I stare at the hand he holds out for me to shake, my eyes flicking between him and my girl. Reluctantly, I take his offer and shake, “River.”
He smiles warmly, “River.” He nods, “Marly has spoken highly of you. I must offer you my condolences for your brother. None of us knew what Mr. Winchester and his son were up to.”
“I’m sorry, who are you exactly?”
“We’re developers, River, Mr. Winchester hired my company for the renovations on this side of town.”
My scalp prickles, “Why are you here?”
“Marly would like to continue with the renovations.”
“The fuck!?” I yell.
“Mr. Sinclair,” Damien steps protectively in front of Marly and I realize too late he’s protecting her fromme.“Please hear me out.”
“Why are you protecting her?” I snap, “You think I’d hurt her!?”
Damien just stares, keeping Marly from view.
My hands clench at my sides and I breathe through my nose, “What do you want?”
“As I said, I own a company that can help bring this side of town back to how it should be.”
“With malls and condos?”
“No,” It’s Marly who speaks, stepping out from behind Damien, “No, it’s not like that. I am donating money to fund the development. It’s to bring the buildings back, build more houses, another school. It’s to give everyone what they deserve.”
“The town won’t want your father’s money, Marly.” I tell her gently.
“It isn’t his,” She stares up at me wide eyed, “It’s mine. From my grandmother.”
“Why are you doing this?” I ask her.
“Because I can, River,” She sighs, “Because I can fix what he broke.”
“That isn’t your job.”
“But I want it to be.”
“How about we all sit down and discuss this?” Damien suggests.
I’m not sure why Marly chose me to go through the plans, I have no real sway, but I do tell them I’d talk to other members of our community and gather their thoughts, and that Damien and Marly should organize a meeting to hear everyone’s thoughts. It’s a good idea, a great one in fact, miles away from the plans her father had. She actually gives a shit and wants to help and if anyone can get everyone on board, it’ll be her.
I walk behind the two of them as they head out of the garage, Marly not even stopping once she is outside until she is at the door to her car.
“Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Sinclair,” Damien shakes my hand and walks to his SUV, “I’ll be in touch, Marly.” He tells her before he gets in and backs out. Marly stays though, watching me with her lip caught between her teeth.
“It’s good to see you, River,” She says cordially and moves to get into her car. I can’t let her walk away from me. Not now that I’ve seen her.
“Don’t go, princess.”
“I asked you not to call me that anymore,” She blinks rapidly.
“Why?”
“Because it hurts.”
My gut twists, “Marly, I’m so sorry.”
