Then Came Abby (Southern Love #4) Read online

  This is a work of fiction. All the characters and events portrayed in this novel are fictitious or used fictitiously. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the publisher or author, except in the case of a reviewer, who may quote brief passages in a review.

  Fallen Publishing

  Then Came Abby

  Cover Design provided by Dinoman Designs

  Editing Services provided by Final-Edits.com

  Copyright © 2014 by E. L. Todd

  All Rights Reserved

  ISBN-13: 978-1494480585

  ISBN-10: 1494480581

  Chapter One

  Abby sipped her coffee at her desk. The office had been slow that day and she was eager to get off work. The deliveryman walked through the glass doors carrying a package. She downed the rest of her coffee before she looked at him.

  “Where does this go?” he asked.

  “Well, what is it?” She left her chair then examined his paperwork. “That piece from Italy—got it. Take it this way.” She walked ahead of him and led him to the blank wall. The painting displayed before had been purchased, and now they needed to make more room. “Here you go.”

  He opened the box then placed the painting against the wall. “Please sign here.” He held the clipboard out to her.

  She forged her boss’s signature then returned the clipboard.

  “Have a good day.”

  “You too,” she said without looking at him. She kneeled and took the painting out of the box. It was a rare find, but her boss somehow tracked it down. It was worth a fortune, but money was no object for him. Abby carefully hung it on the wall for everyone to see. This painting wouldn’t be for sale, but it would be insulting not to hang it.

  “It finally came.” Fernan came into the room with his hands in his pockets. He stared at the painting for a long time. “It’s crooked.”

  She eyed him. “Excuse me?”

  “It’s slightly tilted to the side.”

  “No, it isn’t,” she said firmly.

  He eyed her. “I pay your checks, so do as I ask.”

  “You didn’t ask me to do anything.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “You just said the painting was crooked.”

  “Well, fix it. I didn’t realize I needed to explain everything to you.”

  She glared at him. “Let’s make a bet. If that painting is crooked, you don’t have to pay my wages for the day.”

  “I like the sound of that.”

  “But if I’m right, you have to give me the painting.”

  He laughed. “That’s definitely not a fair trade.”

  “It’s not if you aren’t sure.”

  “My certainty isn’t the issue.”

  She shrugged. “I guess the bet is off.”

  He sighed. “Fine. But if I’m right, you have to attend the McCormick Gala with me as my date.”

  “Don’t you have a line of bimbos to choose from?”

  “And you’re one of those bimbos,” he said with a smile.

  “Eww.”

  He laughed. “So you’re backing out of the bet?”

  “I didn’t say that,” she said quickly. “I really want this painting in my living room.”

  He extended his hand. “A gentlemen’s bet?” His Italian accent was still thick despite his long duration in New York. Sometimes it was sexy, but Abby was annoyed by it some of the time.

  She shook it. “Deal.”

  Fernan grabbed the level indicator from the toolbox and handed it over. “Will you do the honors?”

  “I would love to.” She snatched it then placed it on top of the hanging painting. Just as she suspected, the line was perfectly in the middle. She smiled at him. “I think I’m putting it over my fireplace.”

  He sighed. “Damn.”

  She clapped her hands. “Maybe I’ll put a bear rug in front of it. And a nice sofa too.”

  “It sounds like you’re going to have sex in front of this painting.”

  “Well, somebody should,” she said with a smile.

  “I guess I’ll have to buy a new piece.”

  “Too bad, so sad.” She took the painting down then carried it to her desk.

  Fernan followed behind her. “I still need a date to that gala.”

  “I know a few prostitutes on ninth street.”

  “Very funny,” he said sarcastically. “I don’t know why you despise the women I date.”

  “Because they are trashy, dirty, and only want you for your money.”

  “And why would you care about that?” He leaned over her desk.

  “You’re my boss. I need to make sure you have money so I have money.”

  “I’m sure there’s something more than that,” he said with a smile.

  “Someone’s cocky.”

  “I just think you care about others more than you think you do.”

  She shook her head. “You don’t know me very well.”

  “I think I do.” He stepped back and looked at the clock. “It looks like you’re free.”

  “Thank god,” she said. “I need to get to work.”

  “I know the city is expensive, but you don’t need two jobs to get by. And if you need more money, I could give you a raise…if you’re nice.”

  She smiled. “I don’t want your money. And I enjoy my other job.”

  “What is it?” he asked.

  “I’m a self-defense instructor.”

  “Ooh. That sounds like fun. What made you pursue that?”

  She grabbed her purse and phone from the desk. After she turned off her computer and pushed the chair in, she looked at him. “Because guys should get their ass’s beat for hurting girls.”

  Fernan studied her face. “Has someone ever hurt you?”

  “I’d like to see them try.” She headed to the door. “I’ll see you later.”

  “Bye,” he said with a wave.

  Abby migrated through the crowd on the sidewalk until she reached the gym tucked in the corner. After she took the stairs to the second floor, she changed in the locker room. Her class was already waiting for her and she needed to hurry.

