I have to try to figure out a way to get some answers from Dad about the timeline of his relationship with Jennifer. She’s not his favorite subject anymore, and they barely spend time together. I’m not even sure if Dad goes to his penthouse in NYC when she stays in the city with him. I’ll ask him if he wants to golf with me this weekend, he’ll never turn down a chance for a little friendly competition between us.
I meet Dad in the garage Saturday morning to drive to make our tee time at the club. He’s putting our clubs in the trunk of his Maserati when I walk up to him. I’m equal parts annoyed and amused that we’re basically twinning in gray Nike golf pants and long-sleeve blue polo shirts. He looks at me and then down at himself and chuckles.
“Looks like we had the same idea getting dressed this morning,” he quips.
The only difference between us is that my shirt is a muted navy and his more of a royal blue. We’re even wearing the same hat. If it weren’t for the laugh lines that extend from his cheeks and bracket his mouth, we could be twins, same height, and I’m only about ten pounds heavier. We probably look ridiculous folding ourselves into his car, but it’s so worth it.
We spend the fifteen-minute drive by making small talk. He asks about school, if I’m keeping all my grades up. He asks about Con and Griff. He skips valet and parks us himself when get to the clubhouse. Not many people are out today. It’s overcast and chilly with a foggy mist hanging in the air.
Our conversation ebbs and flows as we get out to the first hole.
“What are we going to wager on this game?” he looks over and asks me.
I’m not an idiot. He’s going to win. He always wins when we play golf. I scratch my chin and think about it.
“How about this, if I win, you start working at the bank this summer instead of next. I’ll make sure you have plenty of time to enjoy your summer, too, but you really do need to start showing your face in the office. It’s going to be yours someday.”
I had a feeling this was coming. It won’t be that bad to spend the summer in NYC, I know that Con is already spending one or two days a month with his dad and Griff will likely start working alongside his family, too.
“Okay, but if I win, I get two weeks on a yacht in the south Pacific with my friends after graduation.”
“Done,” he offers his hand, and we shake on it.
I let him tee off first. He’s got the swing of a professional golfer, and the ball makes a graceful arc straight over the fairway landing about eight feet from the hole. I set my ball down and do a little test swing. I don’t golf a whole lot, but there is something so satisfying about your driver making contact with the ball for the first time, that little noise it makes, and then the silence of the course. My ball ends up about four feet to the right of my dad’s ball. He sinks his putt in one; it takes me two tries.
“I was trying to remember the other day, when did you meet Jennifer?” I toss the question out as casually as possible on the way to the second hole.
“We met in November, right before the election. She was at a last-minute fundraiser here at the clubhouse, actually.” He sounds surprised, thoughtful.
“Huh, that’s weird isn’t it? I mean, she’s from Connecticut but was here in Founder’s Ridge for a fundraiser.” Also, whose money was she using to get a seat at an event like that? She definitely doesn’t have ten grand lying around to throw at thirsty politicians.
“Yeah, she was there with a friend as a plus one,” he parks the cart and pulls out his driver. I follow behind.
“That makes sense,” I nod. “Someone from around here?”
“I don’t know,” he looks at me appraisingly, “why?”
“Just curious is all.” At least now I have a bit of information to give to Griff. I’m sure he can find the guest list for that party. I’m meeting with him and Con for dinner tonight. The latter will be giving me explicit instruction for how to treat his girlfriend, who I’m taking to Homecoming as my date.
“I was thinking about offering an internship to Ivy this summer,” Dad says, breaking me from my train of thoughts.
“Oh yeah? She’d kick ass at any task given to her,” I respond.
“You two have gotten closer this year, since her boyfriend moved back to England.”
“We’ve always been close,” my tone is a little too sharp. “But, yeah, she spent a lot of time with Oliver last year.”
“Do you know what her plans are for the summer? Does she have something going on with Parker?”
