-HINDLEY-
“So, Rory,” Paul purposely paused for effect, “Gregor, right?” He winked at me.
I bit back a smile at my stepfather’s wedding reference.
“Yes, sir. Gregor.”
“Please, tell us about yourself,” Paul said.
Rory wiped his mouth. “There’s not much to tell, Mr. Barton.”
“Call me Paul. I’m sorry about my comment at the wedding, by the way.”
“What did you say?” my mom asked.
We looked at my mother then back to Paul who shook his head slightly, signaling that we should keep our mouths shut.
“Paul,” my mother said. “What did you say to Rory?”
“I told him we were delighted to have him at Geneva’s wedding.”
Paul and my mother looked at each other and smiled, an all-knowing expression that said eventually she would find out what my stepfather had said. I didn’t even want to think about her tactics.
“So, are you two a couple or what?” Geneva asked, glaring at both of us.
“No,” I said, a little too quickly.
Geneva stared at Rory like he was a tasty treat. “So, you’re available?”
I wasn’t surprised by her question, but I was appalled that she was doing it right in front of her husband of like three weeks.
“Actually,” Rory said, ignoring Geneva’s question, “when we met, I didn’t know Hindley would be my attorney.”
“So, at the wedding, you didn’t know Hindley was your agent?” Paul asked, scrutinizing Rory in disbelief.
“No, sir. Once we found out, we both agreed it would be better to keep our relationship purely professional.”
As if on cue, every set of eyes at the table rolled toward the ceiling.
“It’s true,” I said, feeling a little desperate. I hated lying, to anyone, but especially to Paul. “My job is important to me.” I stared at my stepfather. “To you.”
“To me?” He pointed to himself.
I stared in confusion.
“Why me?” he asked.
Surely Paul realized the need to keep things on the up-and-up to protect my job, and his own company. If the senior partner, Mr. Stedwick, pulled his investment, it could possibly ruin Paul’s investment company.
“Well, I thought Mr. Stedwick was a client of yours, an investor,” I said.
“He is, but that has nothing to do with you and the firm, Hindley.”
I sat in silence, trying to think back. There was no way I’d misunderstood Paul’s comments three months ago when I’d taken the job at Stedwick and Nigh.
“Keep Aston Stedwick happy, Hindley, or it could cost us all.”
“Hindley.” My mother interrupted my thoughts.
“Oh, yes,” I said. “Sorry. Well, anyway. This job is very important to me, and these deals we’re working on are very important to Rory.”
I stared directly at Paul, knowing he was the one I had to convince that Rory and my relationship was strictly professional.
He nodded.
“Rory and I are both professionals,” I said.
At least that wasn’t a lie.
“We are committed to each other, but only through our legal contract, right, Rory?” I turned to him for confirmation.
He stared down at his plate as he pushed the food around. Everyone stared at him, awaiting his answer.
“Rory,” I said softly.
Slowly he lifted his face and stared at me. His bright blue eyes seemingly lost, covered with a veil of darkness.
“Right,” he said quietly.
Oh, no. I’d hurt him with my words.
“Hindley tells us you’re from Denver, Rory,” my mom said.
I wanted to kiss my mom for the change of subject.
He gave a quick nod. “Yes, ma’am, that’s right.”
She smiled warmly. “I’ve never been to Denver. I’m sure it’s beautiful there. Paul, have you ever been to Denver?”
My mother and her small talk. Bless her, she was relentless, but tonight, I loved her for it.
“What do your folks do, Rory?” Geneva’s husband, Stan asked.
I was surprised to hear from Third, my nickname for Stanley Winston III. He’d been so quiet, I’d almost forgotten he was there.
“I’m not close with my parents,” Rory said curtly, letting everyone at the table know this was not a subject to be brought up again.
“Rory’s manager, Jack and his wife, Kara have been surrogate parents to Rory for most of his life,” I said.
Geneva tossed her white-blonde hair over her shoulder and placed both forearms on the table, cocking her head. “What’s up with that?”
Rory glanced at me.
“Because,” I said, taking my cue, “they saw potential in Rory and made a commitment to work with him, train him, and raise him.” I turned and smiled at Rory. “And they’ve done a great job.”
