Page 9 of Bad Influence
He looks shocked and I feel a fissure of horror at my own words. I’m not the person who talks back, not even to strangers.
I open my mouth to offer an apology when the man grins and laughs, shaking his head.
“If I’d known you had such a sharp tongue, I wouldn’t have been such an ass,” he says.
His words make me cringe. “I feel sorry for any person who dates you, unless they’re exactly like you, in which case good luck to you both.”
His face twists and I already know he’s about to say something pejorative so I put my headphones on and turn up the music.
I turn on my phone as soon as we land, my heart sinking to my stomach when I see missed calls from my parents, my brother, Beckett, the wedding planner. There are messages as well.
I scroll through them as we get off the plane.
Beckett
Where the fuck are you?
You’re not going to survive a day in the real world. Get your ass back home right now and I’m willing to forgive this.
Get back here now!!
You’re not going to do this to me!
I stare at my phone in disgust.He’swilling to forgive me? That’s rich coming from a man who’s been cheating on his fiancé for the entirety of our relationship.
My brother, Carter, has also left a message.
Carter
Where the fuck are you?
I can’t decide if he’s actually worried about me or the clients. I ignore the rest of the messages and head into the bathroom to freshen up before going to get the rest of my luggage. As I’m waiting at the carousel, I take the chance to call Gerry. At least someone should know where I am.
“Hello, darling,” she answers on the second ring.
“Is that her?” Someone asks in the background. I think it’s Beckett and my palms turn cold thinking I’ll have to speak to him.
“Beckett, control yourself,” Gerry snaps, her voice muffled. “You’re emotionally overwrought and it’s off putting. If you have to be so emotional, please leave and let me speak with Alice in peace.”
Alice is Geraldine’s oldest friend. Those two have been in cahoots since they were little girls living next to each other.
“How are you dear?” Gerry’s voice rings clear.
“I’m fine. I’m in New York,” I say.
“Oh, that’s wonderful news! I’m sure this trip is exactly what you’re needing.”
“I hope so.” I chew on my lip. “Is it really bad there?”
“It’s absolute chaos,” Gerry admits, laughing lightly. “I’m not too worried about it.”
I feel a pang of guilt at her words. Chaos is never something I’ve wanted. I wanted to live a peaceful life even though I knew I was never going to be enough for my parents. The only thing I’ve ever gotten from my family is expectations and patronization.
“What if someone calls Alice to check if I’m with her?” I ask. My luggage does its second round of the carousel, but I want to finish my conversation with Gerry.
“Darling, you know me better than that,” Gerry says. “I’ve made things perfectly clear with her. There’s nothing to worry about.”
I take a deep breath. “I hope I didn’t make a mistake.”