“I’m not sure. She hasn’t mentioned anything yet.” I doubt she’ll be training with any Olympic swimmers this summer, but I don’t know if she’s had that conversation with her father yet. I’m not about to tell anyone her feelings if she’s not ready. “She’d stay at the penthouse in the city with us?”
“Most likely, unless Parker has an apartment in the city.”
“He doesn’t.” He’s lived in the same house Ivy’s entire life, even after the divorce.
Dad nods and looks around. We’re parked next to a water feature, a pond with a fountain spraying up from the far side. The eighth hole is surrounded by the pond and juts out into the middle on a peninsula. I’ve never kept my ball out of the water on this hole. Dad’s ball drops right on the green, halfway between the edge and the hole. Mine goes wide and right into the pond.
“You’ll get it someday,” his hand clasps my shoulder and gives me a little shove. “You’ve got a good swing for someone who golfs so infrequently.”
“Yeah, this hole is a beast anyway.”
We spend the rest of the morning enjoying the peace of an empty course. The sun has yet to burn through the fog, so it’s like looking at the world through a high-contrast lens. The grass is still a verdant green. The bark of the trees is damp, so it looks dark. The trees have turned later than usual, so they’re at peak right now, bright yellows, reds, and orange. All with the gray mist hanging heavy in the still air.
Dad corrects my form here and there but ends up beating me with a score of nine under par. He runs into some guys he knows and asks if I mind him staying behind to have a few beers with them. I call Griff to come pick me up.
He pulls up twenty minutes later and pops the trunk for my clubs. I slide into the passenger seat.
“Thanks for picking me up.”
“No problem. I actually just found out some pertinent information regarding Jennifer and your letters.” He pulls out onto the highway. “She requested that the Headmistress at Ivy’s school filter all her all mail at the beginning of her freshman year. The only thing she wanted were letters to or from you.”
“Me?” I look over at him with raised eyebrows. “Me, specifically?” I ask for clarification.
“Yes, Levi Marsh. She told the Headmistress that you were bullying Ivy and didn’t want you calling or mailing her.”
“What. The. Fuck?” I am pissed. “There is no way Ivy told her that. What the fuck is her game?”
“Who picked Ivy up that summer? Do you remember?”
“I don’t.” It was so long ago I can’t remember. “Why? What are you thinking?”
“Well, what if she noticed you and figured out who you were and then decided to go after your dad?”
It’s a good theory, completely plausible. My stomach sinks when I think about telling Ivy all this. She is by no means a fan of her mother, but this is still a deep betrayal.
“I need to be sure of everything before I make any accusations,” I pull my hat off and drop it on the dashboard of his Tesla. “Would you be able to find out who was on the guest list of a Senate campaign fundraiser three years ago?”
“For sure. That’s an easy ask. Where was it held?”
“Founder’s Ridge Golf Club.”
“I can probably have it by the end of the night, then.” He pulls into Con’s driveway.
We let ourselves in through the side door. None of the staff in any of our houses are surprised to see us walking in like we own whichever house. Con’s dad, Vict
or, has actually drastically cut back on the staff in his house. There’s the house manager, the chef, a few maids, and security always on site, but when we were younger, there was three times as many people milling around.
We walk into the kitchen and see the familiar sight of Delores, the chef, plating some of her signature chocolate chip cookies. I walk around the island to give her a big hug and plant a noisy kiss on her gray-haired head.
“Delores, you knew your favorite person was coming today, didn’t you?” I swipe a cookie from a baking sheet, bouncing it between my hands because it’s hotter than I thought it would be.
She chuckles, “I knew Griff was coming, yes. I assumed you would be here as well.” She slides the plate of cookies at Griff. “They’re in the media room.”
I push the door open and am greeted by the sight of Con’s ass halfway visible and Hoodrat’s long legs wrapped around his waist as they go at it on one of the couches.
“Care for some company,” I rudely interrupt.
Con’s head snaps up and he glares at me, “Fuck off. Give a me minute.”
Absolutely unable to walk away from the opportunity to fuck with him I say, “Hoodrat, let me know if you ever want to experience more than a two-minute fuck.”
