Up to You

by Daisy Prescott

  “What are you wearing?” she asks, ignoring my snark.

  “Right now? Leggings and a T-shirt I pulled out of the laundry. I’m not sure if it’s even mine.” I’m lying because I’m dressed for work in black jeans and a black ruffled blouse.

  “Margaret, this is why I worry. Do you need me to meet you tomorrow to go shopping? I don’t know why you didn’t ask for help sooner. If we can’t find anything in the shops, it’s too late to drive to Denver and be back for the dinner.” Her sigh is loud and full of disappointment.

  “I have suitable clothes. Why are you so worked up about this weekend? Is there a secret betting pool on who’s going to create the next family scandal?” I touch the hem of the green dress I bought for the ceremony and reception. It isn’t the Prada silk I ogled in the window, but a good knock-off I could actually afford.

  For tomorrow night I have a tailored black jumpsuit with ruffles on the neckline. Elegant and simple, it won’t call attention to me, and if I need to make a quick escape, the black will hide me in the shadows. I’m sure having to be topless while peeing would horrify my mother, so I don’t go into details about my choice.

  Lost in my thoughts, I don’t realize my mother never replied to my joke about a family scandal.

  “Mom? Is there a betting pool?” I ask, stomach sinking at the thought I’m probably in the lead.

  “No, of course not. You know we’re not into gambling … we don’t even buy lottery tickets.” Now she’s not chatty? Something’s up.

  “But?” There’s clearly more she’s not saying. “Worried about someone creating a scandal?”

  “Not to gossip, but Twyla told your aunt that she and Topher had an argument earlier this week,” she whispers the last part.

  “Are they calling off the years of matrimonial bliss because they had a disagreement? They’re probably overwhelmed and stressed. I know I am, and I’m not the one getting married.”

  “They are not calling things off. Don’t be silly.”

  “Who are you trying to convince? Me, or yourself, Mom?” I chuckle. “Better to not get married than go through a divorce. Less paperwork.”

  “Margaret, this isn’t funny.” Full name and mom voice means I’m in trouble. “Twyla was very upset. Evidently, they never argue.”

  This news doesn’t surprise me. I can’t imagine Topher working up the passion for a big fight.

  “What did they fight about?” I make my voice serious. “Is Twyla refusing to change her name? I know I would. Twyla Tierney is a mess.”

  “Please be mature about this. You should call your cousin and see how she’s doing. I’m certain she’d love to hear from you.”

  “No, she wouldn’t. All of her college friends are arriving from out of town. She’ll have plenty of girlfriends to lend a supportive ear. I’d only say something inappropriate.”

  She sighs again. “You’re right. Okay, I’ll let you go. Send me pictures of your dresses.”

  “Of course.” I’m already planning to accidentally forget.

  When we disconnect, I sigh, echoing my mother. Three more days.

  A new text from Landon pops up on my home screen.

  *Can’t wait for tomorrow night.*

  Thinking if I respond, he’ll calm down, I send a thumbs-up, and then drop my phone into my bag.

  The wedding will take place on the mountain in Aspen, but the rehearsal dinner is being held tonight at the Viceroy in Snowmass, followed by a private concert at the bottom of the ski slopes. When my mother called me yesterday to check on me, she happily shared that the gossip mill is saying the performer will be Lionel Ritchie. An odd choice, but maybe he’s so old he’s hip again?

  Sage and Lee pick me up outside of my apartment to drive to the hotel, and I’m happy to have their company. I’ll be meeting my “date” in the bar because this isn’t prom and we won’t be leaving together.

  At this point, I feel like I’m the uptight cop in a buddy movie who ends up handcuffed to a crazy criminal. Opposites don’t always attract. So far, it’s a pretty lame comedy bordering on a tragedy. Based on my experiences over the past six weeks, there’s a thin line between laughter and crying.

  Two valets greet us when we arrive at the hotel, opening our doors as soon as Lee puts his Land Rover into park.

