“Arthur Jones,” I say.
“That’s the one. He made the pros for a while.”
“Remember there was that drama over the kid who got kicked out of one of the local schools for drugs?” Edna asks. “Was he from Mountainview?”
I choke on my sip of wine and start coughing.
“He was,” I hear Luke say in a low tone.
Brayden pats my back. “You okay?” he whispers.
I pull myself together and look up to find Luke’s gaze on Brayden and me. He looks thoughtful, and I grip the napkin tightly in my hand.
“Was that kid the one who tried to play for the college in Colorado…” William begins.
I know he’s just asking innocently, but the topic is hitting far too close for my comfort.
“Dad, why don’t you and Mom show Leleila your dance floor?” Brayden interrupts. “She’s learning how to dance.”
“Oh, really?” Edna says to me. “That’s wonderful. William and I love to dance together.”
Everyone heads into a large room at the back of the house, and William opens up an old-fashioned record player. When waltz music comes through the speakers, he takes Edna’s hand and they start gliding across the wooden floor.
I glance at Brayden whose jaw is clenched. He appears as uncomfortable as I am.
“Brayden,” Luke says quietly. “Can you check on Roxie?”
“Why?” Brayden asks suspiciously.
“Because she prefers you to me, and I want to make sure she’s calmed down before you leave.”
“I’ll be right back,” Brayden says to me.
Once he’s left the room, Luke steps closer to my side.
“You okay?” he asks me.
“I’m good,” I say immediately.
“I always wondered who turned that asshole in,” Luke says casually.
I whip my head over and look at him, but his attention is on his parents.
“I just found it strange that the authorities were able to find drugs in his locker that day when no one had ever found them before.”
I shift my stance so I’m facing him. “What are you saying?”
He raises his head and his knowing eyes tell me everything. “Whoever turned him in had inside information on how to nail him. And it was personal. That kid was a druggie, sure, but the guy who made sure he was caught? He knew something worse about him than that he dealt drugs. My bet’s the kid did something to a friend of his. Someone he cared about.”
I will my face to remain blank, but I’ve never been an actress.
“You looked like you’d seen a ghost at the table,” Luke says. “And my brother—let’s just say I can read him like a book. He was worried about you. And Brayden doesn’t worry over women.”
I purse my lips. “I appreciate you giving me your two cents, Luke. I do. But…”
A ghost of a smile hits his lips. “I’m butting out. And don’t worry. I’ll forget everything I saw tonight.”
As soon as Brayden returns to the room, Luke says good night and disappears.
