Allison looked at him with a calm that made his skin prickle.
"And what exactly," she asked, "would embarrass you?"
Anthony's jaw worked once. "Don't start talking out of turn. Don't mention personal issues. Don't get emotional in front of our guests. Smile, do your part, and get through the evening."
"Our guests," Allison repeated.
"Yes."
She almost pitied him.
Almost.
Because Anthony Morrison still had no idea how badly he had miscalculated the woman standing in front of him.
He still thought tomorrow was an event he would manage.
He still thought Allison was an extension of the décor.
He still thought the stage belonged to him.
It didn't.
Not anymore.
"I'll be there," Allison said.
Anthony exhaled like he had won something.
Idiot.
"But Anthony?"
He looked at her.
She smiled.
A beautiful smile.
One that once would have made him soften.
Now, somehow, it only made his stomach go tight.
