The Convenient Wedding: a contemporary romance (The Rosa Legacy Book 3) (16 page)

Lucia was surprised by his candidness and tried to diffuse it a little. “So would you like me to start an argument?”

He laughed, they both moved towards the bench in the gazebo and sat down.

As the afternoon sun warmed them both, Lucia felt quite at ease with Arthur. 

“His relationship with Jade was a disaster from the start. Virginia disliked her on sight which probably only encouraged a younger, more brash Anderson. I don’t think he intended to devote his life to her but he liked living in Hong Kong and the challenges of designing offices in such a far, flung place. Virginia never understood what the attraction was.” Arthur said.

Lucia nodded as she got the sense that he was talking about a long time ago. His generalizations didn’t concern her so she just listened respectfully.

“Then she betrayed him with a close friend of his,” Arthur divulged.

“Arthur, please I don’t need to know any of this.”

“Yes, you do. Don’t hide from the facts. It shaped Anderson’s future relationships and his ability to trust.” Arthur argues.

“Arthur, I’m sure that he can separate the two. Anderson is a brilliant man.” Lucia argued.

“Brilliant, yes. But damaged. Anderson trusted her. They lived together, worked together and then she became pregnant.” Arthur explained.

Lucia unconsciously held her breath then turned to Arthur and said in shock, “Anderson has a child?”

“No. He thought Jade was pregnant with his child and went through the motions of planning for the baby but in the end he found out that the baby wasn’t his.” 

“Did you and Virginia know about the baby?” Lucia asked him.

“Yes, and we were overjoyed at the prospect of becoming grandparents until the truth came out.” Suddenly Arthur looked defeated as he remembered the painful moment.

“I’m so sorry, Arthur.”

“It wasn’t meant to be. And given Jade’s character, it was probably a blessing.”

“So that was it. Anderson walked away from her and the baby?” Lucia asked him.

“No, Anderson stayed in Hong Kong until he had DNA tests to confirm that the baby was not his. So eventually we had confirmation that it wasn’t Anderson’s child. It took almost a year but at that point Anderson did sell his shares in the firm and came back to the United States.” Arthur explained.

“I now understand why Anderson would like the past to remain in the past.” Lucia said as she glanced at her watch and then abruptly stood up and said “I can’t believe that it is almost four o’clock, I’m going to be late for a staff meeting.”

“I’ll drive you back myself so you won’t have to wait for a car. But please don’t push yourself too hard.” Arthur cautioned as he kissed her cheek.

“Hey, you should be harassing me to work harder for your son’s campaign.” Lucia teased him as they walked towards the garage.

“I no longer just have a son. I also have a daughter now and I want you to be happy.”

Lucia smiled but was taken aback by his comment. The reality that her marriage affected more than just herself and Anderson was a hard truth to confront.

Over the next several weeks, Anderson threw himself into the campaign and worked extraordinarily long days so Lucia only saw him when they went out to events. Even though he remained very attentive to her in public, so many people wanted to speak to him that she often felt alone. Arthur or Brian were more than willing to keep her company but when she was with them she felt that she was just waiting to catch a glimpse of Anderson.

In order to fill this void, she made a point of meeting new people and listening intently to each person’s thoughts and views. Over time, she began to feel more comfortable in the spotlight and felt easily accepted by both the media and the campaign team.

In late September Lucia was traveling home from another event, this time it was an opening of a senior housing complex. She was spending most of her time at campaign events with Anderson. Even though she heard his stump speeches countless times, it never failed to revitalize her. His deep conviction and seemingly limitless intellect, impressed her each time.

They were traveling on a luxury bus that was filled with everything that was needed; kitchen, bathrooms, televisions, conference table etc… as well as a dozen or so campaign staff.

Even though she spent almost all of her time with Anderson, they were never alone. Someone always needed his attention or he needed to make phone calls seeking endorsements, pacifying contributors or talking to the media.

