Tuesday morning began with knocking on Robert's door, prepared to ask for a favor. Sure, I had been striving to keep a healthy distance, but I was actually doing this for Andrew. I replayed my conversation with my bass player boyfriend in my head I waited for Robert to answer.

"You have to go to an appointment with Jerry? The guy who almost tried to attack you?"

"Yes, but he's very sorry. And he should be sober."

"I don't care. I do not want you alone with that guy. Bring someone with, preferably a male coworker. I'm sorry if that's sexist, but I need to know you're safe. And Jerry isn't going to listen to two girls, but if there's a guy there, he'll behave."

"That could be an issue," I said. "The only guy who works with me is Robert, my ex."

"Fine," Andrew said. "I trust you, I even somewhat trust Robert. He seems like a decent guy. But I don't trust Jerry one bit, not alone with my girlfriend and no witnesses."  

"Ok," I said. "I'll ask Robert to come. But I'm doing it for you not to spend time with Robert. You're my guy, Andrew." 

"I know, which is why I want to know you're safe. You're my girl, Ann."

"Good morning," Robert said opening the door. "You wanted to talk to me?"  

I nodded and walked in, closing the door behind me.  

"I heard you took Lucy to the doctors. Wow, Ann, thank you. She really wanted someone to go with her."  

"No problem. Your baby had quite the heartbeat." 

"I know, she showed me the video she took on her phone of the sonogram. I was freaking out. Ann, I'm going to be a dad. It's so surreal, but also, it's kind of amazing."  

"Well, no matter what happens, it's probably good to remember that feeling. Lucy really loves you, you know."  

I was interfering, and I don't know why I felt the urge to defend Lucy of all people. Babies have that effect on me, I suppose.  

"So what's up Ann," Robert said. "I appreciate the well wishes, but I doubt that's why you're here." 

"No," I said. "I need a favor, maybe a payback for helping your fiancé yesterday." 

"What is it?"  

"It involves Jerry Jensen. See, he's been harassing me whenever we're alone, and Andrew is worried. I have a caterer's appointment today with Jerry, and I don't trust him. He tried to, well, he wasn't acting appropriately last time we ran into each other."

"The infamous 'JJ'" Robert laughed. "Most women fall for that guy, since he's sort of good looking, I suppose. I get why Andrew is trying to protect you from him, he's not a nice guy. I'll say I'm evaluating your job performance as your boss."  

"Thanks," I said. "I think its ok for us to be friends at work, probably not outside of work. But I'm really glad you're helping me." 

"And it sounds like you have a good boyfriend," Robert said. "Does he treat you well?" 

"Yes, he really does," I said. "But if he didn't my dad has already threatened to shoot Andrew..." 

"Wow, I am so glad we never got to the 'meet the dad' stage then. But I am happy for you Ann, and I think you'd be a good permanent employee. Anytime you have a creepy groom or client, give me a call. Especially now that you're friends with Lucy." 

"Yeah, friends," I whispered. More like accomplice.

"Ok," I said. "We're meeting the caterers at one, and come hungry. There'll be lots of samples of food to try." 

"Sounds good," Robert said, looking back down at his desk. 

I'd walked away from that office a million times before with butterflies in my stomach. Now, I felt relatively nothing. Apparently, Robert Del Vaughnn's hold on me was entirely broken. Hopefully, whatever torch he'd held for me was also extinguished so that he could feel what I felt: closure.

***

We arrived at the caterers and waited inside. It was a small, upscale bistro that you had to book reservations for months in advance. They did a lot of celebrity weddings and big events, and they weren't open for lunches. It felt odd, sitting in an overpriced restaurant sipping wine with my ex. They had forgot to card me, but I didn't remind them I was underage. Robert and I chatted about work stories, since Jerry was late. I was supremely behind on my gossip, and since for once I wasn't a part of it, I liked swapping stories. Before we knew, Jerry Jensen waltzed in through the front door, sunglasses on and cameras flashing behind him.

