Strung Read Free Page B

Male.  His control extends beyond self, often skipping self altogether as he tries to control events and people around him."
    "I suppose...but what if I am drawn to a particular personality type?  And how can I be sure that someone I'm attracted to is an Alpha Male and not another Robert?"  I search Victoria's face through a watery haze, looking for answers.
    "Acacia, there are no guarantees.  Life is a risk you have to take; getting hurt is bound to happen.  Consider yourself better prepared because of your experience."
    I sniff loudly and steal a couple of tissues from the box on the small table. 
     
    ~.~
     
    Tense and unsettled .  The phone shrills; making me jump and bringing me sharply back to the present.
    "Hello?"
    "Acacia, is that you?"  I groan inwardly as the high-pitched voice cuts through me.
    "Hi Susanne , to what do I owe this honour?"
    "You are joking right?  Tell me you are joking!  Acacia my wedding is tomorrow!  You forgot didn't you?"
    Shit, yes I did .  It's her own fault.  The dress fittings and shoe fittings were so long ago, it feels as if the wedding is already a distant memory.
    "No.  Of course I didn't! We are meeting at your moms in the morning, and then we will all go to the stylist together and so on...  See?  I remember," I lie.
    "I don't believe you!  Actually, is there any chance you could come over tonight and spend the night instead?  I worry about that old lump of junk you drive.  If you leave last minute and it breaks down it would be a disaster.  Pleeeeease?"  I roll my eyes.
    “I never expected my cousin to be such a Bridezilla and don’t knock the Beast!"  I tease, but she has a point.  "Fine!  I'll see you later."
    "Thanks hon.  Bye."   I have never really felt like part of the family and it still irks me that I was only chosen to be one of her bridesmaids at the insistence of her mother.  Having an even number of maids to escort her down the aisle was most likely a convincing factor.
    I cat ch my reflection in a mirror.  The woman looking back at me is paler than usual today, her face puffy and tired.  Sad hazel eyes match my appraisal, still a little red rimmed, from a waterworks display at Victoria's office.  The hair, thankfully, is looking great.  The cold is keeping the moisture in the air frozen and the usual frizz is under control.  For once my long auburn locks are tamed, sleek and shiny and without hours of pampering.  I grab a hair band from my jeans pocket and sweep it back into a high pony and adding a little youth to the face. 
    I check my watch.  I had better get going.  I pack up some paperwork to review over the weekend and gather up my bag, popping my head into the kitchen.
    "Grace, I have to go.  I have forgotten about my cousins wedding and I still need to see Grant before I go to Seattle.  Call me if you need anything."
    "Sure thing honey, you go, and have some fun ."  Her emphasis on the last three words is hard to miss.
    I am just climbing into the Beast, when my blackberry buzzes and I glance at the screen.  It is Grace.  I see her waving at me through the small office window, phone against her ear.
    "Glad to know I'm needed so soon," I answer dryly.
    "And don't you forget it girl!  Listen, I have that Savannah woman on the phone again and let me tell you, she needs to learn some manners.  I'm going to transfer the call to your blackberry."
    "Okay, thanks Grace."  The line goes dead for a moment then I hear an impatient greeting.
    "Is that Acacia Jones?"
    "Um, Acacia Ward."  Being called by my ex-husbands name makes me uncomfortable.
    "Right - Sorry.  Mrs. Ward!"
    "Ms. Ward," I correct patiently.  The phone goes eerily quiet and I silently wonder if I should have just kept my mouth shut.  After all – What is in a name, right?  Other than my reputation, sanity and the contents of my stomach!
    "Let's stick with Acacia."  Savannah's voice oozes impatience.  "I am told you need to come over and look at the