To have and to Hold

A few home truths

But Adam was not letting it go as easily as Rachel hoped.

The first chance he could, he insisted that she get up and dance with him, and then as they danced close together on the crowded floor, he proceeded to interrogate her about what had happened in the ladies room with Sandra.

She gave him a more shortened version of what occurred, deciding to leave out the bit where Sandra claimed Adam was being petty and spiteful, and trying to get back at her, for leaving him.

"I think Lynn has probably told Darren and Sandra about our little conversation a few weeks back," Rachel then said worriedly, "at least that's the feeling I got with her parting shot. Goodness only know what she will say to others, about me, but she made it plain enough to everyone in the ladies room, that I only married you for some kind of personal advantage, because of your wealth"

"She never could control that tongue of hers when she has had too much to drink, and she has got worse from she married Darren, he encourages her" Adam grimaced, "But Liz is right, people will realise it is just that, the drink talking, and not pay her much attention"

"And there will be those who do," Rachel said feeling a little depressed as she thought of the many distinguished guests here tonight who knew Adam, and were now probably wondering what kind of person she was.

After all, it was her reputation at stake.

She shook her head "Either way, I feel I am not going to come out of this very well. People will listen to Sandra and think I married you for your money, then those who don't believe her like Liz, are convinced we are madly in love, and that's a lie too.."

"So what makes Liz think we are madly in love?" Adam asked his brown eyes suddenly becoming alert with interest, as they resting on Rachel's face

Rachel felt the heat rise in her cheeks again, realising this could get awkward,

"I am not sure, she said something about getting that impression watching us together tonight, she thinks we are very happy together" she attempted to make light of it, almost being dismissive.

"Really?" Adam smiled,

Rachel supposed he might find it amusing, although she couldn't find the humour in it herself

"I guess we must be doing something right after all," he then murmured

She felt a slight irritation rise inside her that he didn't realise how upset she was over all this.

"Are we? I wish I could be so sure, because I feel like crap at the moment"

"Don't feel like that Rach," Adam's arms tighten around her, pulling her closer, so she was pressed right up against him as they slowly circled the room "You have not done anything wrong; it was me who started this whole thing, I was the one who more or less forced you into marrying me. I am sorry you seem to be taking the flak for it tonight,"

A mischievous twinkle came into his eyes, "I could go over and shove something in Sandra's mouth to shut her up, though I am not sure I can find anything big enough" he added as he glanced around him as if to look for some object

"That's not very nice," Rachel remonstrated, trying to sound reproving, but failed as she started to giggle at the thought of Adam carrying out his threat.

"But it's the truth," Adam stated, his own expression becoming a little more serious.

"I don't like it that she upset you like this, and trying to cause trouble, but if she wants something to talk about, I think we should give it to her," he then said thoughtfully