I tensed at the mention of his parents. They were not my biggest supporters. In fact, I’d say they strongly disliked me.
That Grayson and I met at all was a miracle. Thanks to his mom’s addiction to small bear figurines that were sold at the local tourism shop, we ran into each other. The shop had the largest collection in all the United States, and people from all over the country came to our little town because of it.
I used to hang out there with my sister, who worked for Zelda, the owner. It was how I first met Grayson.
I pushed the memories back into the locked box they belonged in and turned my attention to the conversation that was still going on around me.
“That’s so exciting that you get to work together now.” I caught Philipa’s comment and finished the rest of my drink in response. “Did you know you were both on the show?”
Mae got a dreamy look on her face, putting her hands to her chest. “It was the universe bringing you back together.”
Thankfully, Philipa butted in, avoiding any more talk about fate. “So what are your plans once you move to Denver? You must be excited to leave the town you’ve lived in all your life.”
Grayson sat up, both of his eyebrows going up. “Why are you still in Humptulips? I would have thought you’d leave the first chance you got.”
“You know why I’m still there.”
He looked disappointed at my answer, or maybe he was bored. It was hard to tell sometimes. “You talked about moving at least twice a day.”
I clenched my teeth. “It wasn’t the right time. Now it is.”
“And what changed?”
“Not that it’s any of your business, but Willa got married.”
He sat up, looking more interested than he had since getting here. “The little cupcake got married? To who?”
“Do you remember Drake’s Garage?”
“Yeah, of course, I do.”
“The Drake brothers own it. Jameson, the older brother, married Willa.”
He barked out a laugh. “The big guy who looked like a thug? Guess her daddy issues ran deeper than I thought.”
I jumped up, balling my fists, ready to punch him in his annoyingly symmetrical face. “Jameson is a great guy, and he loves her. Don’t you dare insult my niece. You don’t know her. Not anymore.”
Grayson held up his hands. “Sorry, I meant no offense.”
Everyone in our group watched us with bated breath. Mae looked ready to get out the popcorn.
I had to leave before things got even more out of control. I wanted to do well on the show, and pissing off their lawyer on day one was not the way to do that.
Turning back to the group, I plastered a pained smile on my face. “It was great to get to know you guys, but I should go back to my room and get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow.”
Mae nodded. “I won’t be much longer. After all, I want to look my best on our first day.”
“You’ll look gorgeous no matter what,” I told her, and meant it.
I didn’t acknowledge Grayson, and, after waving to everyone else, I made my way to the bank of elevators to the left of the bar.
The door opened as soon as I pushed the button, luck on my side for once.
Once I’d escaped into the confines of the elevator, I let out a relieved breath and pushed the button for my floor.
But before the doors closed completely, a hand appeared.
“Rayna, wait up.”
