Chapter Nine #2
“Whose type?” I opt for playing dumb. Let this bitch spell it out for me.
“Linc. Everyone knows you want him. It’s been obvious since you were a kid and your mother was cleaning his house. I looked into the party room and saw his hand on your shoulder, touching your hair. When no one was looking, of course.”
I keep my face blank and let Angelica spew her venom.
Her face has contorted into an ugly expression, revealing who she really is inside. “But let’s face it. If he’s sleeping with you, it’s temporary. You don’t belong in his life. You can’t fit in like I can. And as soon as he realizes that, he’ll come back to me.”
My cheeks burn, but I otherwise refuse to let Angelica see she’s hit a nerve. “Are you really sure? Because according to Linc, he was never with you in any way that mattered.” Turning, I look at Aurora. “Let’s go.”
Aurora shakes her head. “One minute.” She walks over to Angelica, who’s beginning to reapply her lipstick. “I haven’t known my brother long, but I know he’s a good man. And he would never be with someone who has a soul as ugly as you do.” She glances at me. “Now I’m ready.”
Together we walk out of the ladies’ room. My insides are trembling. I don’t like confrontation, but I won’t let anyone treat me like shit. Even if the things Angelica said are the same words my mother has tried to teach me. Words I’m being force-fed from all sides, it seems. Even from myself.
“You didn’t have to stand up for me, but I appreciate that you did,” I say.
“I grew up in foster care. I learned how to stand up for myself and the few people I cared about.” Aurora meets my gaze. “You know she’s wrong. You and Linc are perfect for each other.”
I grasp her hand. “I know you care and I am so grateful. I care about you, too. As far as Angelica, she might have been hateful when she said it, but she wasn’t far off base. These people look at me and see the maid’s daughter.”
“But Linc doesn’t see that! And if you don’t fit in with them, then I don’t either,” Aurora says, her tone adamant.
I smile at the young woman who is special in her own right. “Yes, you do belong. You’re part of their family and don’t you ever forget it.” I squeeze Aurora’s hand tight and release my grasp. “Come on. Let’s get back before people wonder what happened to us.”
We return to the party to find Willow holding the baby, who needs to be fed. Aurora hurries to her daughter, and I sit back down beside Linc, feeling numb after the confrontation I didn’t ask for or want.
In what day and age did people talk about class as if where you come from matters?
I don’t understand it, and I resent everyone in this room who tries to make me feel less than.
My parents worked hard to give me a good life, and I’m not the least bit ashamed of their jobs or who they are.
In their hearts, they’re better people than anyone who looks down on me today.
“Are you okay? You look pale.” Linc caresses my cheek, and I do my best not to lean into his touch the way I want to.
I nod. “I haven’t been feeling great the last couple of days. I think I’m just tired.”
Concern etches his handsome features. “Why don’t you take some time off. A few days until you’re one hundred percent.”
“Thank you but I’m sure I’m fine.”
“Well, if you wake up and you don’t feel great, stay home.”
I nod.
Aurora returns after feeding the baby and walks over to our side of the table. “Did Jordan tell you about the bitch in the bathroom?”
I flinch. I should have told Aurora not to say anything, but it didn’t even occur to me.
Linc’s eyes narrow. “What is she talking about? What happened?”
Aurora, who’s holding Leah against her shoulder and patting the baby’s back, looks from Linc to me, understanding filling her gaze. “Oops! I need to go sit down. It’s easier to burp her when I’m sitting,” she rattles, then turns and walks back to her chair.
“Jordan?”
“It was no big deal. Just a run-in with Angelica. Nothing I can’t handle.” I thought that was true, but then why am I trembling inside? Why is a lump forming in my throat? And why am I nauseous again?
“Dammit. What did she say to you?” He looks furious, his eyes turning a deep blue, color highlighting his cheekbones.
I force in a breath of air. “Listen, there are things women say to each other when they’re…” I trail off. There isn’t anything I can come up with to placate him. “It doesn’t matter. I handled it.”
His body vibrates with anger. “But you shouldn’t have to handle her at all.”
