Chapter 10 #3
Kelly didn’t come from money. Her family lived on the outskirts of town in a modest home.
Her dad had worked with Sean at the power company—blue collar.
They lived a quiet and comfortable life.
Bryson remembered when Grant got married.
His mother hadn’t been happy. Kelly wasn’t the pedigree that Elizabeth had wanted for her son.
Not like Chad, who came from a long line of high-priced lawyers.
But eventually, Elizabeth had seemed to accept Grant’s choice in life partner.
Bryson quickly put a protective arm around Riley’s waist.
“Hey, little sis,” Grant said, leaning in to kiss Riley’s cheek. “You look fantastic.”
“Thanks.” Riley smiled, though Bryson could tell it was forced.
So was Grant’s. Of course, Bryson was on edge.
“Boone.” Grant nodded. “Surprised to see you here tonight.”
Bryson shrugged. “Your sister twisted my arm.”
“Crap,” Riley whispered. “Here comes Mother.”
“Don’t let her get to you.” Grant’s tone carried both affection and brotherly concern.
Elizabeth approached with her usual regal disdain, Parker one step behind her, sporting a half smile, which made Bryson feel bad for the man. Not just because of the cancer, but because he always seemed to do whatever Elizabeth wanted. As if “yes, dear” was the only response he was allowed to give.
Something Bryson never quite understood.
“Well, this is certainly unexpected,” Elizabeth said, her gaze traveling from Riley’s dress to Bryson’s arm. “I’m shocked to see you here. And with him.” She gave Bryson the once over, her gaze filled with disgust. “Your father died while working—”
“Hello, Mother,” Riley said, her voice even, but she wasn’t sure her tone could be considered polite. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t go slinging accusations like they're appetizers. No one in Bryson’s family did anything wrong.”
“Guess we’ll find out for sure since you pushed the autopsy, which is probably a good thing.
I’m sure Bryson worked your dad to the bone.
” Elizabeth’s gaze slithered up and down Riley.
“You look… like someone else’s idea of appropriate.
” Elizabeth stuck her nose in the air. “That dress doesn’t quite hang on you properly.
A little tight in the waist. A little too big in the bust. You always did have an odd-shaped body. ”
Fury surged through Bryson as he watched Elizabeth systematically tear Riley apart. This was psychological warfare, designed to make Riley feel small and unwelcome. He'd forgotten that Elizabeth could wield cruelty like a scalpel, cutting with surgical precision. “She looks perfect. Beautiful.”
Elizabeth’s mouth thinned. “So, we’re visiting old ghosts, Bryson?
Because that’s all she is. She’ll vanish in the light of day.
She always does. And like usual, she’ll take something that doesn’t belong to her.
” Elizabeth lowered her chin. “You’re lucky Parker talked me out of calling the police.
I wonder what the statute of limitations is for theft. ”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Riley asked through her clenched jaw.
“Why, my favorite diamond earrings, child. They went missing the day you left all those years ago.”
Parker cleared his throat. “I think it’s best if we take a walk around the room, dear.”
Elizabeth turned on her heel, retreating toward the champagne like a queen returning to her throne.
“What on earth is she talking about?” Riley asked, staring at Grant.
“I honestly don’t know.” Grant glanced over his shoulder. “That’s the first time I’m hearing this.”
“She mentioned it to me,” Erin said. “Also told me that her favorite crystal figure went missing the day Riley came over for funeral planning.”
“Excuse me?” Riley blinked. “Why didn’t you tell me that the other day?”
“I’m sorry,” Erin murmured. “I don’t believe her,” she rushed to say. “I’m sure she either misplaced them, or she’s lying about it. She has a bizarre relationship with the truth and likes to attack when she’s hurt.”
“That’s a cruel thing to do,” Bryson said
Grant glanced toward his wife. “Not the first time Mom’s accused Riley of something like that.”
The old familiar anger rose from Riley’s toes and snaked a path through her system. “I never stole money from—”
“Relax, Riley.” Grant waved his hand. “I believe you.”
“Seriously?” Riley’s voice rose in obvious frustration. “Because you’ve always taken her side when it comes to that summer fundraiser.”
“I was a kid. I didn’t want to believe what you were saying about Mom and Parker.
” Grant rubbed the back of his neck with a shaky hand.
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but I also weirdly understood Mom.
While she always acted like she was better than, she never felt good enough—not for this town.
But I can’t begin to fathom her behavior toward you since you’ve come home.
But she’s being more repugnant than usual. ”
Bryson wanted to add how Grant wasn’t behaving completely like himself but decided to keep his mouth closed. Sandy was still reviewing those documents and speaking with some of the committee members. Bryson was walking a fine line and didn’t want to trip up.
“We'd better go mingle, sweetheart.” Grant took Kelly’s hand. “I’ll see you later.” He turned and headed toward a group of people from his business.
“I better get back to my husband before he gets upset.” Erin smiled weakly.
Riley took her hand and squeezed. “Let’s talk tomorrow.”
Bryson sighed. Every family had its drama, but this one had way too much, and he was pretty sure there was about to be a whole lot more.
“Still time to turn around and leave,” he offered.
He honestly didn’t want to be at this damn party.
While he was friendly with many townspeople, being around Monica and her family wouldn’t be a cake walk.
If he managed not to stick his foot in his mouth, it would be a fucking miracle.
