think so, Emmet. I guess I didn’t eat much either.”
“Emmet,” Bob said, “I was just telling Annie she looks familiar; I can’t determine when we’ve met.”
“Oh, I hear that a lot, actually. I think I have one of those faces that resembles many others,” I said, not sounding very convincing to anyone and speaking way too quickly.
“So, Michigan,” Bob said. “That’s not it. How long have you worked for Emmet?”
“Just over a year now,” I said, praying Emmet and Amanda wouldn’t correct my lie and frantically wondering how I was going to explain it to them later.
“I never hear Emmet talk about you,” Bob said.
“Are you kidding?” Emmet chimed in. “The way you run Amanda around…you think I’m going to give you access to Annie too? Not a chance.” There was a courteous laugh.
“What’s your last name, Annie?” Bob asked.
“Logan,” I answered, finding myself leaning back on Emmet’s rescuing hand. I wanted to get away from these men.
“No, that just doesn’t sound familiar.”
“This is how Rich and Bob pick up attractive women,” Emmet interjected attempting to add a bit of levity to the conversation. “Whatever you do, don’t give out your phone number.”
The stress of the conversation was taking a toll on me. Once again I began to sway and Emmet steadied me. “Amanda, take Annie out to get some fresh air and please let Romulus out for a quick run. I’ll keep the guests inside until you return.”
“Great idea,” Amanda said. I knew she was dying to ask me why I lied about how long I had worked for Emmet.
We walked to the breezeway without talking. The fresh air helped revive me and I was relieved to be away from Bob’s and Rich’s stares. Amanda opened the door to let Romulus out and crunched down as if she was going to greet a toddler.
“How’s my little puppy, Romulus?” She asked.
Puppy? Romulus jumped around alternating between chasing his tail and licking Amanda on her face. I was surprised he didn’t knock her over. He had to be one and a half times her body weight.
“That’s my good boy…that’s my good, good boy,” she said, holding on to his slobbery mouth. I definitely drank too much wine. I was starting to hallucinate. Amanda continued to hug on Romulus until finally she said, “Where’s your ball? Go get your ball.” And Romulus tore off running.
“So, you and Romulus, huh,” I said. “He’s really comfortable with you.”
“He should be,” Amanda offered, standing and brushing her dress back into place. “I trained him.”
“You train attack dogs?”
“I did. Now I only do it for people I know.”
“No wonder Emmet says you’re such a pit bull. He says—”
“Annie,” she snapped, “you know I have no interest in talking about myself right now. I want the truth. You took pictures of Emmet and the boys even though he told you not to. You told those men you’ve worked for Emmet for a year when you have only been here for two weeks. I want some answers. Romulus and I both want answers, don’t we?” She gestured to Romulus and he began to growl.
“Okay, Amanda,” I stammered. “But I’m going to ask you to think twice before you say anything to Emmet. I know that’s where your loyalty lies, but just hear me out.”
“Start talking,” she said, repeating the gesture to Romulus…and his growl grew louder.
“The picture issue is easy. The boys wanted to do something special for Emmet for Father’s Day. They wanted me to help them put together a scrapbook with pictures and some of their artwork from school. Josh has it hiding in his closet to give to his dad tomorrow. Please don’t tell Emmet. The boys will be so disappointed if their surprise is spoiled.”
“And you lied to those men because?”
“That’s complicated. I left an abusive relationship. I felt like Bob was coming on to me. I didn’t want to seem temporary…vulnerable…I can’t explain it.”
“Well, that is sort of complicated.” Amanda picked up the tennis ball not completely satisfied with my answer. She threw it for Romulus and, I must say, the woman had quite an arm on her. “Annie,” she said, “I’m sure Emmet could tell you were about to pass out. I could. He already knows you aren’t who you say you are. That’s why he jumped to the conclusion that you were some sort of reporter when he found out you were taking pictures of him and the boys.”
“How does he know?”
“He did a thorough background check on you. He does that with everyone who works for him now. He’s had a couple bad experiences. So, this person you’re hiding from…do you think he’s looking for you?”
“I know he is…just not in Indiana. He thinks I’m somewhere else. Are you going to tell Emmet?”
“Not tonight, but I’ll have to eventually.”
“Well, could you wait until Monday? He wants me to be out of his house after the cleaning crew leaves. I just don’t have the energy for another tête-à-tête with him.”
“You have my word. I won’t say anything before then.” She threw the ball for Romulus once more. “Are you ready to go back inside?”
“I don’t think I can.”
“I’ll tell Emmet you weren’t feeling well. It’s almost ten thirty anyway. I think people are about ready to leave. When does the cleaning crew come?”
“Monday 8:00 sharp. I should be gone by noon.”
“You never know. Emmet may change his mind once he sees the album.”
“Emmet doesn’t hit me as someone who changes his mind.”
“Not often, Annie. But he is remarkable at admitting when he’s wrong. I’m just not sure how the conversation with Bob and Rich will factor into all of this.” She went back to playing with Romulus like he was a ten-pound toothless puppy.
I slipped inside through the mudroom to avoid the guests and headed straight upstairs. Was it just a coincidence those men thought I looked familiar? How could that be? They were from Florida and worked in the international aspect of the company. The only saving grace was they didn’t act like they had figured out how they knew me. I wondered if Emmet would ask me about it in the morning. For now, I would spend a few minutes thanking God for all of my blessings, including my safety… for now.
15
It was finally Sunday…my day off. Then again, after tomorrow every day would be my day off. That should have been a bit of a comfort after the week I’d had. It had been nothing short of an emotional roller coaster. I knew I owed Emmet an apology and an explanation…and even a thank you for going along with my lie