“I’m wiped out. I’m going to call a car to take me home. You stay with your family for the end of the party. Okay?” My fingers shake as I pick up my purse and search for my phone.
He puts a hand on my trembling one. “I can leave. It’s practically over anyway. At least those horrific games are.”
That makes me laugh. “I don’t want to take you away from the party or your family.”
“My decision. Let’s say our goodbyes. Everyone will understand.”
Because I know I can’t win, I give in. We make our rounds of thank-yous and goodbyes. Aurora promises to text pictures of the presents she hasn’t yet opened and share them later.
And though, when we reach my apartment, Linc wants to come upstairs and make sure I’m okay, I insist I want to fall into bed and go to sleep. Despite his concern, he gives in.
But he doesn’t look happy about it.
* * *
Linc
Back in my apartment after the party, I pour myself a glass of Macallan 18 and settle into a chair in the living room, kicking my feet up on the leather ottoman in front of me.
I lift my glass, studying the amber-colored liquid.
Today was … interesting. A baby shower isn’t an event I’d like to repeat, but watching Aurora’s face as she took in the room, the stack of presents, and the number of people who came was worth sitting through the torture.
I don’t know what she wants to do with her life, but it’s way too soon to ask or pressure her in any way. The conversation will come in time.
My thoughts turn to Jordan and today’s mess, courtesy of Angelica.
It’s not like Chloe didn’t warn me about the women at the club and in our family’s world, but it was hard for me to comprehend.
Until Jordan was exposed to Angelica’s venom firsthand.
I have no idea what my ex said, but Jordan was obviously shaken, and Aurora didn’t like it either.
I want to know but Jordan wouldn’t talk.
Hell, she didn’t even want me around. Giving her space seems like a good idea, but if she doesn’t eventually tell me, I’m not above asking Aurora for details.
With that settled, I turn my thoughts to the business.
Despite how much the company is currently leveraged, I’ve borrowed the money to pay Beck from a trusted lender.
Next week, I’ll meet with the man to hand him a check and have the satisfaction of seeing his face when I inform him he won’t get his hands on any part of Kingston Enterprises.
I have no choice but to be a partner in this deal, but I’ll keep Beck away from the family business.
Based on my calculations, I can fix things over the next five years, and I take solace in knowing I have a plan.
My father’s surprise investments keep coming to light, but I think we’ve uncovered them all now.
I’ll set things right. But I still need to find Wallace and find out exactly how my father got us into this situation and why.
His dementia is only part of the story, of that I’m certain.
My phone buzzes, and I pull my cell from my pocket to see Dash has texted. “We’re downstairs and coming up.”
We obviously means Dash and Xander. And because they’re on the permanent list downstairs, I’m lucky they gave me warning before descending on me and my well-stocked bar.
I rise from my seat and pull out extra glasses from the cabinet above the counter in the corner of the living room before heading to the door. I open it just as Dash and Xander exit the elevator.
They stride past me with muttered hellos and enter, heading straight to the bar.
“Make yourselves at home,” I say, shutting the door, as they take their bottle of choice and pour themselves a drink.
“Jesus, I need one after the day we endured.” Xander slugs back the contents of his glass, and Dash does the same, adding more before settling on the sofa.
I refill my glass and join them, sitting back in the chair.
“Who the hell came up with the idea of filling diapers with candies that look like shit?” Dash leans an elbow on the arm of the couch.
I shake my head. “Beats me. But Aurora enjoyed it and I’m glad it’s over.”
My brothers nod in agreement.
“How are you both doing with Aurora?” I ask, wondering if they’re getting close with her.
“She’s a good kid,” Dash says. “But I haven’t had much time to get to know her. I’m hoping when I get out of the studio before any touring we’ll get together.”
Xander nods. “I’ve been to the house a few times and we’re getting to know each other. I really like her. Life dealt her a shitty hand but she’s not bitter. And she’s not money hungry despite having access. She impresses me.”
I lean back in my seat, comfortable and chilled now that my brothers are here. “How are the songs coming?”
“Depends on the day.” Dash shrugs. “It’ll come together. It always does.”
