Chapter 163

Almara’s Pov

I feel bad as I dial Cathy’s number and tell her that Grace and I will need to reschedule. With each passing ring, my guilt builds. Then again, I don’t know what I really have to feel guilty about. I’d feel even worse if after Archer old me his struggles and I just left without any act of kindness.

“Hey, Almara.” Cathy finally picks up.

“Hi, Cathy.” I hesitate with my next sentence and apparently that’s all that needs to be said because Cathy already lets out a bothered sigh.

“You can’t come tonight, can you?” She says and I hate that I have to confirm her suspicions.

“I’m so sorry.” I tell her. Cathy and I haven’t really been on solid ground since, well since we we’re in jail together. Honestly, you’d think that be the sort of thing that bonds two people but I guess not always.

I’d like to think our disagreement about what she should have done regarding going on a date with our lawyer, Calvin, was stemmed from sleepless nights, irritation, and lack of food but still Cathy and I have never really fought which makes this seem extra sensitive.

“It’s okay,” Cathy says and I know it’s not. I close my eyes. She probably thinks I’m just wanting to avoid talking about our fight.

“I’ll make it up to you I promise.” I tell her, though I really don’t know how and I already owe Cathy so much for all she’s done for me anyways.

“Yeah, yeah. I’ve heard that one before.” Cathy says and I can hear the light-heartedness in her tone, and in any other circumstances I wouldn’t think twice about it but considering she has heard this before only makes me feel worse.

“I just had this thing come up with Graces teacher.” I tell her even though she didn’t ask for an explanation, I feel like I owe her one. Besides, it’s not totally untrue.

“Really, don’t worry about it.” Cathy says and she sounds like she’s already over the situation, which almost hurts more. We say our goodbyes and hang up.

When it comes time for the dinner, I find myself stressing about what to wear probably more than I should. I don’t want to come off looking like I’m trying too hard, because I’m totally not, but I also don’t want him to think that I don’t care at all.

Ugh. I didn’t bring all my clothes with me, mostly just comfortable clothes to paint in. I didn’t really expect I’d be going out to dinner, except maybe with Cathy and even then we wouldn’t be going anywhere fancy.

I finally decide on slim black jeans and a green moss-colored sweater paired with some studded gold earrings. I dress Grace in an adorable pink dress and a matching bow.

Before I leave, I apply some mascara in the bathroom. Archer and I decided to meet at the restaurant which is just some cheap Italian place not too far from home.

I figure on a teachers salary this wouldn’t be anything too taxing. Not that I expect him to pay for my meal, I fully am going to pay myself. I just mean for his own food the price should be appropriate. I hang my head in frustration, why am I making this way more complicated than it needs to be?

Maybe it’s because in your heart you feel like your betraying Arthur. Lily says with a hint of accusation in her tone. I could argue with her, but what would be the point?

“Fine.” I admit. “I do feel guilty, but why? It’s just a friendly dinner. Arthur goes on dinner all the time for publicity reasons.”

Yes, but his are for business. This is more casual. Maybe you know if Arthur did this you would be just as upset. Then it hits me. Am I being a Robert? I quickly shake my head to rid that idea. No. No way. He purposely went out with other women with the intent to get laid. This is not what this is.

“Arthur does macro publicity control, and I’m doing interpersonal publicity control. We’re a team and work like that.” I tell Lily and leave it at that.

I head out the door saying goodbye to my parents who thankfully don’t ask too many questions about where I’m going. Now that I think about it, I think they assume I’m still seeing Cathy- which is fine with me.

Outside the restaurant I can see Archer standing by the enterance waiting for me. I guess it makes sense he wouldn’t be in his scrubs that he wears to work, but I didn’t expect him to look so nice. Maybe I am too underdressed?

He’s in dark jeans, a maroon button up that looks good against his hair that I happen to notice he brushed out. I get out of the car and wave awkwardly to him from across the parking lot, he sees me and gives his lopsided grin.

I hate that I feel nervous. Am I nervous because he thinks it’s a date? Or because I do? I straighten out my sweater after pulling Grace out of her car seat. There’s no way this is a date for one it’s just simply not but also who would bring a baby on a date?

“Hi.” He greets me and then looks at Grace, “And hello to you again.” He says wiggling a finger into her tummy that causes Grace to let out a tickled laugh. I release a breath. Nothing to worry about, just friends getting dinner.

The waiter shows us to our seats and grabs a highchair for Grace. While I wait for the waiters return I scan the room, there’s no one here that I know and it doesn’t look like anyone is paying any attention to us. The last thing I need are rumors spreading.

Once seated, I realize the restaurant is fancier than I remember. The plaster tables have been covered wit ha white cloth, the scuffed hardwood floor as been replaced with masonry tile. “Has this place been remodeled?” I ask

“New owners, decided to spruce the place up.” Archer says.

“I can tell.” I mumble under my breath. One a second glance around I can see that most of those here are on dates and by the looks of it, it appears we are on one too. I open my mouth to explain that this isn’t a date, but just before I can the waiter comes back to take our drink orders.

I decide to order one cocktail, something to calm my nerves. Archer then moves into conversation about work, which leads to a discussion about art, which causes us to share our dreams and interests. Before I know it the dinner is almost over.

I actually had a really great time and once I stopped panicking that he was going to get the wrong idea, the rest of the night flowed easily. Archer hasn’t so much as even flirted with me and why would he? He has to know that I’m married to Athur, I mean everyone else in the town was aware of the fact.

“I’m having a really good time tonight.” Archer says with a sincere look in his eyes.

“I am too.” I tell him.

“I would love to do this again.” He says and I’m a bit stunned. I figured this would be a one time kind of thing. I hardly doubt I can make a habit out of it, not when I go home to my husband in two weeks.

I open my mouth to explain all of this to him, but just as I do I’m blindsided by a white flash. Before my eyes can adjust I hear someone call out.

“Over here, Almara. Smile!” Then another flash steals my sight. If people weren’t paying attention to us before, they definitely are now.

“What is going on?” I hear Archer asked, alarmed by the sudden intrusion. My face blooms with heat as I realize the answer to his question. The paparazzi.

“They think we’re on a date when I;m married to Arthur Covington.” I say nearly sounding like a whine, but I can’t help it. This is exactly what I was worried people might think.

“Wait. Your married? To the Alpha?” Archer says and by the look of shock on his face, I can tell he really had no idea. Which means he must have had to thought this was an actual date.

“I thought you knew.” I try to explain.

“How would I have any idea?” Archer asks and I realize I’m about to sound very conceited.

“I just assumed.” I say knowing how pathetic that sounds.

“Sorry, politics haven’t really been my main focus recently.” Archer says wit ha bite and I know he’s referring to the fact he’s had a lot of family problems and here I am just assuming everyone is so caught up in my life.

“I didn’t mean it like that,” I say, though I don’t try to explain exactly how I meant it mostly because I’m not so sure.

The paparazzi had since run off leaving only a trail of whispers behind has people try to cover their mouths and turn their heads away from us. This is so not good.