“Yes, I am. And I’m definitely late. But I didn’t want you sitting here alone. I figured you could go with me.”
I started to protest, but he held his hands up to stop me.
“Listen, I know breakfast was awkward, but it won’t be like that the rest of the time you’re here.” Parker strides over to me and sits on the edge of the bed. “You can just ignore my fatherthe same way that I do, and everything will get significantly better.”
I released a small laugh at that.
“Parker, I don’t think that’s such a great idea. I’m supposed to be laying low, remember?”
I see his face instantly deflate, and I feel a drop of regret.
“The country club is just as secure as this place. I promise you. I won’t leave your side as long as we’re there,” he said, eyes searching mine for any sign of confirmation.
My therapist would probably suggest I go out and enjoy myself, even if it's just for a little bit. Only he doesn't know a deranged man is still after me.
With a shrug of my shoulder, I said, “Alright, I’ll tag along.”
The Marquis Country Clubis like nothing I’ve ever seen before.
We drove through a tall, arched gate, down a winding road, to a stunning old English Regency-style building. Behind it lay rolling green hills with smaller buildings scattered throughout the property. We moved slowly up the winding road to the largest building. Parker put the car in park as the valet rushed to the door to open it for me.
My face must have shown shock because Parker laughed as he got out of the car and handed the valet the keys.
I followed him into the building, taking in every single detail of the place. There was a dining hall to the left where men and women gathered, some drinking coffee while others held tumblers of what looked like bourbon. Waiters weaved in and out between tables, dropping off plates of food while a man dressed in a suit played the grand piano in the corner. To theright were tall double doors that led to a light scent of smoke. I assumed that was the club’s dedicated cigar room.
A woman greeted Parker at the door by name, and didn’t question the fact that he had a guest as he led us into the restaurant. She simply pointed to the back table facing the window.
We found Mr. Woods dressed in one of his suits sitting at a table with a police officer. I couldn’t understand the reason for the fancy attire. It was damn near 102 degrees today, and I even felt the sweltering heat in my denim shorts and floral, cropped t-shirt. I had my curls on top of my head to keep my neck cool, and my sunshades acted as a headband to keep the tendrils from falling into my face.
Right away, I could tell that Parker and I were not properly dressed. While Parker's look was a clear act of defiance, I hadn’t known what to expect. My cheeks heated as I looked around at the women in tennis skirts and linen pants. If Parker noticed my discomfort, he didn’t make a show of it. He simply placed his hand on my lower back and ushered me into a chair at the table.
At our arrival, the conversation between Mr. Wood and the officer stopped. Clear disgust was written all over Mr. Woods’ face when he saw how Parker was dressed, and even more so when he noticed I was also in attendance. He quickly schooled his facial expression and turned to the man again as he stood smiling.
“Ah, I’m so glad you could make it.” He threw his arm around Parker’s shoulders and brought him forward. “This is Sheriff Gregory Strauss.”
Sheriff Strauss clapped Parked on the shoulder and took his hand in a handshake. “Oakland Ridge’s golden boy has returned. Your father has told me so much about you. He sure is happy to have you home.”
Neither of the men acknowledged my presence, andI,for one, was glad for it. I knew Mr. Woods didn’t like me. He didn’t know me, but he didn’t have to. I wasn’t like their family. I was a stranger—a stranger that was in trouble, who was also freeloading at their house. My outfit made me stick out like a sore thumb. The more I fixated on it, tugging at the hem of my shorts, the more shame I felt. My mom drilled into me as a child that I should always look my best and that it was important to always make a good impression.
At the moment, I was more interested in being invisible than making an impression on anyone. Every day, I committed to blending in so that I didn’t have to answer those questions. The questions that made me relive the worst moment of my life. It was bad enough that I relived it every night in my dreams. I didn't need to feel the crushing weight of it when I was awake.
“This is Ms. Willow Norris. A friend of mine. She’s visiting from out of town.”
It took me a while to realize that Parker had just called my new name.This was going to take some time to get used to.Mr. Woods gave me a short glance before returning to his seat, while Sheriff Strauss slowly perused my body, his lips forming in a smirk as his eyes landed on my exposed thighs. His eyes on me made my skin feel itchy, but I didn’t want to be rude, so I gave him a small smile, and murmured a quick greeting before taking my seat.
A waitress approached the table, but with the flick of his wrist, Mr. Woods sent them away. Parker’s eyes met mine from across the table, and he gave me a slightly reassuring nod.
“This gala will be the most important event of the season. Oakland Ridge’s finest will be in attendance. It will be the perfect time to announce my decision to run for mayor with Mayor Danforth’s endorsement,” Mr. Woods says as he sips from his glass of bourbon.
“I am in full support of this decision. Judge McGrady will be there, and it will be a good opportunity to win him over to your side. He’s a family man, so he will love that your son has returned for the occasion. You’ll be needing his deep pockets and his influence,” Mr. Strauss said in agreement.
“Parker, you’ll have to be fitted for a new suit. The event is Black Tie. I know it’s been a while, but I’m sure you still know how to work a room. We’ll have to put on a united front. My assistant Valerie would love to go over what is expected of each of you. Aja and Janae have already been prepped.”
Parker’s eyes grew cold and unfeeling as his father rambled on about the gala. I recognized that look. His eyes were glazed over as if he were anywhere but here in this crowded room. I didn’t like seeing him that way.
“Once you called me and let me know you were coming home, I reached out to Denise. She would love to accompany you to the gala.”
At the sound of that, Parker’s eyes widened. He repeated slowly, “Denise, would like to go with me to the gala?”
