“Mr. Arias has paid my bail.” My father shrugs as though paying close to a million dollars in bail for someone is no big deal.
My eyes narrow as my suspicion rises. “Why would he do that?”
“After all the trouble this has caused our family, Tris? Honestly, how can you even ask that?” My mother huffs, spitting out theexcuse my father probably hand-fed her. Anything to keep up with his innocent facade, and she’ll do anything to keep living in her perfect bubble.
“Mr. Arias knows how valuable I am to his company and hates to see an innocent man put through all this trouble. He’s only doing what’s right.” My father confirms my suspicion while adjusting his sleeves. Another tell that he’s mincing words.
Saying a greedy man isdoing what’s rightonly means he’s looking out for himself. How so? I’m not sure. Nor do I know if I even care enough to find out.
“Right.” I smile too sweetly. “Is that all? I’m working.”
“We’ll be hosting a celebratory dinner party in your father’s honor before his trial. I’ll mail you the details.”
“We expect your attendance,” my father adds, and this time his eyes are sharp, making sure I understand this is not a request but an order.
An ice-cold chill runs down my back. “Certainly, where else would I be?”
I watch them leave from my seat, but it isn’t until they’re out of sight that I release a full breath and allow my shoulders to drop. Slowly, the sounds of the cafe begin to filter back in through my forced and steely composure.
“They seem pleasant,” Rory snorts.
When her hand lands on my shoulder, my head snaps to her a little too quickly, and she flinches.
“Sorry,” I say quickly, grabbing her hand and keeping it there, pulling the strength that she offers before standing and walking back to the counter with her.
“I’d ask if you’re okay, but that seems like a dumb question, so instead, I’ve gotta’ say, I’m not really a fan of them. If those are your parents, I can understand why you turned out the way you did.”
“Rory!” Ainsley squeals, covering her mouth with her hand, stuck somewhere between shock and amusement. Her gaze darts between Rory and me.
Rory looks at her like she’s pointing out the obvious with a shrug.
“I really was screwed from the beginning, wasn’t I?” I tease back and watch as Ainsley’s hand lowers in relief. “Honestly, it’s a miracle I’m not worse off.”
“Oh, honey, you were. Those first few weeks were like tryin’ to tame a buckin’ bronco. Had I not grown up around so many stubborn mares, I may have thrown in my reins.”
“Did she just compare me to a horse?” I ask Rory, dumbfounded.
Rory laughs so hard that tears well up in her eyes. “Ainsley, where are you even from?”
Ainsley smirks, but I notice how her eyes drop before she offers an answer. “South of here and north of nowhere.”
I’m about to ask herwhereexactly that is when the door chimes with another customer. This time, it’s Chief Garrett Mason who walks in.
“Shit!” Rory bee-lines to the back, once again avoiding the chief and making alarm bells go off.
“I’ll take his order, but you let her know she has some explaining to do,” I say over my shoulder to Ainsley as I prepare for whatever argument it is that Chief has come armed with.
“Well, hello there, Chief. What can I get for you and the boys today?” I ask, painting on anothersupersmile.
Honestly, thishappy customer service with a smilething makes my face hurt sometimes.
He looks me over in an assessing way as I flutter my lashes. Instead of scolding me for our service these last few weeks, like Ifully expect him to do, he lets out a deep laugh. My face breaks character, and I frown.
“So, you’re the one who has been causing all this ruckus at my fire station.” It’s not a question. He laughs some more, so I wait until he’s done.
“Will you be having the usual order today, Chief?” I raise my brow, skeptical of where he’s going with this.
“Absolutely, ring me up for everyone’s order except Captain King’s, please.” He extends his hand and passes me his credit card.