  After she changed, she walked into the room wearing her leggings and sports bra. She worked hard to keep her body in shape, tight and toned. It motivated her students to work harder to reach the same level of fitness. Abby wasn’t skinny and never wanted to be skinny. She had muscles and curves in the right places, and some fat over her lower stomach. But she was content with that.

  “Hello, everyone,” she said as she walked onto the mat.

  Her students were still intimidated by her. But that was understandable. Abby wasn’t a very approachable person. She demonstrated the moves to her class and worked with them individually. At the end of the session, they sparred each other while Abby watched. She never engaged her students into combat because she knew it would never be a fair fight. Instead, she gave them pointers.

  When the lesson was over, she showered in the locker room then headed to her apartment. Her apartment was too big for a single person. She had two bedrooms because the second room acted as her closet. She was a tomboy at heart, but she loved shoes and clothing. And there just wasn’t enough room in a single closet.

  After she collapsed on the couch with a glass of wine, her phone rang.

  “Yeah?”

  “Could you be a little more pleasant?” Alexandra asked.

  “Nope.” She drank from her glass again.

  “Whatever.”

  Abby imagined her sister rolling her eyes. “What’s up?”

  “Can I come by?”

 
; “To my apartment?” Abby asked incredulously.

  “You still live in the same place, right?”

  “Yeah…but are you here?”

  “I am. I’m actually in the lobby. Can I come up?”

  “Duh.” Abby rose from the couch. “I’m just surprised you’re in New York. You never mentioned anything.”

  “Well, a lot of things have happened. I thought we should talk in person.”

  “Oh oh. That doesn’t sound good.”

  “Actually, it is. I’ll see you soon.” She hung up.

  Abby opened the door and waited for her sister to appear.

  When Alexandra stepped out of the elevator, she wasn’t alone. Blaise came beside her, his hand holding hers. Even from the distance, Abby could see the glow in her sister’s face. The happiness and bliss was undeniable. Blaise stared at her adoringly, like she was a million dollar painting that people traveled across the world to see. For a moment, Abby felt the twinge of jealousy. Her sister had two gorgeous men who loved her. Abby wasn’t sure what Alexandra’s secret was.

  “This is a surprise,” Abby said, glancing down at their joined hands.

  “A lovely one,” Alexandra said. “Can we come in?”

  “Sorry,” Abby said. “I’m so used to being rude that I forget my manners.”

  “I figured,” Alexandra said with a laugh. She and Blaise walked into the living room and sat down. “You should work at that restaurant, Dicks.”

  “Why?” Abby asked.

  Blaise grinned. “Because you’re supposed to be a dick to the customers.”

  “And that sounds perfect for you,” Alexandra added.

  Abby laughed. “That sounds too good to be true.”

  “Apply,” Alexandra said.

  “Well, I already love my job and just don’t have the time.”

  “What a loss,” Blaise said with a sigh.

  Abby rolled her eyes. “So, what the hell is going on?”

  Alexandra squeezed Blaise’s hand. “We got back together.”

  “I figured that one out all by myself,” Abby said sarcastically.

  “And we’re getting married,” Alexandra said quickly.

  “Shut up!” Abby grabbed her left hand and looked at the diamond. “It’s beautiful.”

  “Thank you,” Blaise said.

  Abby examined it then hugged her sister. “I’m so happy for you.”

  “Thank you,” Alexandra said. “I’m happy too.”

  Abby hugged Blaise next then returned to her seat. “Damn. Poor Paul.” She shook her head.

  Alexandra and Blaise were both quiet.

  Abby felt the tension in the air. “When’s the wedding…?”

  “We haven’t decided yet,” Alexandra said. “But I wanted to ask you something.”

  “It better not be for money,” Abby said immediately. “Because you still owe me from the time I bought you lunch.”

  “We were in high school, Abby.”

  Abby sighed. “I guess I’ll ever see that five bucks again.”

  Blaise chuckled while he listened to them.

  Alexandra stared at her sister. “Abby, I want you to be my maid of honor.”

  Abby felt her heart squeeze. She and Alexandra had always been close since they were able to talk. They told each other everything, and were inseparable when they were little. She always suspected she would be Alexandra’s made of honor, but she was moved anyway. “I would be honored.” She hugged her sister again. “I’m so proud of my little sister.”

  “Thank you.”

  Abby pulled away and blinked her tears back. “We have a lot of planning to do.”

  “We do,” Alexandra said. “But I need to tell you something else.”

  Abby immediately eyed her stomach.

  “I’m not pregnant,” Alexandra said quickly.

  “Not yet,” Blaise added.

  “Blaise and I are both attending NYU this fall. We start in a few days.”

  Abby’s mouth gaped open. “What? For what?”

  “I’m going to medical school, and he was accepted into the law program.”

  “Wow….” Abby took a deep breath. “I was not expecting that.”

  Alexandra nodded. “Take all the time you need.”

  Abby held her hands together. “So, you’re going to be a doctor?”

  “Yes,” Alexandra said. “I’m nervous but excited at the same time.”

  “You’ll do great,” Blaise whispered. “I’d let you operate on me any day.” He winked.

  Abby felt more nauseous by watching them. They were so happy together, it was disgusting. “So, you’re going to be living here?”

