by Livy North
“Should we get started then?” He breathed out heavily, sitting down in the matching armchair on the other end of the table.
“Yep. Is there much left to do?”
“Not really. Most of it we fixed in New York. We’ve already booked the catering and the venue and all that. All there is left is the decorations and some other details.”
Nodding, I bit my lower lip. It seemed our partnership might come to an end. And weirdly enough, I wasn’t as excited about it as I thought I would have.
Three days later, we were at the florist picking out decorations before we headed to another board meeting. It felt as the first meeting was yesterday, when in reality, that was two months ago.
Yet, I had never hated life more than when I stood in the flower shop with my brother and Emory.
“Oh look, this one’s cool!” Seb beamed, picking up a pot and holding it out for us. I regretted my decision of bringing him along more every minute.
“Are you going to put a gigantic pineapple plant as the centerpiece?” Emory frowned laughingly at him.
“No.” Sebastian scowled back at her as if he’d thought that was outrageous. “I thought we’d put it in the corner or something.”
My eyes flicked up for a moment and I sighed. “Seb?”
“Yeah?”
“Put the pineapple plant down.”
Emory chuckled under her breath, walking past us, heading for some bouquets in the corner. She scanned it intently. “What about this one?” She pointed at some flowers.
I looked at her with a cocked brow. “Don’t look at me, I’m not a flower decorator.”
Groaning, she rolled her eyes at me. “Don’t be such a baby. Just say if you like them or not.”
I tossed a glance at the blue and white bouquet of a lily-looking plant. “It’s nice,” I said dryly. “Makes your eyes stand out.”
Why did I say that?
Emory’s looked at me with slightly raised brows.
“Ooh,” Seb said into his fist, grimacing as he slipped by me to escape.
Rolling my eyes, I grabbed the back of his collar and held him in place. “You’re not going anywhere,” I said through gritted teeth.
Emory shot us an amused glance, but when I scowled at her, she quickly withdrew her gaze. I still heard her giggle under her breath when I had my back turned.
“Seb, can you carry the bouquet?” Emory asked.
“Yes, ma’am.” He gave her a mock salute and went over, grabbing the thing from her.
She clapped her hands together. “Great. That’ll be the table centerpieces. We need some flowers for the decorations on the wall, though.” Releasing a breath, she wandered off, eyes scanning the store.
Sebastian and I trailed her, letting her take the lead.
We finished under twenty minutes later.
“We should leave for that board meeting now,” I said when we were outside in the cold October sun. We were halfway to November, and the air prickled against my skin. I stuck my hands in the pockets of my black wool coat. “We’ll drop you off at home, Seb.”
He gave a thumbs up as we got in the car—Emory in the front, Seb in the back, and I was in the driver’s seat.
During the ride, Sebastian kept making jokes and being his lighthearted self, and Emory laughed at him all the time. They got along, it seemed.
Why?
“Talk to you later.” I exchanged a look with Sebastian in the rearview mirror. He smiled and winked at me before sliding out.
“Bye, Em.” He waved at Emory, who gave him a mock salute back.
Once we were alone and I pulled out onto the main road, I opened up the conversation. “What were you laughing at earlier?” I asked. “In the store. About me and Seb?”
At first, she looked confused but then she shrugged. “It wasn’t anything funny; it was more of a happy laugh. It was… nice. Seeing you with him. Makes me miss Gabriel.” Her gaze fell to her lap and she twinned her thumbs together.
“How so?” My gaze flicked back and forth between the road and her.
“We were just like you guys. Argued but in that silly type of way that you secretly enjoy.”
Like us.
“I don’t find arguing with someone very enjoyable,” I said.
A laugh bubbled out of her. “Of course, you don’t.”
My eyes hardened. “What does that mean?”
Her eyes flicked up. “Jesus. Stop going into defense mode all the time. I’m not out to attack you every time I speak. Although, takes one to know one, I guess.”
“Now what does that mean?” I repeated, firmer this time.
She pursed her lips together, biting down a smile at the same time, resulting in an odd expression. I jerked when she punched me playfully in the shoulder. What was that gesture?
“You’re so uptight all the time.”
Leaning back, I tried to roll my shoulders loose. “I don’t know how to be another way.”
“You don’t have to. There’s nothing wrong with it. I think a person’s flaws are in connection with someone’s strength. For example, you’re uptight, but you’re also good at what you do, always want to do your best and do things properly. I just think you’d have a lot of fun if you relaxed every once in a while.” Quickly, her eyes were on the road and they stayed there. Even when I tried to look at her, she refused to look me in the eye.
Turning back to the road, I sighed. “So, you’re stubborn, so you always get your way.”
A smile tugged on her lips. “Is that what you think of me?”
My eyes darted around, and I’d never been that nervous about answering someone. But luck was on my side because right then, I pulled up on the private parking lot outside the city board building. “We’re here.” I cleared my throat. “Are you ready?”
Challenging myself, I looked at her. Her blue eyes were big, but a smirk was on her lips. “Of course.”