  Discreet signage directs us to the pool deck for the cocktail hour. We swing through the bar in the lobby to find Landon. He’s sitting at the bar, chatting up the bartender—a beautiful woman with curly black hair and olive skin.

  “Ahem,” I clear my throat a few feet behind him.

  He spins his stool to face us. “Ah, here’s my beautiful date for the evening.”

  From his glassy eyes and sloppy smile, and the lovely beer breath, I’m guessing he’s done some pregame drinking.

  Delightful.

  “Ready?” I don’t bother with niceties. After he grabbed me and kissed me at Rugby Fest, I’m keeping my boundaries firmly in place around him.

  “To party? Hell yeah.” He steps off the stool and catches his foot on the lowest rail. Hopping on one foot, he untangles himself. “Let’s go.”

  Lee’s wearing a well-tailored black suit, gray shirt, and a gray tie accented with a silvery blue. Landon’s in a light blue dress shirt and blue dress pants. No jacket. I wonder if he knows he needs to wear a suit for tomorrow. If I cared, I’d remind him.

  We catch an elevator to the pool level and step off into an elegant foyer, decorated with aspen branches and roses.

  “And so it begins,” Sage says close to my ear. “It’s a blessing my own mother isn’t here to take notes for my wedding.”

  Pinching her elbow, I pull her to a stop and whisper excitedly, “Did Lee propose?”

  “Not yet, but my dad made a weird comment the other day that makes me think Lee called him to ask for my hand.” Love shines brightly in her eyes.

  “He’s a traditionalist.” I sigh. “And a keeper.”

  “I’m so lucky,” she whispers, eyeing Lee’s back. “Damn, he works that suit, doesn’t he?”

  I nod, but my eyes are focused on the man standing on the other side of the pool.

  Most of the guests huddle around the tables of hors d’oeuvres and standing heat lamps. Aiden stands alone, half-facing the valley, his face in profile to me. Even without his beard, I recognize him immediately.

  “Excuse me,” I say to no one as I walk in his direction.

  “Hey.” Landon steps in front of me. “We’re on a date, right? Shouldn’t we stick together?”

  I blink myself out of my Aiden trance and focus on him. Over his shoulder, I spot our mothers standing together, smiling in our direction.

  Thinking quickly, I wave at the two meddlers and then tell Landon, “Will you get us a plate of food? And if you’re going to the bar, I’d love one of the signature cocktails. Thanks.”

  “Where are you going?” he asks as I walk away.

  “I’m being polite and going to chat with your brother who appears to be here alone.” As I speak, I barely glance over my shoulder at Landon.

  My heels make a clicking sound on the hard surface around the pool, alerting Aiden to my approach.

  When he turns to face me, his eyes trail up from my shoes to my shoulders before finally scanning my face. His lips curl into a wide grin. “You look beautiful. I thought women weren’t supposed to show up the bride by looking better than she does?”

  His compliment heats my skin. “You should consider wearing this suit all the time.”

  “Even on the river?” He laughs.

  I touch the soft, smooth fabric covering his bicep. “Probably not. It might shrink and it would be a terrible crime to ruin something so perfect.”

  We’re in a bubble for two, and the sounds of the party behind us fade as we stare at each other. At least we are until Landon comes stomping over with his hands full of drinks, precariously balancing plates on top of the glasses.

  “I didn’t bring you a drink, Aiden. Sorry.” Landon’s to
ne says he’s not even a little bit apologetic.

  “No problem. Already have a bourbon.” Aiden holds up his glass. “Thanks.”

  With my cocktail in one hand and the small plate of food in the other, I stand awkwardly between the two of them as tension rolls off of their bodies.

  “This is lovely?” My voice lifts at the end, turning my statement into a question. “Beautiful evening for October with the view over the valley dotted with the yellow aspens. Did you notice the balloon trucks near the golf course? That’s going to be beautiful on Sunday.”

