Anyway, the nurse said her vitals were strong and her blood work came back looking good, which means her body is responding to the medicine and getting ready to fight a war. I read the studies on the drug, so I concur, but even I don’t know what will happen. This is the part of life that all of the smarts in the world cannot help. It’s human will and a million different external variables all rolled together. Fate, chaos, luck—people call it many things, but I simply see it as the reason that sometimes things happen when they’re not supposed to. And sometimes things don’t happen when all of the right ingredients are present. Not everything in the universe has a rhyme or reason, though many scientists would argue against that. Sometimes you just gotta have faith.
Saturday, I spend most of the day with my mother and we watch Henry play on my smartphone. “See, Mom, there he is right here,” I point to the dot among many dots on my screen, “ripping off that guy’s head. He’s awesome, right?” I admit, the man knows how to use the force of his mass to create a desired outcome. The delicious soreness between my legs is proof of that.
“So are you two official now?” she asks.
“Yeah. Very,” I say, but I’m hesitant to tell her about my crazy proposal. I know she’ll worry and say I’m too young and the last thing she needs is to worry.
“I’m happy you’ve found someone,” she mutters and dozes off with a smile on her face.
“I am, too, Mom,” I whisper. Because for the first time in my life, I feel like everything’s going to be okay. Just don’t screw it up, Elle.
Sunday, Mr. Nucleus and I meet Tassie at the dorms and I clean out my closet. She’s completely sad that I’m leaving school until I tell her that Henry and I have decided to be together and that I asked him to marry me.
“I told you!” She squeals, jumps, and claps. “You two are perfect together! Ha! When’s the wedding? Can I be maid of honor? Or maybe your minister? I’ll get my license online! I’ve always wanted to marry someone.”
I pick up my sweet little kitten, who’s burring his face in my purse on the bed, and stroke him between the ears. He’s the most laid-back kitten I’ve ever seen. You can cuddle him all day long and he won’t complain.
“I know we’re already parents,” I say jokingly, “but we are a long way from getting married. I just wanted him to know that I’m dead serious about him being the one.”
“Still,” Tassie sucks in a breath and whooshes it out, a dreamy look in her eyes, “it’s so sweet.”
“I thought you were against marriage.”
“I am for me, but there’s no doubt in my mind that Henry and you are good for each other,” she says.
“Which is why I have to figure out how to get him back in the game.”
“I thought you hated the fact he plays football,” she says.
“I didn’t hate it. I simply didn’t see him as relationship material—he seemed way too committed to beer and sports. But then he left the frat and gave everything up to save my mother. I just don’t think you get better ingredients for love than that.”
“But you do love him. Right, Elle?”
“Yeah. I mean, it sort of snuck up on me, but I’ve never seen a sexier guy or met anyone quite like him.” Honestly, I can’t seem to contain how much love I feel inside for this man. “That’s why I’m going to talk to his father and try to work something out.” In my mind, this has an easy solution. Let Henry play football for four or five years, and then Henry will likely want to work in the family business.
“I don’t know, Elle. I’ve heard some of the things Henry’s said in casual conversations when I’ve stayed with Hunter at the man-pad. Henry’s dad sounds like a complete bastard.”
“I’m sure he is, but Henry’s delusional if he thinks I’m going to just sit back and do nothing.” After all, Henry gave up everything for me. Why wouldn’t I try to help him?
There’s genuine worry in Tassie’s blue eyes. “I guess you have to do what you think is right, but be careful, Elle. I’ve heard rumors about Henry’s family.”
“Like what?” I ask.
“That people who’ve tried to challenge them end up missing—stuff like that.”
“Really? No way.”
She shrugs. “They’re the richest family in the state. I doubt that they got that way by playing nice.”
“Of course, but murder? Sounds like bullshit to me.” I hope.
“Still, be careful. And call me afterwards. Tell me how it went.”
“You’ll be the first to know.”