Lucia tried to recall what day it was, and it suddenly hit her that she was becoming so exhausted that she could barely function. Maybe she would be able to sleep for six hours that night if they were able to get home by midnight.

When Anderson’s press secretary started to recommend a few impromptu stops, Lucia spoke up and said “Hector, everyone is exhausted, myself included. Can we please just go back to the campaign headquarters?”

Before Hector had a chance to respond, Anderson said “Let’s call it a day.”

“Anderson, we are down to just six weeks and each stop means additional votes.” Hector argued.

“I need some rest before the debate next week or I won’t be able to put two coherent words together.” Anderson said.

“Maybe Lucia should sit out the next couple of trips.” Hector said.

“Maybe you should,” Anderson said in a tone that final.

Part of her was angry with the disdain coming from Hector but part of her felt guilty for suggesting that they end early.

When the bus pulled up to the building, Lucia was the first to get off. She went upstairs to the loft for some much needed privacy. After feeding the cat, she went upstairs and undressed for the shower. Within seconds, she was standing in a steamy shower trying to forget about the campaign.

A few weeks later, tiredness hit Lucia and she decided to take a short nap before getting dressed so she stepped out of the shower, towel dried her body and slipped gratefully into Anderson’s large bed. It was only five o’clock but the sleep deprivation of the last several weeks was catching up to her and as she closed her eyes images of shaking hands and posing for photographs passed through her mind.

Lucia sat up abruptly and glanced around the room for a clue about the day or time. It slowly seeped into her consciousness that she had fallen asleep and should really get up and dress for the evening.

Whoever thought politics was glamorous should try campaigning for a day, Lucia thought unkindly.

She pulled back the covers and emerged from the bed, the thought occurred to her that she felt strangely numb and that she was just pushing herself to go through the motions of appearing pleasant and projecting a certain image for Anderson. Maybe she thought it was just exhaustion.

Within a short time, she dressed in a black silk gown, applied a minimal amount of make-up and swept her blond hair up into a French twist. She decided to forgo stockings and slipped her feet into black four inch heels. 

Lucia could hear muted conversations coming from the conference room and realized that several staff members were present. She began to wonder if they had any life outside of the campaign. Three more weeks she repeated to herself and the once comforting thought filled her with dread. If Anderson won the election, would he ask her to remain married to him for appearances then go ahead and seek companionship elsewhere. Lucia knew she couldn’t live under those conditions. But if he lost then they would part ways.

For a moment, she was in such physical pain as she contemplated life without him that she thought she would shatter into a million pieces. Lucia willed herself to walk over to the drinks cabinet and uncharacteristically pulled out a bottle of Vodka and mixed up two Vodka Martinis. Anderson came out of his office and dashed toward the stairs, he stilled for a minute when he caught sight of her holding two drinks.

“I’ll be down in just a moment.” Anderson told her.

The staff members including Brian and Hector who were trailing Anderson milled around, Lucia softly said, “We will meet you down in the lobby.”

For a moment, she thought they were going to refuse to leave but good manners got the best of them and they retreated with dignity.

Lucia took a small sip of the potent drink and tried to relax while she waited. She decided at that moment that she was going to set clearer boundaries.

Anderson came down the steps still buttoning his shirt and when he reached her, he expertly tied his black bowtie. He looked handsome, Lucia mused. His expertly tailored tuxedo hung nicely on his lean frame. Without trying, he exuded energy and strength which was only enhanced by his wide smile and intense gaze.

“To what do I owe this honor?” he teased her.

“I thought we could use a moment together before entering back into the fray.”

“Is anything bothering you?” Anderson asked her.

Instead of pretending that she was fine, Lucia said “I think Hector went too far today.”

“We are all feeling the stress of the long hours.” Anderson dismissed her complaint easily as he sipped his drink and turned to look out at the harbor.

“No. Hector was not just blowing off steam. He was attacking me in particular.” Lucia expressed her grievance.

