Storytime: Loving Lana, Ch. 12

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Loving Lana, Chapter 12

Brad sat in the parking lot, staring at the media contingent that had gathered on the courthouse lawn. He knew that Lana never would have arranged this, but was irritated with her nonetheless.

"I swear I didn't know about this. Sara called the press." Her voice was a little steadier, but she still sounded...fragile. Brad forced back the angry comment that sprang to mind.

"I thought that might be the case." He checked his watch, then scanned the crowd. The judge hadn't come down yet. Good. "Are you with Sara now?"

"Yes."

"Do you want to get married like this, Lana?" He didn't have to wait long for her decision.

"No." Her answer was firm, and he let out a breath, relieved they were in agreement.

"Okay then," he said, switching gears. "Tell Sara to drop you off at the back door of the courthouse. Tell her if you're going to get married on stage, you might as well make a grand entrance. I'll be waiting just inside the doors. Let her think we're going through with it. Can you do that?"

"Yes. I'll see you there." It was only one word, but Brad heard the gratitude in her voice. He snapped his cell phone shut. Susan was already in the courthouse, he'd have her take care of the final details. He put the car in gear and pulled slowly out of the lot, driving around the corner to park across the street from the side door.

Moving quickly, he shrugged out of his suit jacket, and removed his tie. He unbuttoned the top button on his shirt, and rolled up his sleeves. He donned a baseball cap and sunglasses, and slung a trenchcoat from the back seat over his arm as he exited the vehicle. He ran across the street, knowing that anyone just glancing his way would see another reporter, rather than thier target. Years of practice at evading the press had taught him how to blend in.

Once inside, he took out his cellphone, speed-dialing Susan.

"Meet me by the south entrance," he said. "Plans have changed." He disconnected, and almost immediately heard the click of her heels coming down the hallway towards him. She was frowning, and he held up both hands defensively. "It's not what you think," he said as she approached.

"Are you still going to marry her?" Susan's voice was icy, her arms crossed over her chest. Brad held back a smile at her protective stance.

"Yes," he said, earning a raised eyebrow. "It's not her fault - Sara Martin arranged all this. I need you to help us run away." The change in Susan's expression to one of sympathy was immediate, and she nodded, reaching out to take the coat.

"I'm sorry," she said, glancing around the hall. "Where's Lana? What do you need me to do?"

"She'll be here shortly - we'll need to leave as soon as possible. If you could arrange for the judge to meet us at the cabin tomorrow..."

"Consider it done," she said, flipping open her phone. She spoke briefly with the judge, then disconnected. "All set." She pointed at the glass doors. "And I think that's your bride arriving now."

***

"Just drop me off here at the side door." Lana directed Sara around the vans and SUV's parked in front of the courthouse. "Brad said we may as well make a grand entrance if we're going to entertain the media." She unbuckled her seat belt and reached for the door as Sara turned off the engine.

"Good idea," Sara said, reaching for her purse. "I'm glad you can both see the business benefit to this event." She opened her door, and started to get out.

"Um...would you mind meeting me out on the lawn?" Lana asked, her tone apologetic.

"Sure, I guess," Sara said, pulling the door closed. "You don't want me to walk out with you?"

"Brad and I will walk out together, if that's okay." Lana stepped out of the car.

"We'll just be a few minutes - I'll see you out there, okay?" She hoped her smile was convincing as Sara nodded. She closed the door, and walked calmly up the stairs and through the door, relieved to see Brad and Susan waiting for her just inside.

This is the first draft of a novel I'm working on. Comments always welcome.