“Yes, well not me, but my bully boyfriend decided he liked this look on me better. At least I’m not as much a shemozzle as a few days ago.” I laughed nervously.
That should jar his memory.
“Did the boyfriend give you the black eye too?” he went on asking. “I definitely remember something about this.”
“Your mom probably told you. She knows all about it. I didn’t want to bull dust,” I said, needing desperately to get up and pace. “I’m sure that’s why you remember.”
Should I tell him about the elevator? Why bother, if he remembers then we can talk about it.
“What’s next?”
Chapter 22
AUGUST
Iarrived at the airport earlier than I had originally planned. Kellan’s bodyguard had asked if we could change the flight plan for the girl’s safety. He said he’d heard chatter on the police radio that they were still looking for her. I did as Gunner requested. Asher never would have, that’s for sure. I figured now was a good time to get a call in to my mother before Imogen was around to overhear. First, a text to Asher to see if she had contacted him.
“Hey Ash, getting ready to take off for Paris. Has mom messaged you about anything?”
“I was just going to forward her text to you. Here it is.”
Asher, I know you’re upset about this marriage thing, but you will see it’s for the best. Make sure you’re seen in public with her and get her a big diamond.
“What did you say back to her?”
“I told her I had decided it was a good idea. I didn’t want to harm the family, so I was going to Paris with the girl this afternoon.”
“Alright, from now on don’t respond without telling me first. We talked about this.”
“Relax August, she’s not going to find out.”
“No, I’m not going to relax. You’re already not sticking to the agreement.”
“Sorry man, okay, I won’t answer without talking to you first.”
“Thanks, I need to call Mom now. I’ll check in later.”
The intercom buzzed in. The pilot let me know that Gunner was five minutes away. Now was my chance to get the call in to Mom.
“Hey Mom. I’m about to leave for Paris. Anything you want to let me know about the Asher deal?” I asked as casually as I could. “He’ll be there, so if I know the plan, I can try to keep him in line.”
“August, I can always count on you. I don’t know how you convinced him to go with you, but well done, Son. If you can make sure he gets an engagement ring on her finger right away, that will set the stage. Also, get her some clothes worthy of a fiancée to a Hawthorne.”
“That sounds a little snobby, Mother. Asher says she is a pretty girl and very nice. Isn’t that enough?”
“Don’t be ridiculous, August, you know darn well I come from little money. I’m not a snob now nor have I ever been, so watch your mouth. I want her garnished like someone the press will believe Asher would be with.”
“Love you, Mom, I know you’re not a snob. Just giving you a hard time.”
“I think you’ve been hanging around Asher too long. Next thing I know I’ll be buying a bride for you.”
“Very, very funny mother.”
“I don’t know, maybe you’re finally hitting your rebellious stage.”
“Now you’re getting silly. I gotta go. Asher and his bride just got here.”
“Keep me posted.”