Here we fucking go. This was what I was worried about. Everything with him was a transaction.
“In a week's time, there is a fundraiser gala being held by the Delaney Legacy Foundation for the unhoused people of Atlanta. Sheriff Strauss will be announcing my candidacy for mayor. It will look great for optics to have the whole family together, and it will win favor with the community. Should you choose to come back to Oakland Ridge, your attendance will be mandatory. While you’re here, you’ll play by my rules.”
My father wasn’t leaving anything up for discussion. He was a man of his word, though. He would allow us to stay on the estate; provide accommodations and security as long as I did as he asked.
Holding in a heavy sigh, I agreed. I knew what he meant by “my rules,” the man only cared about one thing: Gentry Co. He would probably have me in a suit every day, moonlighting as a businessman. We stayed on the phone only a few moments longer. He didn’t attempt to make small talk. I heard the shuffling of paper and the distinct sound of a pen scratching paper on the other end of the line. His silence was a dismissal.
“We’ll be there in two days.”
The beep coming through the phone let me know he had disconnected the call.
Shaking my head, I returned to the living room only to find Evelyn standing there waiting for me, balancing between one foot and the other with nervous energy radiating off her.
“Before—” she started and paused as she gathered herself. “Before, I wasn’t sure I wanted to live in a world without Celeste, but I continued because there were still people here who knew her and remembered her. She wouldn’t have wanted me to leave them.”
Tears gathered in her eyes, but she quickly wiped them away with the back of her hand, a new look taking claim on her face.
“Now though? I’m angry at what has been taken from me. Those people, my reasons to stay, are gone. There is nothing left for me here. I’ll leave with you, but only because I realize now that living would be the best form of revenge.”
I approached her with caution. She said she wanted to fight, but everything about the woman in front of me told me she wanted to run. “If you want to fight, we’ll fight together. The most important thing now is getting you to safety. We’ll stay away as long as it takes to bring Charles to justice.”
With steel in her eyes, she nodded. I barely knew her, but I already admired her. I would endure the judgment from my family because she was worth protecting. So many people had already let her down. She was worth my own discomfort.
Chapter 8
Parker
The only stop we made before hitting the road was my brownstone in Park Slope. I didn’t feel comfortable taking my eyes off Evelyn even for a moment. She hovered near the front window, silently watching the street from behind the curtain while I rushed around the house, throwing things into a backpack. Truthfully, I didn't really need much. I hadn’t been home in years, but I knew there was still clothing and the basic necessities there for me. My mother kept my room updated with the hopes that I’d show up for the holidays each year. Even though I always told her I couldn’t make it, she still held out hope. It broke my heart, but I couldn’t do ituntil now.
Anxiety coursed through me, making my heart race. I loved my family, but I couldn’t stand the pressure of conforming to what they wanted me to be. I just hoped that I’d be able to keep my composure while I was there. I didn’t want to rehash old arguments with my father, or give my mother false hope that things would change and she would get her happy family back. I just needed to be a man of my word. Shake hands with the rich and famous, smile for the photos, and pretend all was well in the Woods family if it meant I would honor my promise to Evelyn.
With my backpack and a cooler full of small snacks and beverages, we made our way outside to my car.
Once we hit Virginia, we stopped at a superstore to stretch our legs. Evelyn’s eyes stayed glued to the rear view mirror, her eyes flitting to every car that passed by or followed behind us a little too long. I knew she was worried about us being followed because I was just as concerned, doing the same.
This stop was necessary, though. I wanted to pick up a few more items, and I figured Evelyn would need a few things for the night as well. She had been quiet most of the ride, and I honestly feared she would be for the entirety of the trip. We had been driving for seven hours already, and we hadn’t said more than ten words to each other.
I knew she was lost in her thoughts and worried about the current state of her life. My siblings would happily share their things with her once we got to Oakland Ridge, but I had a feeling Evelyn would be more comfortable if she had a change of clothes for tonight, instead of the smoke-filled long-sleeved top and pants she had left the hospital in. Back in Brooklyn, I tried to convince her to change into something of mine, but she refused. I think she was trying to hold on to the last piece of her home that she had.
I followed her through the aisles as she decided on what items to buy. Every couple of minutes, I would ask her a question, just to get her out of her head.
I was probably annoying the hell out of her. But it was in my nature to try to make someone feel better.
“Would you rather eat hot dogs for every meal of the day, for the rest of your life, or have every song you listen to be the voice of the minions instead of the artist?”
This time, she cracked a smile, and a moment later, she let out a giggle. I was shocked, but I quickly schooled my face as I waited for her answer.
“I would regrettably have to eat the hot dogs. I couldn’t imagine listening to Roberta Flack, Luther Vandross, or even The Queen Beyonce, in the voice of minions. My ears are too precious.”
I couldn’t help but laugh along with her.
She paused by the shorts section and turned to me.
“I’m sorry for being so quiet. I get what you’re trying to do. I’m feeling overwhelmed,” she said, stepping around a woman browsing a dress rack. “You’re doing me a huge favor, and I’m sorry if it seems as if I’m not more appreciative. I just feel like my world has been turned upside down for a second time.”
“I don’t expect you to entertain me on this trip, Ev. I just would like to get to know you better. If I can get you out of your mind for a moment, give you a little peace, I would like to do that. No one should have to go through what you’re going through.”
Evelyn nodded, and I caught the small smile that graced her face before she turned away. She turned towards another rack and held out a pair of shorts. “I’ll probably need a pair of these. The weather app tells me that Georgia is set to get a heat wave this week.”