  Alexandra nodded. “We’re looking for an apartment.”

  “You can live with me until you get settled.”

  “Thanks,” Alexandra said. “But we’ll find something. I wouldn’t want to burden you.”

  “You mean you want to have sex whenever you want,” Abby said with a smile.

  Alexandra’s cheek blushed.

  “I don’t blame you,” Abby said.

  Blaise smiled when he watched Alexandra’s cheeks redden.

  Abby leaned toward him. “She acts all innocent, but she’s nothing like that. Believe me.”

  “Oh, I already knew that.” He rubbed his nose against hers.

  Alexandra smiled then pulled away. “Are you seeing anyone?”

  “Just my vibrator,” she blurted.

  Blaise let a small laugh escape his lips.

  Alexandra glared at her. “Could you be a little less…Abby…when other people are around.”

  “What?” Abby said. “You’re marrying him, right? Now he’s family. And I act myself around family.”

  “It’s fine,” Blaise said. “I really like your sister. I liked her the moment I met her.”

  “Just don’t embarrass me,” Alexandra hissed.

  Abby rolled her eyes. “Just because you’ve never used a vibrator doesn’t make it bad.”

  Alexandra covered her face, totally mortified.

  Blaise laughed again. “Alexandra, don’t be embarrassed. I think it’s sexy. You were so innocent until I came along.”

  “You better not wear a veil,” Abby said.

  Alexandra glared at her.

  “So, let me know when you pick a date. Is this wedding happening here or in Georgia?” Abby asked.

  “Georgia,” Alexandra answered.

  Abby sighed. “So it’s easy and convenient for everyone,” she said sarcastically.

  “We just want something small,” Alexandra said. “Just our closest friends and family members. No one else.”

  “Are you on a budget?” Abby asked.

  “No,” Blaise said. “I can give her whatever wedding she wants. But this is what she picked.”

  “So typical,” Abby said as she rolled her eyes. “Just don’t buy your dress until the last minute. I know how much you like falafel.”

  “I serious hate you,” Alexandra said.

  “I hate you too,” Abby said with a laugh.

  Blaise moved closer to Alexandra then kissed her neck. “You guys are cute. I wish Cole wasn’t dating Lisa.”

  “Is that your brother?” Abby asked.

  Blaise nodded.

  “Does he look like you?”

  “We’re pretty similar,” Blaise said.

  “Damn.”

  Now Blaise blushed.

  Alexandra leaned toward Blaise. “Could you give me a moment with my sister?”

  “Of course.” He stood up then opened the front door. “I’ll be out here if you need me.” He closed the door and disappeared.

  “Cold feet?” Abby asked.

  “No,” Alexandra said immediately. “It’s about Paul.”

  “Oh…” Abby nodded. “I hope you still aren’t hopping around.”

  “Of course not,” Alexandra snapped. “I haven’t called him or reached out to him because I know that will just make it worse. But I was hoping…”

  �
��That I would check on him?”

  Alexandra nodded.

  “Damn, why did I say yes to being your maid of honor?”

  “I’m not asking you as that, just as my sister.” Alexandra clenched her hands together tightly. “I have to make sure he’s okay. Please.”

  Abby sighed. “Fine.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Where do I go?”

  “You can go to his firm or his apartment. But to be less conspicuous, I would go to his work.”

  “And say what?” Abby asked. “I have no reason to be there.”

  “Just say you’re seeking legal representation for your boss.”

  “Even though I’m not?”

  “You’ll figure it out,” Alexandra said. “I know you, Abby. Just make sure he’s okay.”

  “He’s not a girl,” Abby said. “He’ll get over it.”

  “I hope you’re right. I hurt him pretty bad.”

  “Paul is a good-looking fellow. Plus, he’s smart and sweet. He’ll move on to other fish in the sea. Don’t let it weigh you down. After all, you met Blaise because he cheated on you. So don’t feel too bad.”

  Alexandra nodded. “Okay.” She rose from the chair. “We’re going to head back to the hotel.”

  “And do nasty things all night long?”

  Alexandra blushed.

  “I’m so jealous,” Abby blurted.

  “Why haven’t you dated anyone?” Alexandra asked.

  “I just haven’t seen anyone I liked. But I do miss—being with someone.”

  “Well, you’re a gorgeous woman who’s smart and successful. You shouldn’t have a hard time finding the right guy.”

  “I’m not that great of a catch,” Abby said quietly.

  “Yes, you are.” Alexandra looked at her. “I’m your sister and I’ll never lie to you. When you’re being a bitch, I’ll tell you. When you look fat in a dress, I’ll tell you. And when you’re a perfect 10, I’ll tell you. Abby, you are.”

  Abby smiled. “Thanks, sis.”

  “Now I need to get home. Blaise is supposed to rock my world tonight.”

  Abby rolled her eyes. “Stop rubbing it in.”

  “I won’t ask him to stop rubbing it in.” She winked then walked out the door.

  Chapter Two

  Abby went to his firm downtown like Alexandra instructed. She hadn’t come up with a solid story to explain why she was there. But hopefully no one would interrogate her.