Geneva’s face contorted with condescension. “So you, what, just like, left your parents?”
“Yes,” Rory said, glaring at her.
Geneva held his gaze but only for a few seconds before dropping her head and staring at her fingernails.
I’d never seen someone shut Geneva Barton up like Rory just did. It was an amazing moment in my life and I had to fight to keep from smiling.
“Where are you headed off to next, Rory?” Paul asked.
“I’ll be in France next weekend, sir.”
Paul looked at me. “Are you going with him, Hindley?”
Oh, shit. I didn’t want to bring this up now, not in front of people.
“I’m not sure yet,” I answered quietly.
Rory’s eyes narrowed as he stared at me
“Why not?” he asked.
“Who wants coffee with dessert?” my mom asked.
Once again, Caroline Hagen Barton saves the day. Well, at least she saved the moment. I knew I’d have to talk Rory down off this ledge as soon as dinner was over.
“The magazines say you’ve had a lot of women over the years,” Geneva said, staring at me instead of Rory. Her medically plumped lips were curled in an evil half-smile.
“I’ve definitely played the field, that’s no lie,” Rory said with no hesitation. “My mom always told my sister she had to kiss a lot of frogs to find her prince. Guess that’s what I was doing. Trying to find my princess.”
Wait, sister? Rory had never told me he had a sister. Then it struck me, I didn’t really know this man at all.
“Have you found one yet?” Geneva asked, her voice sensual as if she were auditioning for the part.
Rory laughed her off. “No, not yet.”
Part of me was disappointed by his quick answer. God, had I really been dumb enough to think he’d say I was his princess? I understood his answer though. He couldn’t divulge anything about our relationship, least of all to Geneva.
“Did you go to college in Colorado?” Paul asked.
My hand fisted around my napkin under the table. God, could this night get anymore stressful?
“I didn’t go to college, sir,” Rory answered.
Paul looked as if he’d heard the Federal Stock Exchange had been taken over by the Russian Mafia.
My stepfather had always been a stickler for education. No matter what the degree, he wanted a college education behind someone. It made absolutely no sense, considering his wife never even graduated high school, and his daughter wasn’t doing a damn thing with her expensive ass diploma in Interior Design except living off her new husband’s wealth.
“Rory was pro by the age of eighteen,” I said. “It’s quite impressive to be signed that young.”
“Don’t worry, darling.” My mother reached out and touched Rory’s arm. “I didn’t even graduate high school and I turned out all right.” Her face warmed with motherly affection.
For the first time in a long time, I truly felt like she was on my side.
“You’ve got a ton of awards, that’s for sure,” Third piped in. “He’s one of the best skateboarders ever, Paul.”
“Thanks,” Rory said quietly.
Oh, shit. I was losing him. I knew this dinner was a mistake. Everyone was badgering him, making him relive things he didn’t want to remember, and things I didn’t even know about.
“Well, if you ever need any investment advice, feel free to give me a call,” Paul said.
“From what I’ve read, you’ve pretty much gone through all your money, haven’t you?” Geneva smirked.
That fucking bitch.
That was the last straw. I hadn’t even wanted to come tonight, especially when I found out Geneva would be here. But I hadn’t declined because I didn’t want Rory to think I was embarrassed of him.
The truth was, I was embarrassed by my own family. I was so over Geneva’s bullshit tonight, and I wasn’t going to sit back and take it. It was one thing for her to demean me, but I’d be damned if I would sit here and let her make Rory feel like shit.
“Well, Rory made his money the old-fashioned way,” I said through gritted teeth. “He earned it on his own. So I guess it was his money to run through. Unlike some people who piss away money that’s not even theirs while they sit back and don’t do shit.”
Geneva’s face reddened and I watched as her fake lips puckered with fury.
I was shaking, seething, and I’d had enough from this pompous bitch to last me a lifetime.
“Well, wait, Geneva, I guess that’s not entirely true,” I went on. “What is it you do again? Oh, yeah, that’s right, nothing. Nothing except get your hair and nails done and drink Cosmos by the country club pool all day while your husband works his ass off.”
If she wanted to play this game, I could too. Fuck her.
