“But I don’t want to talk to her.” I rub my temples. “Where’s the waitress? Let’s get this over with so I can leave.” It was on the tip of my tongue to say go home, but the only place I want to go to is Rip’s house, and that’s not my home. “I won’t be agreeing to any more lunches with you.” I glare at my mother, who at least has the grace to look guilty.
“I’m the one who crashed. I miss you too, Dandy.” Dad grins at me, but he knows I can never stay mad at him.
“Fine.” I toss my hands in the air. “I won’t agree to any more lunches with you either, Dad.”
The waitress returns, and we order. Mom orders for Sylvie, who comes back with a strange look on her face. She won’t make eye contact, but she almost looks guilty.
Eager to get this over with, I check my phone for messages, and there’s a text from Rip.
My King:I swear
That’s it. That’s all he says. I note that the text was sent seven minutes ago. I’m in the middle of replying when I hear my father’s voice.
“Gavin?” He poses the word as a question. The name doesn’t sink in until I hear Gavin’s voice.
Chapter 55
Eden
“Hey, Mr. Rose.”
The phone slips from my hand before I can finish my text.
“What are you doing here?” Dad stands up and shakes Gavin’s hand. My dad always liked him, and he was disappointed to hear we broke up.
“I thought I’d come by and see Eden.” Gavin walks slowly, and I wonder if he’s still in pain from the beatdown I’m sure Rip gave him. “She hasn’t replied to any of my messages.”
“Did you do this, Mom?” I ask, outraged. “Did you set this up?” I stand and grab my purse.
“No!” Mom shakes both hands. “Why would you think—”
“Why would I think? Because I know how you feel about Rip, and you set up this dysfunctional family lunch. I’m done.”
“Eden, wait.” I don’t know who said that, and I don’t care. All I want is to find the exit, but my plans are thwarted when I see Ripley walking through the restaurant like a dark angel. He’s in head-to-toe black and has his hair in a ponytail.
He’s about the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen, but I also know my man, and I don’t want him to cause a scene. Each step he takes reverberates through the restaurant.
He stands in front of me and looks down.
“Hey, Thorny.” He pulls my wallet out of his pocket and hands it to me. “You left this in the kitchen. Thought I’d bring it to you.”
“Um, I was just leaving. Let’s go.” I take his hand, but the mountain doesn’t move. His eyes narrow on Gavin before he scans the table.
“What’s dipshit doing here?” He tilts his head in Gavin’s direction.
My ex takes a step back at the sound of Rip’s voice. He’s a thief, but he’s not stupid. As Rip gets in his space and crowds him, Gavin eyes him up and down and swallows.
“What was that?” Rip says.
“Gavin, go,” I order.
“No,” Rip says. Gavin seems to be rooted to the spot at the sound of Rip’s command. “Why are you here?”
“Sylvie called me and told me to come.” The words stumble out of Gavin’s mouth. “She said Eden wanted to see me and—”
“You didwhat?” I ask my sister, who’s now looking wildly around the room.
She licks her dry lips but doesn’t answer.
