Chapter 22 #2
Father is even scowling at me. “We bid ten thousand as the final bid, but you somehow bid—and have—twenty-one thousand dollars for a villa trip? It’s even in all odd numbers like you prefer, don’t try and deny it.
You must be using some of your trust money.
We know you don’t make that working for the government. ”
My parents have no idea what I make between my job with the FBI, and the additional speaking and consulting I do. Not that I would make enough to justify twenty thousand dollars for a week in the south of France, but still. Rude.
I shake my head. “This has to be a mistake. I didn’t bid that much. Father, I promise. I’ll go see what the organizers say.”
“There wouldn’t be an error in the system, it’s not possible,” Swarmy Stuart Lockwood chimes in. I turn to assess the man and the pride on his face is obnoxiously evident.
“Lockwood Technologies handled the bidding system tonight as a premier sponsor. We wouldn’t allow for mistakes,” he brags to the table but leans closer to me. “We are very thorough in all endeavors.” And the creep has the audacity to wink at me.
Ew. And hell no.
I lean back and cross my arms. “Then how do you explain what happened, Stu?”
Stuart puts his arm around the back of my chair and leans closer to speak into my ear. I’m tempted to cover my nose, not because he smells bad, but because his cologne is so strong it’s making my eyes water.
“I don’t know. I guess it would need to be someone with insider access to the system if your claims were legitimate, and the list of people with that ability and power is very small.
I would know, I’m on it.” The asshole winks at me, again, as though he is charming.
“It’s not that complicated on the back end to switch a few things around, but again, no one that has access would do that without cause.
But for what it’s worth, I think it’s a great look for you to finally step out from your parents’ shadows.
No one likes a meek little wallflower.” He runs his finger down my arm, and I grab it—firmly.
I want to break it.
But I don’t. So, I guess there goes my Christmas miracle for the year.
“Get your hands off me, you douche pimple. Please tell me you are smart enough not to admit to a crime such as identity theft and fraud to a federal agent. I would be remiss if I didn’t recommend you speak to a member of your likely very busy legal team, Stuart.”
Stu’s eyebrows jump so far that I worry they may leave his forehead altogether. “What did you just call me? You’re much feistier than your mother mentioned. I can work with that.”
I rear back. “Excuse me?”
“We would be so great together. You are no silent church mouse like your mother makes you out to be. You’re a wildcat.”
“If I find out you were behind this, I will be taking legal action against you,” I firmly tell him and decide that’s enough holiday cheer for the day.
I don’t know how this evening went from dreading dealing with my parents’ social circle, navigating being ponied around like a broodmare, to potential identity theft, but I think my limit has far been exceeded.
“Excuse me,” I announce to the table without further explanation and snatch my clutch as I stand and make my way to the ladies’ room.
Fate doesn’t hate me altogether as I find one that is a single room instead of one where my mother could chase me down.
I lock the door and collapse on the small chaise lounge next to the sink.
Even the bathrooms are bougie in this place, and I’m grateful for a moment of silence. This has to be a mistake, but I’m not even sure how to fix it—other than forking over twenty thousand dollars for a dream vacation and facing my mother’s wrath.
I feel a pounding headache coming on that is all too familiar when dealing with my mother as my phone vibrates. But to my surprise, it’s not my mother demanding I return, but one of the few people that could put a smile on my face right now.
Ryan
Happy Boxing Day.
Is that a thing friends text each other? Did he text the wrong person? But before I can clarify, another text from him comes through.
Ryan
Apparently, according to my nieces, today should be celebrated with more boxes, aka presents, so if you aren’t currently celebrating, please let me know and we will get more boxes than you will know what to do with.
I smirk as I type what my initial reaction was without overthinking it before I can stop myself.
Me
What are you giving me in the boxes?
Ryan
Depends what you want?
Oh, that’s a dangerous question with this man. He exudes serious vibes but has this subtle flirty charm about him that I want to devour, and that’s before he smiles, causing his dimple to pop in his right cheek.
Me
That’s a risky question to ask a woman.
Ryan
What can I say, I like to live dangerously ;)
Ryan
Are you still in New York? How’s it going?
Me
Unfortunately. And somehow even worse than I was prepared for.
I hardly press send before my phone lights up.
