She’s declared war, and I can’t just sit and wait for her to drop a bomb on me.
I press my knuckles against my teeth, my gaze unconsciously following the woman disappearing into the waiting elevator. I don’t have the kind of resources or power to fight somebody like Annabelle Underhill, which means I need an ally or two. And, of course, Elliot is the logical choice.
Oh how I want to ask him for help. But I’m not entirely sure if he’ll believe me without any evidence, and the possibility makes my chest ache until I tear up. It took a week before Elliot was ready to listen to me about Mr. Grayson. I don’t know if I can afford to wait that long or survive another week of my husband’s brooding skepticism. Even now Annabelle Underhill is planning to screw me somehow, and I don’t want another thing for Nonny to be angry with me about.
If not Elliot, who? Traci is out of the question. It’d be like throwing two eggs at a rock, and I don’t want her getting in that bitch’s crosshairs when Traci’s just getting her life together.
Elizabeth.
I actually gasp. Elliot’s half-sister is so sweet and nice that it’s impossible to imagine her saying no. On the other hand, she and I aren’t really close enough that I can impose on her like this. But I have nothing to lose by asking, do I? At the very least, she can listen and maybe offer some advice.
My mind made up, I dial her before I lose courage.
Elizabeth answers on the third ring. “Hello, Annabelle.” Her voice is so, so soft. “How are you feeling?”
“Much better, thanks.”
“I was worried.”
“I’m sorry. I should’ve called.”
“Just focus on getting better,” she says, her voice full of gentle concern.
I clear my throat. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
“Of course not.”
“There’s something I’d like your advice on.”
“Go ahead.”
I swallow, my mouth suddenly dry. I wish there was a bottle of water in the car. “It’s about something that happened at the dinner.”
“Oh?” There’s an alertness to her tone now. “What about it?”
I tell her about Annabelle Underhill’s threat. Elizabeth listens without interruption or comment, but I know she’s paying attention to every word out of my mouth. She is so quiet when I’m done that I almost wonder if the line’s been cut.
“Did you tell Elliot?” she asks finally.
“Um… No. Not yet.”
“You should.”
“I’m not sure…” I bite my lower lip, feeling like a disloyal idiot. “I don’t know if he’s going to believe me without proof.”
“Annabelle, your word should be more than enough.”
“Should be, but… It’s complicated. I’m sorry, but it’s hard to explain.” I slowly sink deeper into my seat, my body folding on itself. Now I wish I hadn’t called. “Can you help?”
“Of course. But for now, I want you to wait while I look into what she’s really up to. Don’t do anything rash. My guess is, she wants to rattle you to see if you’ll undermine your own position. If she really had anything, she wouldn’t have gone after you that way.”
“You think so?”
“I know so.”
I nod, then remember she can’t see me. “Got it. And thank you.”
“You’re welcome. But you know…” She sighs. “You have to learn to open up to Elliot. He can’t help you if you don’t tell him.”