“No way.” Her gaze shifted toward Monica. “I know that makes me look like a catty person, but she started it the other day at the tasting room.”
“You’re not catty. You’re simply letting her know that she can’t rattle you, and I’m all for that.
” He pressed his hand against the small of her back and guided her through the crowd.
They settled near the silent auction table.
One of the waitstaff strolled by with a tray of red and white wines.
He lifted two glasses of red and handed one to Riley.
“Here she comes. Kick me if I start saying something too rude.”
“I will not,” she said with a laugh.
“Wonderful.” Bryson lifted the glass, swirled, sniffed, and took a sip. “Jesus. It’s warm. I’ve told her a million times to chill it slightly before letting it breathe. She’s the only person I know who manages to ruin my wine.”
“Don’t let that destroy your night. The wine still tastes delicious.”
“Sorry. I’ll work on adjusting my attitude.”
Monica floated up to them, looking like a perfume ad, glass of white in one hand—with a fucking ice cube in it—her smile tight as piano wire. “Well,” she said. “This is bold, brazen, and brave.”
“Not sure what you mean by that.” Riley said, cool and composed. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Brea leaning against the bar. She raised her glass and winked.
God, Brea was such an amazing woman. Strong, confident, and even though she sometimes permitted others to get under her skin, she never allowed it to show.
“I wasn’t expecting you—with him, since he was supposed to be my date.” Monica’s eyes dragged over her like a scanner.
Bryson shifted, but Riley gave him a small squeeze—as if to say, “Don’t engage.”
“Not sure what gave you the idea that Bryson would be your date, because he asked me before I came back to town.” Riley smiled sweetly at Monica, and it was clear Monica wanted to claw out her eyes.
But Riley kept smiling that fake-ass, sugary smile.
“He called me while I was in Patagonia to catch up, and when I told him I was coming home, he insisted I attend with him. Isn’t that just the sweetest? ”
Holy crap. Riley had never been one to lie. She’d also never been very good at it, but right now, she sounded a bit like his mother when she wanted to get under someone's skin.
Monica’s lips parted in what looked like shock.
Sadly, it only lasted a split second. “Wherever did you find that dress? Or did Brea donate it to the cause? She’s got a closet full of things she doesn’t wear because they're either not designer, or so last season. They hang on her rack until she decides where she’s going to donate it. ”
“Oh, this one was meant just for me,” Riley replied. “Something about it being from her special collection.”
Oh boy, did that dig land exactly where it was intended. Bryson bit the inside of his cheek to hide his grin.
Clearly stunned, Monica blinked, tilted her head, her smile weak.
“Well, I hope you enjoy the party. There’s an auction starting.
Try not to accidentally outbid anyone.” She showed her teeth in what might have been a smile—or maybe it was meant to be a threat.
“Wouldn’t want Bryson here to have to play hero since you don’t have the money. ”
“At least the money I have wasn’t from a divorce settlement,” Riley said smoothly. “And I will enjoy the wine. It’s from Stone Bridge Winery, after all.”
Monica’s lips parted. She blinked. Once. Then twice. Then it was like rapid-fire blinking for a good half a minute before she cleared her throat and closed her mouth. “Enjoy your evening.” Monica spun on her heel and disappeared into the crowd.
Riley exhaled, laughing a little. “I can’t believe I just did that.”
“I can’t believe I kept my mouth shut through that entire exchange.”
“I’m just glad she didn’t pour wine on your mother’s dress. This thing must be worth a fortune.” Riley leaned into Bryson.
“My mother never lent anything to Monica. No dresses. No jewelry. Not even a sweatshirt when we were sitting around the fire pit at night.”
“Brea did mention something about that when she offered to let me borrow this one.”
The band began to play a slow, familiar melody—something from their high school years. He remembered how he'd stepped on Riley's feet when they’d danced and how she'd laughed and tried to teach him to follow the rhythm.
"Dance with me?" he asked, extending his hand.
She laughed. "Do you remember prom? How you kept apologizing every time you stepped on my dress?"
“It’s not the memory that I enjoy thinking about the most.” He winked, taking her hand.”
She smiled and let him lead her to the dance floor. This time was different—he spun her around smoothly, dipped her once, and twirled her back into his arms with practiced confidence.
Having her this close again felt like coming home and losing his mind all at once. The familiar scent of her hair, the way she fit perfectly against him—it was dangerous territory, but he couldn't bring himself to care.
"Oh my. Where’d you learn to do that?" she asked, gripping his shoulders and looking up at him with surprise.
He grimaced, embarrassed by the admission he knew was coming. "You don't want to know."
"Oh, my god. You took dancing lessons for your wedding, didn't you?"
"Guilty as—" he stopped moving as he noticed Sandy, in full uniform, speaking with Grant. "Shit."
Riley spun. “No!” She took two steps. But Bryson pulled her tight to his chest. “She’s here to arrest him.”
“I doubt that. But I have to admit, hauling him down for questioning during a charity fundraiser definitely makes quite a statement.”
“I need to go speak—”
“Now is not the right time,” Bryson said. “It looks like a conversation. And they’re taking it outside.”
“Well, then I’m going outside.”
“I don’t think that’s a good—”
“That’s my brother. It’s not up for discussion.”
Bryson scanned the room for his father. Once he found him, he pointed toward the main entrance as he chased after Riley. Whatever this was, and regardless of Grant’s guilt or innocence, Bryson was going to make sure Riley wasn’t collateral damage.