Incoming Call: Ryan Callahan
Without debating it, I answer and lean my head against the wall. “Hello?”
“Hey. Are you okay?” His smooth voice causes a deep exhale that allows my shoulders to relax.
“Hi. Yes, I’m just … I’m just over New York.”
And my family.
And douchebags like Stuart Lockwood, but mostly my family.
Ryan hums. “When do you come back to Nashville? Or … can you come back early?”
“My flight home is scheduled for the day after tomorrow, but maybe I need to think of a reason to bump that up.”
“I think that’s a great idea, especially if it’s not going well. Are you sure you’re okay?” I have to fight my initial reaction to doubt his sincerity. Growing up with the family I did, I’m not accustomed to people caring without motivation to benefit somehow.
But I don’t think that’s how the Callahans operate, and definitely not Ryan.
I hum in agreement. “I am okay, just tired, I think. At this point, I’d rather be home alone in Nashville than here.”
“Great movie.”
I smile at his reply. “Yes, even if the first one is better than the second.”
“Can I do anything to help?” Ryan asks.
“No, I don’t think so. But there’s been some sort of mix-up at the event I’m at with my family, and somehow, my name won the top auction package for four times the amount what my single bid was.” Seriously, how does that even happen?
“What? That sounds expensive. There’s no way you’re responsible for that if it wasn’t your bid. Do you need help with getting that sorted? Tech isn’t my thing, but my brother knows someone that’s a genius with it.”
“If you’re talking about Liam, I’m sure it’s Sophia, and yeah, I have her number since she joined book club last month.
That’s a good idea, actually. She could probably get me answers faster than the yahoos running things here.
I just want to go home.” My voice cracks, and I am mortified to feel tears well up in my eyes.
I don’t do this; I don’t break like this.
Why does this man’s willingness to help make me want to let him fix anything and everything?
I barely contain a sob that threatens to break through, much to my mortification.
“Hey. It’s okay. Do you need … or do you want me to come to New York? I’m sure Jack will let me borrow his jet, and I could be there relatively soon.”
A bark of laughter escapes me as I sit in the bougie bathroom, crying over a stupid expensive vacation I accidentally won. “You don’t need to do that, Ryan, but I appreciate it.”
“Are you sure? You can hitch a ride back home with me then cancel your flight altogether,” he prods.
“That seems quite extravagant for me just having a shitty evening.” Apparently, my filter has completely abandoned ship at this point.
“It’s not, if it’s what you need. What do you say, Lo?”
“That’s very generous, but I assure you, I can find my way out of this on my own—and my way home.”
“I know you are more than capable, but Harlow? You sound … sad. I don’t like it, and you just have to say the word. I’ll come and call in The Cavalry to rescue you from the evil wicked ball.”
I laugh at that. “The Cavalry, huh? I don’t think I need your army of brothers and sisters, but I do appreciate the offer. Seriously, that’s very kind of you.” My heart warms at the offer, and I know he would put things in motion if I were to say yes.
“Jack will lend his jet, Liam can get Sophia on the auction issue while I’m in the air flying to you, and I’m sure Sav and Viv can find some way to help, even Finn, if you need everyone.”
“Oh! But Vivian would tell Walker, and that … feels complicated.”
“Okay, then I’ll have Savannah help and beg for forgiveness from Vivian down the road.”
“But … why? Why would you do that for me?” This can’t be an offer made to everyone, and I can’t quite understand why he’s doing this.
“Well, first of all, you’re one of Vivi’s people, so you automatically get the rest of us, that’s how The Cavalry math works.”
Oh. He’s offering because I’m his sister’s friend. That’s … disappointing.
“But do you know the biggest reason why I’d offer to do this?” Ryan asks.
I’m not sure I want to hear him say something like he sees me as a sister or a similar sentiment. “No, what’s that?”
“I’m offering to come get you because I want to.” Ryan’s words cause a blush to spread from my cheeks to my chest to every other inch of my body, and I probably look like I’m having an allergic reaction right now with how red I’m turning.
“You do?” I barely say above a whisper.
“Yeah, Lo. I do. I don’t want you to be sad. What do you say? Can I come and save you from the big bad city?”
A grin slowly starts to spread across my face, and before I can overthink it, I go with my gut. “Yes.”