Free Forever True (The Story of Us) by Gwendolyn Grace Page B

other anymore. I spent too much time away from her, and I’ve forgotten the reasons I married her. Pamela was temptation, but that's all.” Mitch lowered himself into a chair at the end of the boardroom table.  “I asked you to come to this conference because I knew you weren't going to say no and that you wouldn't disappoint me. I also know that you look out for Erica. It was a good call bringing her on board. She's done wonders in her department.” Mitch looked around and lowered his voice. “I hope she is not your temptation to resist because it would be wise to do something about it now. Can you keep your interactions professional or will this become a problem?”
    “There is nothing between Erica and me. I was just trying to help out an old friend. I can handle her. Like you, I love my wife. ” I replied instantly.
    “Good.” Mitch answered after studying me for a moment. “I guess you’re planning an early exit from the event tonight. My suggestion is to seek out Deal first before you leave.”
    “I'm way ahead of you.” I smirked at him before I turned and left the room.

Chapter Thirteen
    Courtney
    I ran my hand down the smooth fabric of my dress. I knew I wasn't showing however I felt like everyone could tell that I was pregnant. I was grateful for the wide band that cinched the waist of my champagne-colored strapless sequined gown. It was the reason I chose it. The color also looked good against my skin, and I let my hair fall around my shoulders in loose curls just the way I knew Alex liked it. I had spent all morning in little boutiques downtown trying to put together the perfect look all the way down to my strappy Jimmy Choos.
    Yeah, I wasn't done with the pettiness.
    I caught a 5:30am flight into Houston this morning and immediately went on an expensive shopping spree and treated myself to a beautification day at the hotel spa, on Alex's credit card. Only this time I deactivated the text alerts.  I got dressed at the salon since the employees were all too happy to help me once I told them I was here to surprise my husband. It caused a major uproar, and they treated me like their own personal Barbie doll. The hotel clerk even bent the rules and arranged to have my bags sent to Alex's room later that night. When they were done with me, I was blown away at what they were able to accomplish. Erica's words had bothered me all week but looking in the mirror I smiled.
    Who's lame now, bitch?
    There was a crowd at the check-in desk, and I wasn't sure how to get into the event. Was there a list? What if they wouldn't let me inside? I stood there for a few minutes surveying the area, and I observed how guests were walking around unnoticed. I decided to fall in step with a group of people who passed me. They skipped the check-in table and were let through the velvet rope without question. I couldn't believe how easy it was. For good measure, I smiled at the attendant and nodded my head in thanks. Once on the other side, I searched the crowded room for my husband.
    ****
    Alex
    I was standing next to Mitch and Deal trying to fake interest in some story Deal was telling about his trip to...shit...I forget. Some place he went recently. I don't know. That's how much I cared about the conversation. The whole time my eyes were focused on the crumbs on the corner of his gray mustache as I debated whether to tell him about it. Even Mitch didn't have the balls to say anything. When Deal took another bite of a cracker with seafood dip on it, he added crumbs to the other side as well but he kept right on talking. I tried not to laugh, but it was proving hard, so I lifted my glass to take a sip. That's when I felt her. It was like my ears blocked the noises around me as I turned just in time to see my wife walking gracefully down the large staircase. The shimmer of the gown made her glow as she focused on her feet as she descended to the bottom. The way she floated the entire way down made me think that maybe she was