“Well sometimes in a position of authority, you have to take some hits. Don’t let it get to you.” 

He finished his drink, he said “We should go.”

“I’m not happy.” Lucia said without thinking but regretted the emotional outburst.

Anderson became very still as he considered her words but instead of becoming angry, he said “What needs to change?”

The question surprised Lucia so she said, “I don’t know exactly. But I want to feel that I have your protection.”

“Gladly,” Anderson breathed as he removed the glass from her hand and pulled her into a powerful embrace. Suddenly her anger was gone as she felt the warmth of his arms around her.

Lucia closed her eyes and luxuriated in the smell and feel of him as she acknowledged to herself that she loved him with all of her heart. But how did he feel? Was he just trying to pacify her or did he genuinely care about her feelings?

Instead of deepening their embrace, Anderson pulled back and said “We need to go.”

Lucia followed him to the door and acknowledged to herself that he was driven to succeed and she would never come before his political aspirations.

When Lucia awoke on election morning, the loft was surprisingly quiet. Behind the scenes, the campaign staff would be making calls to remind voters to get to the polls and making the final arrangements for the after party, whether it would be victory or defeat was still too close to predict.

Anderson had told her that on Election Day, they would go out to vote then head to his father’s house to await the results.

Lucia poured herself some coffee while the cat rubbed against her legs in a silent plea for food. She was filling the food dish, when Anderson came in the front door drenched in sweat.

“You are awake,” came his obvious greeting. “I thought you were going to sleep in.”

“I couldn’t sleep anymore.”

They exchanged small talk, and Lucia tried to relax but somehow whenever Anderson was near, she could feel an invisible tension between them.

Lucia asked, “Do you want something for breakfast?”

“Please. Whatever you make is fine.” Anderson headed upstairs for a shower.

She took out the ingredients to make an omelet and started to chop peppers. Glancing around the open space, it hit her that today would change everything. Instead of feeling joyous that the election was almost over; she felt lonely and realized that she was just going through the motions until she was truly free and could deal with her emotions.

When Anderson came down the stairs a few moments later, Lucia had set out plates and was in the process of cooking.

“Are you worried?” He asked her.

“Not worried exactly but it would be great to know the results.” Lucia placed the cooked eggs on his plate.

“It should be an interesting night.”

Lucia went upstairs and took a shower. Instead of putting on the wool dress that she had chosen, Lucia went in search of some clothing that reminded her of the woman she used to be before the campaign added a veneer of polish.

She put on a short black skirt with patterned silk stockings. The skirt were a little snug but felt comfortable so she pulled on a pair of black suede boots and a white cashmere sweater that had to be pulled down to cover her flat belly. She decided to leave her hair loose and added a minimum of make-up.

When she came downstairs, Anderson eyed her speculatively and said “Aren’t you dressed a little too casual?”

“It no longer matters how I dress,” Lucia replied.

“We will be photographed voting.” 

Lucia smoothed her short skirt and the dynamic changed between them changed. Anderson traced where her hands had been with his eyes, making it clear that he found her provocative gesture a challenge.

He took a step towards her, and Lucia backed up onto the first step and said “don’t.”

Anderson reached out and captured her hips in his hands and said, “Don’t respond to you clear invitation?” 

Anderson easily held her still and glided his hands over her hips and then pulled her into his embrace.

“I didn’t mean to.” Lucia said as she moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue but Anderson gently tugged her towards him causing her to step down and effortlessly captured her mouth with his own. Moving his hands up her back until one of his hands secured the nape of her neck pulling her closer while the his other hand lightly splayed over her breast.

Anderson kissed her deeply and Lucia could feel his hand push away the thin fabric of her sweater and then her bra until his hand was gently kneading her breast.

A warning went off in Lucia’s mind but she purposely dismissed it and sought the solid feel of his chest with her hands. When he groaned in satisfaction, Lucia could feel her desire for him surge in response.

