by the glow of the tiny lamps on the tables.
I climbed the short steps up to the stage and sat down on the bench at the shiny black grand piano. My fingers tinkled with the keys, and I hummed a melody that had been floating around in my mind ever since I met Knox. I just couldn’t seem to get the stupid man out of my thoughts. Annoyed, I punched my fingers down onto the keys, the clash of the notes making me feel a tad better.
“I don’t know much about music, or the blues, but that seems a little harsh for music that should be soulful.”
Startled by the unfamiliar voice, my head whipped to the side to spot the visitor. A tall redheaded beauty was seated at a table a few rows back.
“It’s definitely not something I’d play for an audience,” I replied with a shrug. “But sometimes I need to get my frustration out, and this is a better option than kicking someone’s ass.”
The woman snickered, then her expression turned thoughtful.
“You’re even more beautiful than Amanda described,” she announced.
“Uh...thank you?” I was digging around in my brain trying to figure out if I knew this woman. Considering she’d mentioned Amanda, I figured she probably worked at the Lennox. But still, the situation was definitely weird.
“Amanda spilled the beans about your marriage.” My brow rose in surprise. The woman shrugged, and her lips curved in amusement. “I'm not crazy, I promise. Just really nosy.” I laughed, liking her more by the instant.
“I was pretty shocked to hear someone had tied down the biggest cynic I know, and I just had to meet her.”
“Yeah…” Things hadn’t exactly worked out so well for me in that situation, so I wasn’t sure how to respond. Instead, I trailed off as I bent over to pick up my purse. Then I stood and made my way down to approach the lone table with an occupant.
“I presume it’s his ass you’re considering kicking?” She cocked her head to the side with a knowing gaze. “I know him pretty well and often contemplate shoving my foot up his ass.”
I couldn’t help laughing and appreciated her humor when I was so angry and sad at the same time.
Opening up to a stranger wasn’t something I would normally do, but for some reason, I felt comfortable with her. “It was a giant mistake, and since I’ve never gotten drunk and married in Vegas before, I’m not sure what to do next.”
An odd smile curved her lips. It looked almost diabolical, but I figured I was just reading her wrong.
“Why don’t you visit my sister’s husband? He specializes in annulments, and his office is attached to the hotel.”
I perked up at her suggestion, but relief and dread both filled me at the same time.
“I’m Ariel, by the way,” the redhead said as she set her purse on the table and dug through it. “A-ha!” She pulled out a card and handed it to me.
“Addilyn,” I introduced myself, even though she clearly knew who I was. “And, thanks.” I glanced down to see that it was a business card for Will Scott, divorce attorney. My hand trembled as I stared at it. Then I swallowed hard and squared my shoulders. Why was I being such a baby about this? Obviously, this was the best solution.
“You’re welcome,” Ariel answered. I glanced up to see her giving me another mysterious smile. “And, good luck.” Then she stood, and her smile turned genuine and bright. “I’m happy to have met you Addilyn...Cole. I’m sure we’ll become great friends.”
Her smile was infectious, and I returned it with a nod. “I think so, too.”
I watched her walk away and disappear through the doors into the lobby before spinning around and jogging over to a side exit.
I spent the day hunting for an apartment to rent while I looked for a new house. By the time night fell, I was exhausted and ready to admit that I was being foolish. I’d avoided making an appointment with the attorney, using every excuse I could come up with.
I was also being a big chicken and didn’t want to run into Knox before I’d taken care of the mess I’d gotten myself into. So, at my show that night, I didn’t allow myself to search the audience for my “husband,” but I’d felt his eyes on me the whole time. When I finished, I ran out the backstage exit before anyone could stop me. Then I checked into another hotel for the night and called Will Scott’s office.
His assistant promised to slide me into the attorney’s full schedule at one o’clock. I thanked him and hung up, then fell into bed and hoped I’d sleep until noon.
The next morning, I woke up feeling just as shell-shocked at my predicament and even more determined to get it over with.
I showed up for my appointment at exactly one o’clock. The young man behind the desk, Chad, asked me to wait and headed down a hallway in the back. A few minutes later, he stomped back to the front, his face flushed and muttering.
He forced a smile and told me to go on back. As I walked down the hall, I passed a tall, gorgeous blonde who smiled brightly and said hello. She looked familiar, but I didn’t have time to ponder it as I entered the attorney’s office.
A man was sitting behind a large wood desk and straightening his tie. His hair was mussed, and his eyes seemed to linger behind me for a moment before focusing on me. I had a feeling I’d interrupted something between him and the blonde.
He smiled, and I felt some of