Monday morning, I pull my hair into a neat bun and put on black slacks, a white blouse with red pinstripes, and a matching red tie. Mr. Nucleus II and I are staying at my parents’ house again, so I’m back in my old bedroom. I text my father and let him know I’ll stop by the hospital later and bring him some nonhospital food; then I hit the road. It’s an hour drive into Houston, and I want to get there early because I don’t have an appointment.
But I have a plan.
I park on the street and enter the enormous skyscraper’s lobby, quickly noting the sterile atmosphere and lack of smiles. People are shuffling by the turnstiles with card readers, past a security desk, not one happy face to be had on any of them.
“Hi, I’m here to see Chester Walton,” I say to the burly security guard with a giant silver mustache.
“Your name?”
This is going to be a risk, but there’s no other way for me to get in to see such a busy man. “Just tell him that Henry’s fiancée is here.”
The man gives me a look. “You’re…Henry Walton’s fiancée,” he says with extreme skepticism.
“Yep.”
The man takes a breath, picks up the phone, and dials. “Hi. I have a young woman here to see Mr. Walton. Says she’s Henry’s fiancée.” He bobs his head. “Thank you.” He hangs up the phone and then reaches for a visitor’s badge. “Take the last elevator on the left. It will go straight to the top floor.”
I hadn’t expected it to be this easy. “Thanks.” I go through the badge scanner and take the turbo elevator all the way to the forty-fifth floor. The moment the doors open, I notice the lifeless ambiance extends here, too. It’s like they hired Scrooge as their interior decorator.
“May I help you?” says an older woman with glasses and brown hair. She smiles, but I can tell she doesn’t mean it. She’s got a sad, defeated look in her eyes.
“I’m here to see Mr. Walton.”
“And you are?” she asks.
“Megan, tell the pilot we’ll be leaving at two—” A large man emerges from his office, and I know right away he is Henry’s dad. The broad shoulders, the nose, and height are unmistakable Walton traits.
“Who’s this?” Henry’s father looks me over like he’d sooner spit on me than speak to me directly.
“Uhhh…” The assistant swallows hard like she knows something bad is about to happen.
“Elle.” I stick out my hand. “I’m Elle Williams.”
He stares blankly for a moment. “Ah. You’re Henry’s little charity case—the one with the dying mother.”
Thanks for the sensitive touch, buddy. “Yes. That’s me, but we’re hopeful she’s going to come through this. Actually, that’s why I’m here. I know you’re busy, but do you have a moment? It’s extremely important. It’s about Henry.”
“What did he do now?”
“I promise if you’ll just give me a few minutes, I’ll be out of your hair.”
With a snarl on his lips, he steps aside and holds out his arm, gesturing for me to go inside his office.
Why do I feel like I’ve just been invited into a kraken cave?
I smile politely. “Thanks.”
He follows me in, shuts the door, and goes over to his desk, taking a seat. “You have sixty seconds. What can I do for you?”
Ah, yes. The control freak. I try to keep in mind that men like this think of themselves as gods. I am not here to challenge that or change him. I’m here to get what I need for Henry.
“Thank you. That’s very generous,” I say. “Everyone knows how busy you are, so first, I’ll start out by saying how grateful I am for what you’ve done for my mother. It’s not every day a stranger takes their time and money to help someone like that.”
“We help people all the time. Haven’t you ever heard of the Walton Charitable Trust?”
“I have. Out of the five point two billion dollars of net income you brought in last year, you donated five million.”
He makes a circle with his hand, urging me to wrap it up.
“Yes, so, I’m asking you to reach into that generous heart of yours and give one more time to someone who isn’t a stranger. Please, let Henry off the hook. His dream is to go pro, and I think not having that chance is the kind of thing that could ruin him. And I find it difficult to believe that you’ve worked so hard to give him everything just so he’ll be miserable his entire life.”
“So that dipshit son of mine really thinks this will work? Sending some…” he makes a sour face and his green eyes wash up and down my body, “some poor little nerdy girl to beg on his behalf?”