“So, how’s it all coming along?” Mr. Adley asked halfway into the meeting. We’d already gotten all the most important things off the agenda, and all that was left now was the discussion of the Founder’s Day celebration and what Emory and I had planned.
I opened my mouth to speak, but Emory surprised everyone by answering the question. “It’s going great. River and I have settled everything, including the donation from the New York families. We’ve hired catering, rented the venue, and secured a band. We’ve also decided on the decorations—today, actually.”
Folding her hands, she readjusted in her seat, leaning forward on the table. She was more confident this time than the first time she was here—not that she was lacking confidence back then, either. How fast she had adapted to new situations both baffled and impressed me. Slightly. Only a little bit.
“River, is that true?” Father asked, piercing me with those ugly blue eyes.
“Yes, we’re almost done. One week ahead of schedule.” The pride in my voice was clear and I loved that he heard it.
Bastard who did nothing other than screw me over.
“I think that is great news.” Henry O’Malley, Eleonora O’Malley’s father, threw his hands out. “It’s very impressive. Our kids are taking after us after all.” He laughed.
Emory and I exchanged glances. We were both thinking the same thing. He wasn’t giving us credit—he was giving our genes credit.
“And I’m especially impressed over Emory, seeing as she has never been part of this before.”
Looking back at Emory, she smiled but I saw how strained it was. “Thanks,” she clipped.
Glances were exchanged because of her dismissive tone, but no one commented on it.
“Well, anyway, I heard from Arnold Curtz from New York that he was very impressed with the two of you. Good job, Emory, handling my son. I know he can be a bit short-tempered.” My father hummed a laugh and Emory matched it, but it didn’t sound real.
Meanwhile, I ground my teeth together to keep from blowing up on my father in front of everyone. How could he kick me out o
f the family company and then continue to humiliate me in front of the board?
“Your son was a gentleman,” Emory said.
Father laughed, a harsh sound that almost made me flinch. “Hah. Yes. We Sinclair men do know how to court a lady.” He winked at me. A low laugh hummed across the table. Emory’s lips pursed and her cheeks turned red, but she remained still.
“Should we get back to the matter at hand or no?” I suggested with a growl lodged in my throat.
The old elite of St. Crow were outdated and old-fashioned. Even I could see it. A lot had changed during the last few months, but some things never changed.
The next day I found myself in the living room of the estate, not sure what to do because Mother sat in the reclining chair. Her hair flowed down her back in waves and her eyes were soft.
She smiled at me. “Rivvie.”
Unlike my father, my mother was the epitome of warmth and comfort. Seemed almost hilarious that she shared that warmth and comfort with anyone but her sons.
“Mom,” I said awkwardly. “I’m just here to pick up Nico and Seb.”
She smiled. “I always loved your sibling bond. I was never that close with my sisters.”
We had no other choice, I wanted to say, but instead, I pressed my lips shut.
I loved Seb and Nico more than my life, but during our childhood, we didn’t have anyone else. That was my mother and father’s fault.
Mom nodded at the couch, signaling for me to sit.
Glancing around, I hoped Nico or Seb would be here to save me, but they were nowhere in sight, so I sat.
“Tell me what’s going on in your life. I’ve missed you so much.” Her voice sounded sincere, and she probably was.
But that seemed to be the universal flaw of people these days—a lot of talk but no action.
“Nothing special.”
Except that Father had kicked me out of the company… Oh, and I’d been reduced to a decorator, and my emotions were spiraling.
Because of a girl, nonetheless.
“That can’t be true. Thomas told me about your trip to New York with Emory Lauder.” Mom chuckled before turning serious. “I heard about her family. Tragic, isn’t it?” She glanced over at me, as if she half expected me to say something like, no, that’s not tragic at all.
“Yes,” I said. “But Emory seems to be doing alright.”
Nerves grabbed me by the throat and held me in place. I didn’t feel comfortable discussing Emory with my mom. Not with anyone, really.
“Well, Emory has always struck me as a private girl. Very strong and independent.”
“That, she is,” I agreed.
No one I knew was stronger and less codependent than her. They were qualities I could admire.
“Do you like her?”
My eyes widened and I clenched my jaw. “I… respect her.”
It was true. I liked testing her and pushing her, but I wouldn’t do that if I didn’t respect her in the first place. Unlike most people, she’d earned my respect.
“Let me give you some advice, my sweet boy.”
I’d rather do without. I’d been fine for twenty-one years without her advice. Yet, I shut my mouth and listened.
“Don’t close your heart. You’ve always been so independent and strong-willed. You don’t need anyone, I know that. But there’s a difference when it comes to that one person. You don’t need her, but you’ll want her either way.”
My eyes narrowed in both confusion and suspicion. I suspected she was talking about Emory, and that irked me. Thankfully, Sebastian walked in at that moment.
“Thanks for the advice,” I clipped and stood.
“Mom,” Seb said, nodding and smiling at her.
“Ready to leave?” I asked.
He nodded.
Mom cocked her head at us. “Where are you two headed?”
“Out,” I said before Sebastian could say anything else.
“Have fun then. Take care of each other.”
