“Well, for starters, he quit working for my dad. He’d never admit it, but I’m pretty sure Billy blamed Dad for what happened. He started hanging with the wrong crowd, partying all the time...that sort of thing. Dad tells everyone Billy’s a ‘free spirit’ but the truth is, he’s a mess.”
Brynnon got quiet for a moment before sharing some more. “My dad loves Billy. There’s just a lot of animosity between the two. On both sides. Dad blames himself for Mom’s accident and Billy’s subsequent fall down the rabbit hole, but at the same time, he knows Billy is old enough to make his own choices. Although, my brother’s last stint at rehab seems to have paid off.” Brynnon gave him a small smile. “He just got his year chip three weeks ago.”
“That’s good.”
“Yeah. It is.” She paused a moment and then, “You know, everyone thinks having a lot of money makes life easy, but it doesn’t.”
“You don’t have to explain anything to me.”
“I want to. I need you to understand why I was so opposed to having you assigned to watch me. Well, not you, personally. I would’ve balked at anyone.”
She took a deep breath and explained. “I’d just started high school when the construction company took off. When Dad’s net worth grew into the millions, Billy and I had to be escorted to and from school, sporting events, birthday parties...I couldn’t even go to a school dance without having one of Dad’s security team there with us. Do you know how hard it was to dance like that, knowing someone’s watching your every move?”
Before he could answer, Brynnon chuckled. “Of course, you don’t. You were probably the quarterback prom king dancing with the cheerleader queen.”
Memories of a prom night much different than the one she’d just described assaulted him, but Grant somehow dialed back the pain. Averting the comment, he simply uttered, “I don’t dance.”
Shock filled her beautiful eyes. “Like, ever?”
“Nope.”
“Oh.” Brynnon’s face fell a little. “That’s too bad.”
“Why’s that?”
“The charity ball is in two days. I put it on the agenda I gave you.”
Shit. He’d seen it written down but hadn’t had a chance to talk with her about it. The last thing he wanted to do was spend another night in a huge room full of pretentious people throwing around their money like it was water. He’d had his fill of that shit the last time he worked for Cantrell.
Yeah, but that’s how you met her.
Ignoring the memory of that particular night, Grant asked, “How important is it that you be there?”
She chuckled. “Very.”
“Define very.”
“I’m giving a speech and kicking off the dance contest.”
“There’s a contest?”
Brynnon smiled wide. “It’s part of the fundraiser. Every year, couples can sign up, either ahead of time or at the ball. All proceeds from the required entry fee go to the charity we’re supporting. Couples dance simultaneously while the rest of the attendees watch. When the song is over, the couples line up, and the winner is determined by whichever one gets the biggest applause. It’s fun!”
Sounds like the sixth version of Hell.
Brynnon laughed. “Obviously, you don’t feel the same.”
“I don’t dance,” he repeated.
“Yeah. I got that.” She paused before her eyes filled with alarm. “Crap. We’ll still need to get you a tux. It’s a black-tie event, and everyone’s required to wear one, but it’s in three days. We’ve got to get you fitted, and—”
“Relax, Bryn. I may know someone who can help us with that.”
“You do?”
Grant nodded. “Her name’s Charlie. She owns a party planning business.”
Sounding skeptical, she asked, “You’re friends with a party planner?”