Wow. What a jerk. But fine. I can take it. “Henry has no idea I’m here, sir. But if you could see what this ultimatum of yours has done to him, I think you’d—”
“I think you can turn right around and remove your skinny little ass from my office. No one here gives a shit about what you think.”
This guy is so offensive. I might need to challenge him to a game of chess and put him in his place. “Well, Henry cares.”
“Henry’s a child.”
What? “He’s a man. A good man. And I’m sure despite your caustic language, you must’ve had something to do with that.”
“He’s a retarded pussy who likes to play with balls.”
Whoa. Okay. That’s about enough. “You don’t talk about my fiancé that way. And calling anyone a retard is just plain insensitive. No wonder he doesn’t want you at the wedding.”
Henry’s dad laughs. “Wedding? Whose?”
“Mine and Henry’s. We’re engaged.”
He shakes his head with disgust. “What did my bonehead son of mine tell you, huh? That he loves you? And you believed him? You’re a lot dumber than you look, sweetie, if you dropped your panties for that old line.”
I literally want to throw up in this man’s face. He’s just that disgusting.
“Henry loves me. I love him. I don’t need you to approve or—”
He stands from his exec chair and plants his hands on his desk. “Henry is already engaged. You’ve been suckered, Elle. He’s marrying Candice right after he graduates.”
I’m a bit stunned because, obviously, he’s lying. Only, he doesn’t sound like he’s lying.
He continues, “Now, I’ll give you ten seconds to leave my office, or I’ll have you arrested for trespassing. Oh, and if you interfere with Henry marrying Candice, not only will I make sure your mother’s treatment stops, I’ll make sure your family is thrown out on the streets.”
I gasp in horror. “You can’t do that.”
“Sweetheart,” he begins loosening his tie and unbuttoning his shirt, “I can do anything I like.”
Ohmygod. Is he taking off his clothes? Why’s he taking off his clothes? What the fuck?
I start backing toward the door, wondering how this situation turned all rapey on me. “You’re a monster,” I whisper.
“Yeah. So I’ve heard,” he says. “Now unless you want to see where Henry gets his impressive size from, I suggest you leave.” He begins unzipping his slacks, and I bolt from the room, slamming the door behind me.
I’m in tears. “What the hell?”
“It’s eleven o’clock,” says his assistant, who’s at her desk, looking at me with pity. “Naked yoga,” she explains. “Eleven o’clock sharp every morning. He waits for no man. Or woman. Or assistant.”
I cringe. “Oh, God. Really? That’s just wrong.” But I’m relieved that Henry’s dad isn’t Chester the Molester.
He’s just a really big asshole.
She nods. “It gives new meaning to the word dictation. That’s for certain.”
Off the top of my head, he’s breaking at least twenty laws. “As your boss, he can’t do that. You should talk to a lawyer.”
“Honey, he owns all the lawyers in this town. Best not make that man angry.”
I let out a breath and run my hand over my hair. This guy isn’t simply cruel, he’s insane.
Wait. It hits me like a ton of bricks. Filled with jealousy. Henry’s already engaged? No. I don’t believe it. I won’t believe it.
I look at Megan. “Does Henry have a fiancée?”
She hesitates for a moment and then gives me a nod. “Candice.”
My heart fills with heavy, toxic tar. “For how long?”
“I don’t know, miss. I think since they were in high school.”
I nod slowly, trying to let that poison sink in. I wouldn’t trust one word coming from Chester the Molester’s mouth, but this woman? She has nothing to gain from lying to me.
“Is there really a wedding planned for next spring?” I rasp out.
With sympathy in her eyes, she slides an envelope across her desk. “June. This is the proof from the printer.”
Seeing the eggshell-colored paper with the gold calligraphy literally makes me want to retch. How could Henry lie to me like this?
“Thanks,” I say and stagger toward the elevators. My mind has officially been blown, but not in a good way.
What am I going to do next?
