Against All Odds

Chapter Thirty-Two

I'm sitting in the dining room, sipping coffee when Arnold walks into the room. I slept maybe two hours and thought I'd be safe out here since it's not even dawn. As I observe the brutal black and blue shiner on his apologetic face, I set my mug onto the table.

We stare at each other silently, and I think he's waiting for me to throw him out.

"Coffee or tea?" I ask, standing. He rubs the back of his neck, slowly.

"Tea, please," he answers. I walk to the table, grabbing the kettle Mrs. Ike made for the guests. I pour a cup, adding milk and sugar before I hand the cup to him. He exhales awkwardly, taking it.

"Thank you."

I eye him suspiciously, but nod. "There's food there if you're hungry."

"Thank you, but I don't think I'll eat for days."

I sit back down in my seat, gesturing to the spot beside me. He does sit down, looking very much worse for the wear.

"I could get some Tylenol for you, if you're in need of it."

He holds up his hand. "Please, just... don't be nice to me. It will only make me feel worse."

"What? You want me to be mean?"

"I deserve it, yes!" he says, exasperatedly. He finally looks me in the eyes, contrite. "Mia, how I acted was unforgiveable. I'm ashamed. Ashamed of what I said to you, to Henry..."

"Did you mean any of it?"

"Every word. But I usually have something resembling manners which prevent me from foaming at the mouth."

"I forgive you," I murmur, sighing. "Of course I forgive you... but you do realize-"

He presses his lips together, and I fear tears are forming in his eyes. "I can't see you again."

I nod, biting my upper lip uncomfortably. "Yes."

"That's probably the worst of it. God, I'm such a fool."

"No, I am. There are so many things I'd change. I wish I could fix everything, so you wouldn't hurt."

"I know," he answers, closing his eyes briefly. When he looks back at me, he smiles softly. "It's odd how things turn out sometimes. A few months ago, you were in England, singing at The Fountain."

I grab his hand, squeezing. "You were so wonderful, getting me that job... it changed my life."

He smiles sadly, shaking his head with an exhale. "I... can't take credit for that anymore."

"What?"

He lets go of my hand, leaning back in the seat. He frowns. "I was called to the palace just days before I saw you. Henry had secured the audition at The Fountain and remained adamant in his demand that you didn't know about his involvement in the deal... He knew I had taken a liking to you at the party and probably thought it was the best way to go about things... I'm sure he didn't think I'd ever try to take things further... knowing your history."

I stare at him, absorbing the information. "Did... the audition mean anything? Or had he already gotten... me the job?"

"Audition," he says, matter-of-factly. "He mentioned your reluctance for his help... which was endearing. He knew you were working as a waitress and..."

"Wanted to help without re-entering my life," I finish, breathing in. I should have known. "I understand."

"Don't be upset," he says, surprising me. "Out of all the things I don't agree with that he does, in this I do. I would have done the same thing."