He suddenly broke off their kiss and when she opened her eyes, she could see desire in his clouded grey eyes as he gazed at her intently. He said “You are so beautiful, bella.”

He pressed small kisses into her cheek and neck. And when his name escaped her lips in a plea to be kissed, he once again kissed her fully. When his fingers began to unzip her skirt, Lucia pulled back. 

“Anderson,” Lucia tried to get his attention but he stepped back and picked her up and started up the stairs.

“We shouldn’t do this,” she said but he ignored her and went into the bedroom.

“Has anyone ever warned you about playing with fire?” Anderson asked her.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for this to get so out of hand.” Lucia said as he tossed her on the bed and stood watching her.

The admission stopped him cold and he said “I’m tired of playing games.”

He left her on the bed and headed downstairs. She gathered her thoughts for a moment and went in search of him.

He was on his cell phone and motioned for her to follow him downstairs. An icy silence prevailed until the limousine pulled up to the polling place and Anderson said, “We get to cast our votes.”

The driver opened the door and Lucia could see a maze of cameras poised to record the event and Anderson reached for hand and pushed out into the crowd. His height and presence gave him an advantage as the crowd slowly made room for them to get to the front doors of the polling place.

Lucia made an effort to smile and appear relaxed but between supporters trying to get a glimpse of Anderson and the media recording the event, Lucia wished for the day to be over.

It took several minutes to reach the door but once inside, the atmosphere changed drastically. The election volunteers were all smiles as they discreetly asked for identification and allowed them to each enter a polling booth.

Lucia selected a candidate for each office, her hand hesitated on Anderson’s name. So much work went into the campaign, she silently wished Anderson luck as she pulled down the lever that would cast her vote for him.

Once the voting was completed, Anderson took her hand once more and led her out into the crowd. Reporters were shouting questions but Anderson politely declined an interview. They were getting into the car, a reporter that Lucia recognized asked her how she voted and simply said, “I voted my heart.”

When they reached Arthur’s house, they were greeted warmly by several close relatives. Her Aunt Francine stepped forward and hugged her.

Later they were all gathered in the media room when the five o’clock news showed a clip of Lucia leaving the polling place and her response to the reporter’s question about how she voted.

There was a lot of good natured ribbing as everyone was telling Anderson that he was eclipsed by his beautiful wife. Anderson’s mood was light-hearted and he agreed with them but Lucia couldn’t help feeling self-conscious about her comment. Their marriage was supposed to be a business relationship only and Anderson never said that he had any feelings for her beyond physical desire.

After dinner, Lucia shared a pot of tea with Francine and Anderson’s Aunt. The conversation touched on many issues but the atmosphere seemed subdued as early reports were not favoring Anderson.

It was almost nine o’clock and the race was still too close to call. Anderson was on the phone in Arthur’s study speaking with his campaign team while the rest of the family was in the media room just hanging out. When it seemed like the election may be a draw, requiring a manual recount to determine a winner; everyone decided that they would head home leaving Anderson, Lucia and Arthur alone.

Arthur said, “Don’t give hope yet, I have a good feeling about the election. It is close but that usually favors the underdog. If you will excuse me for a few moments, I would like to make a phone call.” He gave her a brief hug before heading for his study.

The quietness of the room surprised her so without anything to do, Lucia headed out to the garden. The air was cold but it was a clear night so the moonlight provided enough relief to easily find her way. The silence was somehow comforting and she scanned the sky for the big dipper. It reminded her of so many nights when she would swim alone in her parents pool and wonder about her future.

Why couldn’t a clear winner be predicted? The waiting was excruciating. Lucia had fielded many questions throughout the evening about her plans for the future. Everyone wanted to know if Anderson wasn’t elected then what were they going to do.

She walked the paths of the garden and tried to figure out what she was feeling. She was in love with Anderson but it wasn’t enough. He didn’t return her feelings. Living a false life was eating away at her bit by bit. She needed to escape all of the images, expectations and lies. She couldn’t continue living a lie but in her heart knew that losing Anderson would devastate her. Suddenly, the decision was clear.