“Will do,” we muttered in unison before heading out.
“Where’s Nico?” I asked once we were at the front steps and closed the door behind us.
“He said he’d meet us at the bar.” Sebastian hesitated for a second and I eyed him as we got in the car.
“What is it you’re not telling me?” I asked.
Seb bit the inside of his cheek. “Nico had to finish up at the office first.”
Bitterness coated my tongue and I swallowed. “You know, just because Father kicked me out of the company doesn’t mean I’m going to break down in tears every time someone mentions Sinclair Corp.”
Although, my throat prickled and my eyes stung.
“I know that, but I thought I’d not rub it in. I think he made a mistake though, just so you know. Nico is doing a great job, but no one knows or cares more about Sinclair Corp. than you.”
Huffing out a soft laugh, I tried to swallow the lump in my throat. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”
He smiled. “So, what were you and Mom talking about?”
“Emory,” I admitted glumly. “Mom thinks… Never mind.”
Sighing, I put the car in drive and sped out of the gateway.
Seb, Nico, and I spent the evening at a club partying. I didn’t drink because I was driving, but I liked how the music drowned out my thoughts and how I got to spend time with my brothers without the pressure of talking.
When we were done, I dropped them off at the estate, coming with them inside to say proper goodbyes before I left.
“I’m going now,” I said once we’d gotten Seb up the stairs in one piece. I glanced around nervously. I didn’t want to run into Father.
He nodded back. “Talk later.”
“Bye, Seb,” I called. “Good luck with the hangover.”
“Bye, brother! I love you!”
“Love you, too,” I mumbled. Shaking my head, I turned to Nico. “Take care of him.” I threw him a pointed look and he nodded. We hugged quickly, and I turned for the door. I thought I’d escaped my father, but I was wrong.
“River.” My father’s booming voice echoed from the top of the stairs. “What do you think you’re doing?” He stomped down the stairs.
“What?” I asked, not managing to hide the distaste I had for him.
“It’s one thing for you to screw things up and get yourself kicked out of the company, but I will not tolerate you corrupting your brothers, too. Dragging them to a party on a weekday when they have stuff to do? Reckless. I’m disappointed.”
I frowned, not believing he said all that without flinching. “Get myself kicked out of the company?” I questioned. “You kicked me out because you were upset with my choice to say no to a girl and not let her use me to get a deal through.”
“You know very well that is not the bottom of everything. Ever since this summer, you’ve been acting up. I won’t stand for it, River. Get a grip and stop taking that tone with me. I’m your father for fuck’s sake. Show me some respect.”
My feelings exploded and poured out of me. “Why are you acting like I have no right to be upset? Before the summer, you went into my room and trashed my studio. You burned my paintings and made me watch. What kind of sick father does that?”
The memories from that early July night came back. The hatred that had flared up inside me came back as an inferno blazing instead.
“I was teaching you a lesson. I was doing what was best for you. You were wasting your time on that stupid hobby.”
“My art isn’t just a hobby to me, it’s me! My art is me, and if you were a good father, you’d see that!”
He took a threatening step forward. “Remember your place, son.” He spit the word as if it was an insult. “Haven’t I groomed you to be successful? Haven’t I given you everything? Cars, clothing, a seat at the city board, and a position in my company?”
“And you’ve kicked me out of said company.”
“I’ve given you every responsibility I thought you could handle,” he roared.
“I took them away because you clearly couldn’t handle it.”
“And Nico can? No one cares about Sinclair Corp. like I do!”
I almost flinched at the wall of silence that met me, because instead of yelling back, Father stared at me long and hard. My labored breaths echoed in the foyer and anger trembled in my body.
“You’ve clearly gone down the wrong path, son. Until you find your direction again, I don’t want to see you in this house.”
“Thomas!” A squeal came from the top of the stairs and Mom stood there, her skin flushed and mouth open. “You can’t—”
“No, Louisa. It’s for the best. River clearly has personal stuff he has to deal with before he’s ready to be a part of this family.”
I was on fire, shaking from anger and hatred. “You’re kicking me out of the family, too?” My eye stung and I blinked the tears away before he could see. Swallowing hard, I clenched my jaw to the point of pain. “Fine by me, then.” I stepped backward, snorting softly and dragging my tongue across my teeth.
I left the house, slamming the door behind me so the whole house rattled. Taking the steps down in pairs, I was in my car and speeding off before my father could see the impact he’d made on me.
And what made it worse was that no one was there fighting for me.
No one cared if I was there or not.
Even in my own family, I was disposable.
I drowned myself in a bottle of tequila before I drove down to the pier. There was a secret spot underneath it. How I knew that, I didn’t know because I never went there, but for some reason, I was drawn to it that day.
I thought I’d be alone, but someone was already there.
“Fancy seeing you here, Nightmare,” I drawled to the brunette.
She jerked around, her dark hair spinning in the wind. “I wish I could say I was surprised to see you, but at this point, I’m not,” she mocked, but a smile played on her lips.
Then her gaze fell to the bottle hanging from my hand.
“Are you turning into an alcoholic or something?”