“Oh, and if I were you,” I said, nearly reaching across the table to slap her, “I’d go back to that plastic surgeon who botched up your lips and face and get my money back.”
“Hindley!” my mother shouted.
“What?” I yelled back.
Paul hit the table. “That’s enough.”
The room fell silent, the only sound that of my ragged breathing.
“You’re right, Geneva,” Rory said in a quiet tone. “I wasted most of my money on booze, drugs, and women.”
I stared at Paul.
His eyes were cold and narrowed as he studied Rory. He was not happy with the declaration.
Shit. This had been a huge mistake to bring him here.
Rory drew in a breath and continued despite everyone’s stunned expressions.
“But you see, it’s not about the money, not anymore,” Rory said. “It’s about the feeling I get from doing something I love, every day of my life. Fortunately, I get paid to do what I love and I don’t want to screw that up again. I won’t screw it up.” He stared down at me. “I think I finally have an agent and an attorney who won’t let me screw it up either.”
God, that was good, poetic even.
Rory smiled, not the broad one like I was used to, but enough to let me know that my Skater Boy wasn’t completely gone.
“You’re very lucky, Rory,” Paul said. “Most people don’t get the opportunity to do what they love in life.”
I knew I didn’t love what I did for a living. Honestly, I didn’t even know what I did love to do in life. But I did know one person I was growing to love more every day.
“I don’t think it’s luck, sir,” Rory said. “I’ve worked hard for what I’ve earned.”
Ut oh, what was happening? I didn’t think Paul’s comment was offensive, but somehow Rory had taken it that way.
“Rory, would you like a slice of my homemade chocolate cake?” My mother intervened.
“Actually, Mom, it’s late and I think Rory and I need to get going.”
My mom left the table as if she hadn’t even heard my refusal.
Being belittled by Geneva wasn’t the only reason I’d had enough of this circus called a family dinner.
No one tonight had congratulated me on signing Rory as a new client. Not once had they said, ‘Way to go’ for getting him signed with a major sponsor and a commercial deal.
And now, they were offending Rory.
I should have known better than to count on my family for support. Tears burned the back of my eyes and I realized I needed to get the hell out of here before I totally broke down.
Suddenly, the lights went off and a soft glow approached from the kitchen door. As it came closer, I noticed my mother was carrying a cake filled with sparklers. It wasn’t anyone’s birthday, was it?
I turned and looked at Paul.
He had the biggest shit-eating grin on his face.
I turned back to my mom and watched as she wandered around the table, placing the cake directly in front of me. One simple word was written across the top of my mother’s famous chocolate cake.
Congratulations.
Well, hell. What could I say to that? They’d gotten me.
“It’s for all of you,” my mom said, gazing around the table. “To Stan and Geneva, congratulations on your new lives together.”
Geneva gave a half-hearted smile that seemed polar opposite for someone who’d just returned from her honeymoon. She never liked sharing the spotlight with anyone, least of all me.
“To you, Rory,” my mother continued, “for hiring the most amazing attorney in the world.” She reached down and stroked my cheek, gently wiping away a tear rolling down my face. “And for you, my darling Hindley.”
“For what, Mom?” I whispered.
“For Rory.”
“What?” I practically shrieked.
Did she know Rory and I were together?
“For starting this new section in your law firm,” she smiled, “and for getting Rory two major deals. You’re amazing, darling.”
“Thank you, Mom,” I whispered against her palm, covering her hand with mine.
The lights came back on and Paul stood beside my mother. “You didn’t think we’d forget, did you, Hinny Bin?”
I shrugged, laughing at Paul’s nickname for me.
My mother cut the cake and passed around the pieces. I was still in shock from the unusual display of affection, and pride from my mom.
Then I realized that Rory had been quiet during this exchange. I watched as he ate the last bit of cake on his plate.
“Hey,” I said, gently touching his arm. “Are you all right?”
His eyes met mine and he smiled, but it wasn’t a real one. He was only pacifying me. Somewhere during the evening I’d lost my Skater Boy. Fear gripped me hard as I realized how desperate my need for him was becoming.
“You about ready to go?” I whispered.
He nodded once and I knew. I just knew. As hard as I would try, tonight, I may not get him back.