“How are you holding up?” Anderson’s voice startled her. She could barely see him until he stepped out of the shadows and into the moonlight.

“I’m fine.” she answered automatically and turned her back on him.

She was far from fine but now was not the time to begin the conversation that would separate them.

Anderson came up behind her and pulled her back against his chest. For a few minutes, Lucia was content to just stand there and breathe in the cool, dark air while enjoying the security of his embrace.

When she finally moved away and turned to face him, she said, “I can’t believe that the race is being considered a draw.”

He met her gaze. “We knew that it was going to be close.”

“I thought we would have an answer tonight.” Lucia said.

“After the election results come in, we can take a break. Go somewhere warm.”

“I want out of the marriage.” Lucia said badly.

For a moment she thought that he didn’t hear her because he gave no response but from the rigid stance of his body and the fleeting look of pain that flashed across his face, she knew that he had.

“Aren’t you going to wait until the results are in before assuming that I’ve lost?” Anderson spoke in a clipped tone that held a trace of mockery.

“It doesn’t matter to me either way.” Lucia said dully.

Anderson stepped forward and grasped her shoulders saying, “How is that possible, you poured your heart and soul into the campaign?”

Lucia looked away and willed herself not to break down in front of him.

The silence stretched on until he quietly said, “I need you, bella.”

“No, you needed the image of a perfect wife and now that the election is over, my job is done.”

Anderson physically recoiled as if she had struck him.

All of the pent up anger and hurt that was inside her spilled out as she said, “I’m tired of playing the role of the Candidate’s wife, being put on show and having every move overanalyzed. There is nothing real about our life together.”

“Nothing?” Anderson questioned her harshly. Before Lucia had a chance to respond, Anderson roughly pulled her into his arms and devoured her mouth with his own. Instead of pushing him away, Lucia clung to him and returned his kiss.

Anderson pushed her away and called out “We’re coming.”

Lucia was in a daze so Anderson turned her towards his father and propelled her forward.

Arthur said, “I’m sorry to interrupt but we will be late for the press conference.”

The next several hours were taken up with interviews and the after party. Everyone seemed relieved that the hard work and long hours of campaigning were over and rather confident that Anderson would be declared the winner. For the first time in a long time, Lucia was putting on an act as she smiled and tried to appear happy. Anderson appeared distant and seemed to be avoiding any contact with her.

When Lucia saw Marissa arrive with other members of the party elite, she wanted to fade into the background. She didn’t feel up to a confrontation and somehow Marissa would sense an undercurrent of tension between her and Anderson.

Lucia took another sip of her drink and tried to listen to the conversation between Mealy and Lisa. Instead of enjoying the evening, Lucia was trying to survive it. If anyone noticed the tension between Lucia and Anderson, it was glossed over. Over the past several months, they both worked tirelessly on the campaign and always treated each other with respect so the staff began to rely on the steady relationship between them.

So it came as a surprise when Brian approached Lucia and said, “Anderson asked me to take you home so you won’t have to wait around for him.”

“Great,” Lucia said as she carefully controlled her expression in front of everyone. But as she said goodbye to Mealy and Lisa, she could feel the sting of tears behind her eyelids.

“Do you want to say goodnight to Anderson?” Brian asked her.

Lucia shook her head and headed for the door. If Brian was surprised, he hid it well.

When they went out through the front door of the hotel, the limousine was waiting instead of Brain’s car.

“Don’t worry about me. I’m fine alone and I’ll send the car back for Anderson.”

“Is everything okay?” Brian said as he gave her a searching look.

“Yes. I’m just exhausted. Goodnight and thank you.” Lucia said rather stiffly as she climbed into the waiting limo without looking back.

The door clicked shut and Lucia sank back against the seat and suddenly realized that she was shaking from anger not exhaustion. How dare he dismiss her without a word or explanation?