"Ann, how could you bring another man to our meet and greet? I'm hurt."

"I'm Robert Del Vaughnn, Ann's supervisor. I am here to observe her today, and you just happened to be a part of it."

"Well, let's get to the menu planning," Jerry said, his voice sloshed.

"Jerry," I said, "Are you buzzed right now?"

"A little bit. I mean, you know the best cure for a hangover, more alcohol."

"Jerry, you sound like an alcoholic," I said. "But whatever. Just note if you show up to your wedding drunk, I will kick you in the gonads."

"She's not lying," Robert said. "I've seen it happen."

"This way," the attending waitress instructing.

Jerry glanced her up and down, and I rolled my eyes.  

"Infamy is overrated," Robert whispered.

I smirked, remembering why Robert and I always got along. We were usually thinking the same thing. After we sat, the waitress explained the process to us.

"I will bring out three courses, with samples from each menu. You will be given cards and can rank the dishes based on your preferences. We will start with appetizers, then side dishes, and lastly the main courses. Our chef will come out in the end to discuss any modifications you'd like done."

"And this menu is distinct from the original?" I asked. "The bride wants everything new, since someone leaked the surprises from the first menu."

"Absolutely," the waitress said. She brought out some extra drinks and I smiled.

"Wow, Ann," Jerry joked. "I planned to get you drunk later, but I guess you're already working on it."

"So," Robert said. "Joking aside, what can Exquisite Events do to help you with your wedding and engagement?"

"Well, I liked Maggie," Jerry said, raising an eyebrow. 'Lacy, not so much."

"You know, I'm engaged as well," Robert said. "I tend to stay a little bit more, reserved, with other women."

"Then why are you looking at Ann the exact same way as I am?" Jerry asked. "She's not your fiancé, but you look like you want to eat her up. I doubt her boyfriend would like that."

"Hey look, the appetizers are coming," I said, my voice incredibly high.

"Nice subject change," Jerry said.

The waitress set down three pieces, which I didn't recognize. One was a cracker thingy with caviar, I hope it was caviar. The second was some sort of Asparagus with tempura, and then what I can best describe as a cheesy tart. I tasted all of them, liking the cheese tart the best. I didn't really touch the caviar, but Robert let me put it on his plate. I guess it was an acquired taste.

"You shared your food, huh?" Jerry noted. "I think you two were lovers."

"No, we weren't," I said. "But that's off topic, focus on the food."

"I think it's on topic enough for me. Tell me Robert, does Ann get feisty in the bedroom?"

Robert stood to his feet, and glared at Jerry.

"We don't need your business that much," Robert said. "You have no right to discuss Ann's..."

"I'm good," Jerry said. "I just wanted to see you get fired up, to confirm what I already knew. This is a tryst if I ever did see one."

"One more word Jerry, and I'll break your nose."

"Robert," I said. "I can handle Jerry. You're getting mad, and you'll ruin my session. I promised Lacy we could handle him."

"Lacy can do better," Robert said. "I'm going to take a walk."

"Finally," Jerry grinned. "Three's a crowd, you know?"

"Anything you say from here on out is going to be reported to your fiancé Jerry. I get it, you have a 'modern' arrangement, or whatever. But I know Lacy now. She has limits, so if you honestly love her, stop being such an idiot."

Jerry swallowed and managed to behave for the next twenty minutes. We got through the next two courses and completed the task of planning a perfect menu. My cheese tart was chosen, luckily for me. I loved cheese. Robert came back inside during the main courses, and I smiled at him.

"I guess we're done here," I said to the boys. "I am just going to use the ladies room, ok Robert?"

"Sure," Robert said. "I need to call Lucy, and check in. She wasn't feeling good earlier, morning sickness."

