Embedded

Invited

Thea’s eyes widened, and her heart ached as she slowly whispered, “What are you doing here?” She felt like she had been punched in the stomach and tried to think of what to do next.

He glanced at her, his mouth a thin line and his eyes wide. His voice was low and shook as he said, “I-I was invited.”

Thea couldn’t bring herself to look away from Greg. Her jaw was set, and she didn’t utter a word. A coat check attendant interrupted their tense standoff, offering Thea her overcoat. She snatched it from the attendant’s hands and spun on her heels to leave, but Greg’s voice stopped her, “Hold on a second,” he said, his hand shaking slightly as he spoke, “I’m sorry for what I did.”

Thea’s eyes narrowed, and her nostrils flared as she stepped back from him. “You’re sorry?!” she spat, her tone icy with outrage. She clenched her fists as she processed the nerve of his apology.

He looked away, unable to meet her gaze, and his voice was a low rasp. He shifted his weight anxiously. “I was lost then. I was going through a lot and took it out on you. I can’t even tell you how sorry I am. It’s no excuse, but I got help for my issues, and I’m doing much better now. I regret what I did to you, Thea.” He paused and looked up at her again, a pained expression clouding his face. “I’m so sorry.”

Her jaw was tight, and her fists were hidden in the fabric of her dress. She refused to look at him, instead focusing her eyes on a spot somewhere past his shoulder. She held her tongue and stood like a stone wall, the emotion radiating off her in thick waves. All she could think about was getting home and never setting foot in this place again.

Greg’s knees trembled as he stepped back, feeling the weight of his words. “My wife is on her way over here. Please, Thea. She doesn’t know about my past.” He took a deep breath and stuffed his hands in his pockets, watching nervously as a beautiful woman with long red curls and a soft floral dress appeared at his side. He leaned down to give her a quick peck on the cheek. “Honey, this is Thea. A…friend from the past.”

Thea’s heart constricted as she heard Mason’s voice behind her. She slowly turned to see him standing there, a warm smile on his face. “Hey, ready to go?” he asked. She just stared at him, unable to find her words.

Greg squinted at the other man. He looked familiar, but Greg couldn’t quite place him. “Mason?” he said slowly. “Mason Reynolds from Reynolds and Evans Law Firm?” he asked.

Mason’s brow furrowed at the stranger in confusion, the skin around his eyes creasing. He had no idea who this person was or why they seemed to know him. “Yes?” he asked cautiously.

Greg’s smile was broad and genuine as he said, “I want to thank your firm for inviting my wife and me tonight. We’re thrilled to be here, and I’m looking forward to discussing a potential business partnership.”

Mason’s eyes darted around the room, and his forehead wrinkled as he said, “My firm invited you? Who are you?”

Thea cleared her throat and said, “I think Genevieve invited him. This is Greg.”

Mason’s eyes widened in realization, “The Greg?”

Greg’s chest tightened as he turned to Mason, who had a look of knowing on his face. “Ah,” Greg said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Mason’s face hardened into a mask of anger as he stepped protectively in front of Thea. His voice was low, but the threat was clear. “The restraining order is still in effect. I need you to back off and keep a distance of 50 feet from her at all times.”

“Mason,” Thea looked at him with a mixture of joy and guilt, her voice soft like velvet. She was glad he wanted to protect her, but it was a selfish thought that filled her with shame, knowing that Greg’s wife was oblivious to the situation they were in.

Mason’s lips drew into a tight line, and his broad shoulders stiffened as he spoke over them. “I don’t want him anywhere near you,” he said in a strong, controlled voice.

Greg shifted, eyes darting around the room before settling back on the Mason. His voice was soft, but there was a hint of desperation as he said, “Look, man, I’ve changed. I’m not the same person I used to be.”

Mason let out a low, disbelieving chuckle. He looked him up and down with a raised eyebrow; mouth curled in an amused smirk. “And I’m supposed to believe that?” he said with an air of incredulity.

Thea glanced at Greg’s wife and noticed how her lower lip shook, and tears threatened to spill from her wide, glassy eyes. Confusion and disbelief were etched into her delicate features as she said, “What is he talking about, Greg?” she asked.

Mason’s brows furrowed as he stared at the young woman before him. He slowly pulled one hand out of his pocket, revealing a white business card between his fingertips. “Of course, he hasn’t told you,” Mason said quietly, his voice laced with concern. He held the card out to her, his thumb running over the embossed typeface. “Give me a call if he decides to start hitting you too.”

Mason’s fingers were gingerly clasped around Thea’s waist. She reluctantly allowed herself to be pulled away from the tense situation, weaving their way through the crowds. Her gaze lingered on the sobbing woman betrayed by her own husband, and Thea felt a sharp pang of guilt, like a dagger to her heart, as they disappeared into the night.