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
HENRY
I’m sitting in class Monday morning when my cell starts buzzing away. My English professor is a complete ballbuster when it comes to electronics, so I ignore the thing. After three rounds of vibes, I begin to wonder if it’s an emergency. Plus, I haven’t heard back from Elle this morning.
I get up quickly and exit into the hallway. To my surprise, the texts are from Tassie. I didn’t even think she had my number.
Tass: This is Tass! WTF, Henry!
Tass: Watch your back.
Tass: Gonna hurt u! Baaaad.
Huh. That’s weird. I wonder if someone has hacked her phone. I dial Tass, but it goes straight to voice mail.
“Hey, Tass. What’s going on? Call me back.”
I put the phone in my jeans pocket and head for the classroom when my phone rumbles for attention. I take a look at the screen.
What the…? It’s a giant middle finger emoji.
Tass: U R dead meat!
What is going on? I toggle through my contacts and call Hunter, who’s probably in class, too.
“Henry, man,” Hunter answers right away.
“Dude, what’s going on?” I ask.
“You mean that Tassie has vowed to castrate you?” Hunter says, completely serious.
“That sounds like it.”
“I can’t say I’m in a different place, man. Elle’s mother is practically dying, and you cheated on her?”
“Hunt, I have no clue what you’re talking about.”
“You’re telling me you didn’t get engaged to Elle, but you’re already engaged to some other chick?”
What? “I’m not engaged. Well, I am now—to Elle, but—”
“Elle went to see your dad, and he told her all about your wedding next summer.”
At first, I find it difficult to understand what Hunter has just said. Then it clicks, and I go to worry mode. Then it sinks in a little further and I go to full-on pissed off. I specifically told Elle to stay away from my parents. They’re toxic.
“Why would Elle do that?” I seethe.
“Why would you play her like that, man?” Hunter asks.
“You know what? Fuck you, Hunter. You should know me better than that by now.”
“So you’re not marrying some other chick next summer.”
“No!” I bark.
“But, dude, Elle says there’s a wedding date and everything. She saw the i
nvitations.”
“Whatthefuck?” My father has crossed the line this time. I’ve given up football and my future. I’ve let him push me to get everything he wanted. But I’m done. Done.
Of course, then my mind starts telling me who I’m dealing with. This is Chester Walton. There is no limit to how hard he’ll fight to get something. That includes using Elle’s mother’s treatment as leverage. I could try for a football contract and get the advance, then renege on my deal with my dad after I have the money to pay for Elle’s mother’s treatment, but there are two issues. Any deal I sign with a team will be public. My father will find out. And, if by some miracle, I was able to keep the deal a secret, the moment I break the promise to my dad, he’ll disown me. He’ll do everything in his power to keep my sisters away from me and keep Elle’s mother from getting any help.
I feel trapped in a fucking nightmare. One that has no end in sight.
I groan out a breath. “Hunter, man. I’m fucked. My father isn’t going to let me live my life.”
“What about Elle?” he asks.
I am beyond pissed that she went behind my back and meddled. There are no words for how betrayed I feel. Still, I owe it to her to at least listen to what she has to say.
“I don’t know, Hunt. Maybe it’s just not going to work out. Because I can’t win with my father. I can’t throw her mother under the bus. I can’t see a way out of this fucking mess. Any advice?”
“Yeah, don’t go anywhere near Tassie.”
As usual, Elle has shut me out. I swear, I’m going to spank her if she does that again. Because it’s childish to block someone every time there’s a problem. Of course, I would never really hit a woman—but damn, I want to paddle her.
I pull up to her house, which is two hours from campus, and see her white car out front. I park, go up to the door, and ring the bell. Of course, she’s not answering.
“Hey, Elle!” I yell up at the windows. “Get your ass to the door! We gotta talk.”
Nothing happens.
“Fine. But you broke a major rule with me. You went behind my back! So if you ever want to see me again, now’s your chance.”
Oh, Henry Page 13
