Chapter 41 #2
I don’t really know Knox that well. He was the same year at Dalton as Carson and Kit and Flynn, and I’ve seen him at least a few times a year at parties or other social events.
We’re friendly, but this is, by far, the longest conversation we’ve ever had.
His dad is a senior executive at Kensington Consolidated, so I’m not surprised his parents came to Lili’s wedding.
I wasn’t expecting Knox to be here as well.
“Why’d you take a Greek mythology course?”
An easy grin appears. “I asked myself the same question. Parts of it were interesting.”
“Like the sirens?”
His grin grows. “Like the sirens.”
I smile back, breaking eye contact a few seconds later. Is he flirting or just being friendly? He knows I’m dating Flynn and has no reason to think that it’s anything but genuine.
“I should head inside. Just wanted some fresh air.”
Knox nods. “I’ll head up with you. Had to take a work call and saw you standing down here.”
“Working on a Sunday?”
“I know. It’s so annoying, being important and dedicated to your job. Guessing you can relate.” He laughs. “Sorry. Another shitty compliment. I’m really off my game today.”
I clear my throat. “You don’t need to be on your game with me, Knox.”
“Because of Parks?”
“Yes.”
He nods, quickly masking the disappointment that appeared. “Okay. I hope I didn’t make you uncomfortable or—”
“You didn’t,” I say quickly. “I’m flattered. I’m just … unavailable.”
“Got it. Do you want me to walk a few feet behind you or …”
I laugh. “No. We can walk up together.”
“Cool.” He falls into step beside me as we head back toward the house. “I actually have a legal question for you, if that’s okay.”
“We should keep it hypothetical, but go for it.”
“Okay. Hypothetically, say a twenty-one-year-old lives with some football players. He borrows one of their cars to drive to class when his won’t start and gets pulled over for speeding, and the cops find drugs in a duffel in the back.
He can prove the car isn’t his, but has no way of proving the bag wasn’t.
Guy who owns the car says they’re not his. ”
I exhale. “Does Nico have a lawyer?”
“Not yet. Our parents don’t know. This happened Friday. He called me yesterday.”
“I can recommend a few …” My voice trails when I glance ahead, seeing the figure standing at the edge of the patio.
Flynn is wearing navy slacks and a light-blue button-down. His hands are tucked in his pockets, eyes on me and Knox. His expression is blank.
It should be easier to tell what he’s thinking after the past few months of spending so much time together. But it’s the opposite. He’s harder to read. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking last night, and I can’t tell what he’s thinking right now.
He got here fast. He must have already been on his way when we texted.
“I’ll send you the names of some attorneys,” I finish.
“Thanks, Rory.” Knox keeps his voice low. He’s spotted Flynn too.
“Morning!” I infuse my voice with enthusiasm when we reach the patio.
“Nice day, huh?” Flynn’s tone is cheerful, too, but his smooth face doesn’t match his voice. When he’s genuinely upbeat, his eyes crinkle, and he tends to talk with his hands.
“Beautiful out,” Knox agrees. “Especially down by the water.”
Flynn says nothing.
“See you guys inside,” Knox adds, continuing toward a set of doors that lead indoors.
I’m glad he’s gone. I’m not sure what to say now that we’re alone. “Did you sleep okay?”
“Great,” he answers in the same tone.
“Good.”
“Rory!” Scarlett walks out on the patio, wearing her signature red lipstick with a cream-colored sweater and silk pants. “Morning! We’ve been looking for you. We want to get a few photos of the cousins before everyone else arrives.” She smiles at Flynn. “Good morning, Flynn.”
“Hey, Scarlett,” he replies. “Anything I can help with?”
“No, just enjoy yourself. Food is almost out, if you’re hungry.”
He nods. “Thanks.”
Scarlett’s waiting expectantly, so I follow her inside to line up for photos in the front hall.
Lili beams and hugs me, looking far more awake and refreshed than I feel.
Wren and Bash eye me with concern I ignore, taking Dylan from a yawning Collins and carrying him over to look at the paintings on the wall.
We’re waiting on Kit, who ran out to grab Dylan’s favorite stuffie from the car.
By the time he gets back and our parents are happy with the photos, all the brunch guests have arrived, and the house is full of people.
Despite all the socializing at the rehearsal dinner and wedding, there are still dozens of people I haven’t spoken to.
After the brunch buffet has been cleared, Lili and Charlie stand up and thank everyone for coming.
Scarlett and Crew go next, followed by Bash and Kit.
There were speeches last night, but these are more informal.
Jokes about Lili being a duchess now and that marrying a doctor means fewer trips to the emergency room.
Wren jumps up, too, saying how glad she is Lili wound up in England and it made her transition to university overseas much easier.
Then it’s my turn. Wren catches my eye silently, gauging if I want to say anything.
I leave my spot beside Mom, walking to the front of the room.
I spent hours writing my maid-of-honor speech. But this doesn’t have to be long, just heartfelt.
“Yesterday, we all got to witness a wedding, and today, we get to see the beginning of a marriage. Lili, I’m so happy for you.
Charlie, welcome to the family. Wishing you guys a lifetime of laughter, adventures, and safe trips across the Atlantic to visit us all.
And … since we’re all here, celebrating love …
I thought I’d share … Flynn and I are no longer dating. ”
Silence.
I suck in a deep breath, then add, “We’re engaged.”