I’m so proud of my brothers. Despite our father’s lack of interest, they’ve both grown up to pursue their dreams. In Xander’s case, writing came after the military, a time Xander doesn’t like to talk about.
“So what about you? You mentioned you’re gearing up for your next movie?” I ask him, then lift my glass and take a sip.
“They’re going through casting now. It’s been hard to find the right fit for the part of the wife. They’ve been screen-testing a shit ton of actresses, but I have faith my producer and director will come through with the perfect woman.” Xander sounds certain, so I doubt there’ll be problems.
“And meanwhile you’re writing your next novel?” Dash asks. “Ever consider a rock star as the hero?” He grins and tosses back the last of his drink.
Xander raises an eyebrow. “No way. My guy is loyal and doesn’t fuck his way through every woman he meets. Unlike the rock stars I know.”
Dash smirks and lets out a laugh. “It’s a good life if you can get it. Okay, enough about us. What’s going on with you?” He zeroes in on me with his penetrating stare.
Knowing I can’t avoid this forever, I fill my brothers in on what our father was up to prior to his death and the way I’ve handled things.
“Jesus. I’m sorry. If there’s anything I can do, let me know.” Xander frowns. “I’m shocked he’d make decisions that could hurt the business knowing he had dementia,” Xander says.
I draw in a long breath. “Well, we do know he never wanted to face his diagnosis. And if he thought he was making good choices, he wasn’t worrying about his diminished mental capacity.”
“What does Wallace have to do with it? He’s supposed to be Dad’s good friend.” Dash rises from his seat. “Anyone want another?”
Xander and I shake our heads, and Dash heads to pour himself more then returns and sits back down on the couch.
“According to his doctor, who I’ve spoken to, Dad’s behavior isn’t surprising. As for Wallace, I have a PI tracking him down. I want answers.”
My brothers nod in agreement. We spend the next hour talking, reminiscing, and having a good time, something we don’t get to do together often enough. Our schedules keep us busy.
“So I have a question.” Dash looks directly at me. “I noticed not only did you show up with Jordan but you had your hands all over her. So to speak. What is up with you two?”
“Now I do need a drink.” I stand, walk to the bar, and pour myself another scotch before turning back to my brothers. “We slept together. A couple of times.”
“I knew it.” Xander’s tone is the equivalent of a pat on the back. “You finally gave in.”
“Yeah. I finally gave in. And so did she.”
Dash laughs. “I should have figured out you two would end up together years ago.”
I raise an eyebrow. “What makes you think it’s something permanent?” I can’t even get her to commit to the word relationship, let alone something long-term.
“Well, if any one of us was going to settle down, excluding Chloe, it’d be you. You’re the stable one. The one who worries about the rest of us more like a parent,” Dash says.
“Because we didn’t have a father who gave a shit,” Xander helpfully adds. “Besides, I saw how you looked at Jordan holding Aurora’s baby.”
I freeze. “What?”
“You were mesmerized by the sight, and I actually thought, he’s next.” Xander grins, pleased with his observation.
Dash’s head swings back and forth between us, the conversation clearly fascinating for him.
Not so much for me, and I swallow hard. Yes, I reacted to seeing Jordan with the infant, and I was shocked by the heavy feeling in my chest. “I have … complicated feelings about kids.”
Xander raises his eyebrows. “Yeah? Why?”
“You grew up in our house. Heard Mom crying over Dad. Parents can really screw up a kid’s head. Being a father is a lot of responsibility. And I already made sure you three ended up okay,” I say wryly.
Dash shoots me a grin. “I did my best to make life hard,” he says.
“Hanging out in bars when you were sixteen so you could sing? Yeah, I worried,” I admit.
We all might be close in age, but I’m the oldest and have always felt the burden of responsibility our father didn’t take on.
Not wanting to continue this discussion, because kids are way ahead of where my head is now, I rise from my seat.
“We haven’t even figured out how to be together.
Jordan’s so skittish she might as well be running away.
So quit talking about babies,” I mutter, and suddenly I’m ready for my brothers to go home.