Her response is a middle finger over Con’s shoulder. Griff and I laugh and walk down the hall to sunroom. Con and I have walked in on each other fucking girls before, so it’s not that big of deal, but usually he doesn’t kick us out. He must have deep feelings for Hoodrat, which is good because I know I’m quite fond of her myself. Griff is, too, for that matter.
I take a look at my red-haired best friend and realize I’ve never seen him fucking a girl before. I know he’s not a virgin, but I’m pretty sure the reason hasn’t been as open around us has to do with his particular tastes. I have a feeling he’s a bit of kinkster. He goes to a dungeon owned by an FPA graduate in NYC once a month.
“You good taking Ivy to Homecoming next weekend?” I ask.
“Of course,” he looks up from his phone. “You ready to admit you’re in love with her yet?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I say without missing a beat.
“Bullshit. I saw you two come out of your favorite fucking closet at school last week. I know you two are together.”
“Really?” I look over at him and he nods. “I thought we were being careful.”
“You are, I just know almost everything that happens in this town.”
“Don’t tell her you know. She’s really freaked out about her dad finding out. Thinks he’d pull her out here and never let her come back.”
“Hey,” Con comes walking in with a sheepish looking Hoodrat tucked under his arm.
I can’t tell if she’s blushing because we walked in on them or if it’s a post-orgasm glow. Maybe both. Either way, I decide not to fuck with either of them again.
“Cookie?” Griff holds out the plate to Hoodrat.
She grabs two and gives one to Con. “Do you guys mind if I join boys’ night? With Ivy in Connecticut this weekend, I’m alone.”
“Not at all. What do you want to do?” I ask.
“I don’t want to go to Leighton’s party, that’s for sure.”
“Same,” Griff grimaces. “How about dinner at Chauncy’s and then back to my pool house for a movie?”
We all agree and head out for the night. I can’t help but be a little jealous of the smiles and sly touches that Con and Hoodrat share all night. The way he can publicly claim her, which he does any time he catches a guy look twice at her. I want that with Ives.
15
IVY
“Ivy, can I come in?” my mother knocks on my door.
“Yeah, it’s unlocked,” I roll my eyes. I’m not getting up to let her in. I’m tired after my weekend in Connecticut with Dad.
“I won’t keep you,” she looks at me with distaste. I’m wearing leggings and one of Levi’s hoodies. “I made an appointment for you with Dr. Samuels on the sixteenth.”
I search my mind for a Dr. Samuels but am drawing a blank; it’s not my general practitioner, and it isn’t my sports medicine specialist. It does sound vaguely familiar though.
“We’re having a family dinner in twenty-five minutes, so you’ll need to change in appropriate clothing.”
“Is it just you, Frank, Levi, and myself?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’m staying in this. I’m tired and not in the mood to change clothes.”
“You can’t come down to dinner in those rags, if you don’t change you don’t eat.”
Fuck her.
“Okay,” I flash thumbs up at her and then switch it to my middle finger when she turns to leave my room. I’m not changing and because Frank is home, she won’t be able to throw one of her nasty tantrums.
The door to my room swings open and Levi strolls through. “Smells like evil in here,” he sniffs, “Jennifer must have just been bothering you.”
“Indeed.” I reach for him and hug him tight. The door is still open, so I won’t kiss him, but it’s all want right now.
“You look cute as fuck in my hoodie.” He squeezes my ass, and I swat his hand away. “How was your drive back from Hartford?”
“Long.” I flop down on my bed, and he sits in what he calls the Muppet chair. “How was your weekend?”
“Good, hung out with your bestie last night. She and Con are so grossly affectionate.”
“I know,” I chuckle, “I’m pretty sure half the time he’s just trying to mark his territory.”
“Oh, one hundred percent yes. I’m surprised he doesn’t lick her face. I’m pretty sure he growled at our server last night for smiling at her.”
I pull my phone off its charger to check the time. “Looks like we better go down for dinner. Mom told me to change so expect some fireworks,” I tell him as I stand up.
