He didn’t move from his spot until she pulled out of the parking garage and around the corner, out of sight.
He was in trouble and knew it. That simple ruse caused him to lose his heart exactly as he’d done over a decade ago.
She didn’t know it then, but he’d make sure she did this time.
Just not yet.
20
HAD TO COME CLEAN
“You did what?” Vanessa Bond asked later that night.
Now that she was home and safe, she knew it was time to fill her parents in on her adventure.
Avery had done her a favor keeping quiet, but Lincoln knew, which meant Grace did. The news would travel fast and was best coming from her.
“I went to Baltimore for a wedding with a friend.”
“A man,” her mother said. “One that I didn’t know you were seeing. Who is this friend?”
“I told you. His name is Arik Crest. We went to college together. I knew him years ago.” She dipped her head. “I had a crush on him.”
“I don’t remember you saying his name.”
“I didn’t. It was my last year. He graduated and was interviewing for jobs all over the US. I was focused on graduating early. We had two classes together. One was in the fall semester when we first started talking. One in the spring when we got closer.”
“But you never dated? He never asked you out?”
“I knew he wanted to, but I gave off the back away signs.”
“We know what those look like,” her mother said. Her father was in the other room and had snorted, having heard it.
She knew he wasn’t thrilled she’d left the island without letting them know but at least made Avery aware.
It was something they always did, be considerate that way. She’d broken that rule in their eyes and had some explaining to do.
“We didn’t stay in touch. He lived his life and I returned home.”
“What is he doing here? I need you to fill me in more so I can understand.”
She spent the next twenty minutes telling them what she knew about Arik. From his business ventures and how he was independently wealthy. “I don’t know his exact worth, but don’t care either.”
“You wouldn’t. Let me get this straight. He’s spent the past several years just picking up and finding a neat place to live while experimenting with new hobbies?”
“It sounds ridiculous when it’s said out loud. I know.”
“I’m glad you can acknowledge that much,” her father shouted.
She moved to the living room and sat on the couch. Might as well talk to them both at the same time.
“I met his grandmother who he’s very close to. His father was there also. Mom, his family is horrible.”
“What do you mean horrible?” her father said.
She didn’t want to air dirty laundry, but she had to come clean.
Keeping secrets never sat well with her.
