“I understand, but if you would’ve called me yesterday, I could’ve explained, and we’d have a better chance of finding Samantha.” I rubbed the back of my neck with a free hand and wished I could be at home, not dealing with this. It was tough to swallow the fact that this started because I paid her off all those months ago.
But what if Fritz had married her?
That was the tricky question that made me not feel like absolute garbage. Would I do it all again, knowing it led to this?
If it protected Fritz, then the answer would always be yes. That was something I’d have to reconcile with. “We won’t find her though. She’s smart. I can have a check for you next week to replace the funds she took.”
“Gilly, that’s a lot of money,” Fern said, her lips parting just enough to tell me she was excited. “You can’t do that.”
“I have the money. It’s no big deal,” I said, content with knowing I could at least solve the situation myself. “I’ll have it next week.”
“You don’t—wait, Gilly,” she said, reaching out and putting a hand on my forearm. “I’m sorry.”
She looked it. Her eyes were downcast and her shoulders slumped as she twisted her mouth into a grimace. “The check with your name—it was your signature. I’ve seen it before and assumed, well, the worst.”
“I understand.” I forced a smile. “Let’s forget about it.”
“Right, yes, of course.” She let go of me and smoothed her black-and-white dress. “The luncheon. I could use your help if you’re still up for it.”
“Here for the students, so yes.”
She exhaled, and like a snap of fingers, she went into action. “Okay, we have the food table on the north side of the gym and tables spread out for each family. I’d love help getting the vases to every recipient.”
“Lead the way.”
She bustled in and I followed, plastering on my bestteachersmile at the various families and high school students all around. The ceremony was for any scholarship winner, not just the ones NHS sponsored, so there were athletes there too. It was nice to see school support all sorts of scholarships and not just sports. Fern pointed to a black table filled with vases and gold flowers—the school colors—and then gestured to the open area. “Each family gets one.”
“Got it.”
I scanned the room, and all the air left my lungs when my gaze landed on Christopher’s table. He was here with Kayla and his parents, and his eyes were almost black as he stared a hole through my chest. Anger. Hurt. Betrayal. All of it showed through his once-tender gaze, and I looked down at the gym floor. It was too much. How could I see him, every day, and be okay? God, this sucked.
Busy myself.
I picked up two vases of flowers and made my way to one table. The family thanked me, and I set the other one at the family farthest away from the Callahans. I could come up with an excuse, pretend to be sick and leave, but that felt cowardly. I didn’t want to see him, but I refused to let him dictate my actions. No. I finished putting the vases on all the other tables, and it was just theirs now.
I sneaked a glance and found him glaring at me, and it sent a wave of anger through me. How dare he look hurt and put off, like he didn’t break my heart with those words? Money might’ve been an issue for him, but it was for me too. I’d always had to worry about people wanting me for my wealth, and while the opposite took place, it was still about money.
I glared right back at him and grabbed the final vase and made my way toward their table. Neither of his parents noticed me, and it wasn’t until Kayla saw me that she smiled.
“Gilly! Hi!”
All four pairs of eyes stared at me, and I gave a half smile. “Hey, Kayla, congrats again on winning.”
“I didn’t know you’d be working,” she said, taking the vase and smelling the flowers. “These are awesome.”
“Glad you like them,” I said, waiting for the ball to drop, for someone to say something hurtful, but it didn’t come.
“Are you able to join us for a bit? Christopher didn’t say a word about you being here,” his mom said, shaking her head at her son, who she probably thought kept information quiet. He must not have told her we were over.
“Oh, I can’t. Sorry.” I jutted my thumb over my shoulder. “Gotta help out.” I didn’t wait for a reply before walking away, and my fingers trembled as I went back to Fern. I wasn’t running away, but I needed a second. “I’m running to the restroom.”
I found my way to the bathroom. No one was in there and I rested my hands on the sink, taking a few deep breaths.I can do this.I got my hands wet and patted my neck right when Kayla walked in. Her eyes, so similar to her brother’s, looked sad as she approached me.
I cleared my throat. “Hey, congrats again.”
“He’s been horrible, Ms. Carter. Miserable. I asked him not to come because he’s been so grumpy about it. I told him it wasn’t you. There was no way!” She spoke fast, her words blurring together as she came up and grabbed my arm.
“What are you talking about?”
