Infinitely fallible.
York is still clinging to the idea of who dad is and is more than willing to be his henchman to get things done. Well, as long as Dad’s vendetta involves a business four women have built from the ground up. I don’t think York would hide a body, but he’ll feed dad’s petty bullshit. He has no problem with dad weaponizing city ordinances that haven’t seen the light of day since the Great Depression or were only intended to be enacted during wartime.
It’s ridiculous. I can’t say it’s harmless because it isn’t. But it’s not violent.
I’m aware that I’m a hypocrite, considering the number of times I’ve pulled Greylin over for petty, pithy little reasons. The turn signal last night was barely a reason. From the look in her eyes when I leaned down, wishing I could reach out and touch her, she was barely holding in her anger and frustration.
But I just needed to see her, to soak up her light.
Thenumber of years I have wanted Greylin is embarrassing. It just never seemed like the right time.
She was in a serious relationship when she was in college, but they broke up when she moved back. Along with her three best friends. All of Storyville knew they’d go off to school together, but coming back?
People were taking bets on that one.
I figured I’d give her a little time after her breakup because being her rebound was the last thing I wanted. But then something happened that I couldn’t have predicted when I was planning the best way to make her mine.
Because there is no doubt in my mind that Greylin is mine.
Then the whispers started.
About the plans for Green Mountain High. I thought Dad was going to drop dead right in front of me. It was a shitshow and as much as I wanted to ask Greylin out, I wasn’t brave enough.
I was hoping Dad would change and see the benefit in a new, thriving business in town. I’ve pretty much lost hope at this point.
“Now that Mayer girl is pushing to have their events, where all they do is get high,” Dad’s lip curls as he sneers the words, his eyes bulging, “put on the city’s event calendar.”
This is the third time he’s mentioned it. Now that we’ve gotten to dessert, which is chef prepared because the man has never cooked a meal in his life, I can’t bite my tongue anymore. “Isn’t the calendar for everyone and where tourists are directed to see what they can do when they visit?”
Dad’s eyes are sharp when his head snaps in my direction. York winces, but he smooths out his face quickly.
Yeah, I probably should have kept my mouth shut.
But I can’t do it anymore.
Not when I have the memory of her ice blue eyes still so fresh in my mind.
She probably wanted to throttle me, but she held herself in check. I’m aware the only thing that saved me was my uniform.
I wish her eyes didn’t hold so much resentment and frustration when she looks at me, but I can’t say that I blame her. Considering everything Dad has done to GMH, it wouldn’t surprise me if she thinks I’m one of his trained monkeys who is simply doing his bidding.
Still, I pull her over whenever I can find the smallest excuse. Which is exactly what I did last night.
I just needed a moment.
A moment in her presence. A moment of peace. A moment when I could imagine that I didn’t wait too long and lost my chance of making her mine.
Because there is no way in hell that my father would sit on the sidelines if I were to build the future I want with Greylin. He would rain hellfire and brimstone down on me, but it would look more like budget cuts to the police and shunning.
I wouldn’t miss the invites to family dinner. This is awkward as hell, but someone had to say something. It wasn’t going to be York.
Dad’s gaze licks at me and feels like being baptized by fire. “You should know as well as anyone that the only thing their drug den is bringing to town are degenerates and increasing addiction rates.”
It’s nearly impossible to keep my face neutral. Because I don’t know where he got his information, but he’s wrong. When I glance at York, he’s looking at me like I’m a kid again.
“This is an important issue to Dad and the Mayor’s office,” York’s voice is indulgent and placating.
“Don’t forget who you’re loyal to,” Dad’s words are a threat. When he pushes his plate back like a toddler all I can do is nod. He stands up and shoots me one more look before his hand lands on York’s shoulder. “It’s time.”