I nodded before going back. Jerry was boozing with the waitress, and I shook my head. It's Lacy's life, I thought. I just hope Jerry actually gave something back to her, instead of just chasing skirts and breaking her heart. As I washed my hands, I heard the door open slightly. Had I locked it? Probably not. Jerry walked in quickly. Shut the door behind him and locking it. This didn't look good, and I had a feeling in my guy that something was wrong. He didn't look frivolous and carefree like before, he looked deadly.

"Hey Jerry, we should go finalize the plans..."

"Ann, have you ever been with a man before?"

"That's not your business," I said. "I'll tell Lacy if you don't leave right now."

"I don't care, Ann. You think I'll cry and pout if she leaves me? I'd be impressed that she actually grew a backbone. Lacy used to be different, always scheming and surprising me. It made things predictable, until she reformed or whatever."
"She grew up, you should try it."

"I'd like to try something else," Jerry said, pushing me back against the wall. I slapped him.

"Don't be like that," Jerry said, running his hand over my legs.

I responded by kicking him right in the gonads, delivering my earlier promise. Take that Asshole. As Jerry hunched over and moaned, Robert was knocking on the door, and I shouted. I ran forward and turned the lock, and Robert flung the door open. Jerry just laughed, half heartedly since his parts were still aching, but he acted as if it'd all been a game. What could have happened if I hadn't gotten to the lock?

"I'll kill you," Robert said. As I rushed out of the tiny room, Robert ran in, throwing Jerry against the wall. He punched him in the stomach, Jerry doubling over.
"You're going to need a new wedding planner," Robert said.

Jerry fell to the ground, and Robert turned to leave. I followed him, not looking back. I knew that Lucinda would see this as a failure, but I didn't care. I couldn't work with that creep one more minute, and I agreed with Robert. Some things were worth getting fired over. We didn't speak on the ride back to work, but I cried the entire way. I felt so humiliated and violated, even if I'd defended myself just like my Daddy taught me to. I still could feel Jerry's hands on my thighs, and it made me sick.  When we reached the parking garage, Robert finally spoke.

"I shouldn't have called Lucy," he said. "Ann, I don't know what would have happened if Jerry had done something worse.""He didn't," I said. "But I'm not your concern. I appreciate it, but I'm not yours to protect anymore."

Robert put his hands over mine, and looked in my eyes with a wistful stare.

"Ann, I will always want you to be happy. I can't stop caring, and even if I'm with Lucy, I still love you."

 "No," I said. "This is not ok! You can't say that to me, it's not fair. It's not fair  to me, Andrew, and sure as hell is not fair to Lucy."

Somehow a new set of tears came out, and I just let them fall. Why couldn't men hear me when I said no?

"Ann, I didn't mean to... I didn't think when I spoke."

"Whatever," I said. "Thanks for protecting me. I'm going home early, ok? Cover for me. I'm sure I lost the internship when I dropped the wedding, but I might still get a few more paychecks before I'm fired."
"Ann, my mother will understand," Robert said.

"Maybe she will," I said. "I have to go."

I walked away, not looking back. I got in my car and drove, not questioning for a moment where I was heading. Mascara was running down my face, and my skirt got ripped by Jerry's attempted advances. My hairs was somewhere between shredded and fluffed, but it didn't matter. I drove straight to Andrew's and knocked on the door. I tried to smile when Gia answered, but I couldn't fight it. I just broke down again, crying on the doorstep.

"Is Andrew here?" I managed to ask.

She nodded and shouted for him. Within seconds he was there, and I didn't speak. I just walked up to Andrew and grabbed him. As his arms surrounded me, I broke down into a complete mess. I cried for the job I'd probably lost, for the way I'd been treated like property once again, and for way Robert had let me down in ways I couldn't describe. He was different from jerry, but in the end, I hated what he'd said to me. I didn't want to be his secret or his anything. I didn't belong to him.

Andrew just scooped me into his arms and carried me to the couch, not asking a word.

"You're ok," he said. "I'm here now."

And as I nestled into his chest, I hoped nothing would ever change that. I needed him, more than I could ever admit or describe.