“I’ve got it covered, Ives.” He pulls the hoodie he’s wearing over his head revealing a tight light pink shirt that says, ‘RIOTS BEFORE DIETS.’ “She’ll be so distracted by me she’ll forget all about your casual clothes.”
“Is that a women’s shirt?” I finally manage to say when I get my laughter under control.
“Yes. It’s an XXL, and it’s still tiny. I don’t understand women’s sizing at all,” he shrugs. “Even as big as I am, I should fit in an XXL without tearing the seams.”
“Oh, honey.” I shake my head, “You have no idea. I have a four-size range depending on cut and designer. It’s insane.”
“And you have periods. Glad the only thing I have to worry about is my balls sticking to my leg in the heat.”
“What about popping random wood at weird times?”
“Psh, I don’t care who sees this magnificent dick in all its glory. It’s basically a divining rod.”
I roll my eyes and let him walk into the dining room first. He was right. My mom’s face turns as bright red as the cherries on her blouse. Her eyes narrow when she sees I haven’t changed. Frank is laughing at Levi, which only enrages Mom further.
“Neither of you are dressed appropriately for dinner,” she seethes.
“Oh Jennifer, sit down. They’re fine.” Frank rolls his eyes. “It’s not like we have company, and even then, who cares? They’re teenagers.”
“Ivy,” she directs her ire to me, “go upstairs and change, or you can miss dinner. God knows it wouldn’t hurt you. Your thighs are already getting dimpled. Probably from all the carbs you eat.”
“Fuck you.” Levi says.
“Jennifer,” Frank stands, “enough.”
“No,” she growls at Frank, “her body is disgusting. She has the musculature of a boy, a flat chest, and now she’s getting cellulite?” She sneers at me, “No one will ever want you looking like some dollar store imitation of a woman.”
A glass flies across the room and crashes into the wall. “Shut your nasty whore mouth, Jennifer.” Levi puts a protective arm around me. “I think it’s time all your secrets came out.
”
“Are you going to let him talk to me like that?” she looks to Frank for support, but he’s glaring at her with a dark scowl.
“Yes, I am. The way you just spoke to Ivy was horrendous. I’m tempted to call Parker just to get her away from your toxicity.”
Levi’s hand tightens on me. He’s not letting that happen either.
“I found these in your desk last week while I was looking for the tax documents Dad needed.” Levi tosses a pile of letters on the table.
I feel like someone just threw a fifty-pound sandbag on my chest, I can’t breathe. There in front of me are all the letters Levi told me he sent and the one I sent him after our last summer at camp. When I look at Mom, her eyes are surprised, but then she schools her features quickly.
“I have no idea what those are,” she lies.
“These are the letters that Ivy sent me and that I sent her that neither of us ever received. I did a little digging, and guess who asked the Headmistress at Ivy’s boarding school to filter mail from or to me?” He looks at Jennifer with disgust, “Jennifer Bane.”
“Why?” I pull out a chair and fall into it.
“Well, I can’t be sure but here’s my theory. She picked you up from camp that summer, right? She saw us say goodbye and the car that I was picked up in. I think she did her research on who I was and decided Dad was her next meal ticket.” He looks to his father, “Did you know she crashed the fundraiser? Her name wasn’t on any of the guest lists, even as a plus one.”
“It was years ago. You can’t know that!” Mom loses just a tiny bit of her previous bravado.
“Yeah, actually, I can know that.” He looks over at Frank again. “Griff did some digging.”
Frank is looking at Mom like she’s grown a second head or something equally as hideous. He shoots both of us a look, “Why don’t you two eat in the kitchen with Babs. I need to speak with Jennifer privately.”
I follow Levi out of the dining room in a haze. I can’t even pinpoint which emotion is flowing through my bloodstream the most. Hurt, definitely. Anger. Confusion. Disgust. I stop before we get to the kitchen.
Relentless (Titans of Founder's Ridge Book 2) Page 12