  I can’t keep this one-sided, boring monologue going forever.

  Aiden catches my eye and smirks. “Should we talk about the weather? I hear there’s a chance of light snow tonight at higher elevation.”

  Landon’s attention flicks between the two of us. “Why are you discussing snow and trees?”

  Aiden takes a sip of the brown liquid in his glass. “We’re making polite conversation at a fancy event.”

  “You’re being boring as fuck. I’m going to go find the bride and say hello.” Landon shoves a mini slider into his mouth and follows it with the contents of his glass.

  We remain silent until he’s gone.

  “I believe your date ditched you.” Aiden drags his teeth over his bottom lip to fight his grin.

  “It would appear I’m terribly boring.” I meet his eyes, then giggle. “How are you?”

  “I’m doing really well, and even better now that you’re here.” He keeps his voice low so only I can hear.

  He’s making all of the reasons I should resist him disappear with his charming words.

  “Mind if we join you?” Sage steps beside me and tucks her arm under mine. “Hi, Aiden. You’re a sharp dressed man tonight.”

  Lee hands her a glass of sparkling rosé. “Congrats on the big sale, Aiden. I read about it online this morning. I had no idea you were one of the founders of 8K Tech.”

  Aiden holds his glass up to his mouth to take a sip, but doesn’t. He’s frozen. “Uh, thanks.”

  My eyes bug out. “Put it in reverse, Lee. What did you just say?”

  Lee’s dark brows knit together. “Was my accent too thick?”

  “You barely have an accent anymore.” I wave him off and focus on Aiden, who is looking a helluva lot more uncomfortable than he did a few minutes ago. “You sold your company?”

  “Not the entire thing. Only my third, and I’ve stepped down as CEO.” He finally takes a swallow of bourbon. “Guess the cat’s out of the bag now.”

  “Oh, no. This isn’t your average house cat. This is opening a sandwich bag and having a lion escape.” I sound like Mara with the cat analogies. If she were here, I’m sure she’d come up with some better ones than I can.

  Aiden shoots me a small smile. “Guess I need to come clean.”

  “Do tell,” Sage encourages him.

  “I like to compare it to summiting a mountain. My goal was to start a company and make it successful. I accomplished that and it was time to walk away. Mountaineers don’t linger around the peak being smug. They climb down and move on to their next challenge. The time was right for me to do something different.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal, when in fact this is all a very big deal.

  “I love it.” Sage grins at him.

  I’m too stunned to speak.

  Aiden dips his head down to stare into my eyes. “Mae?”

  “Congratulations,” I mumble, without the enthusiasm he deserves.

  “Are you okay?” Sage whispers, nudging me with her elbow.

  “You’re not broke?” I find my voice.

  Aiden shakes his head. “No, why would you think that?”

  “Because you were crashing at Landon’s. I assumed you were desperate and out of options.” My words sound judgmental to my own ears.

  “And why would I be desperate?” He smiles at me, amused.

  “Because of your addiction issues,” I mutter, feeling embarrassed to bring it up in front of Lee and Sage.

  Aiden’s eyebrows lift toward his hairline. “Hold on, is this why you thought I was in rehab?”

  “Now I’m confused,” Sage says. “I think this is a conversation best had between the two of you. We’ll go stand over there. I think I saw Zoe and Justin.”

  Lee follows behind her, glancing over his shoulder once, probably to make sure Aiden’s safe from me and my assumptions.

  “So?” Aiden leans his back against the railing, crosses his arms, and waits.

  “Landon made it seem like your life was a mess and you walked away from your life to go find yourself. The words he used … I read between the lines.”

  “What are my addictions?” His full lips curve with a slight smirk. Now that his beard’s gone, his exposed mouth seems almost vulgar.

  I stare behind his shoulder at the valley and the twinkling of lights from the houses below us.

  “Mae? I’m not mad at you. Tell me.” He brushes his fingers along the back of my hand.

  Taking a big inhale, I prepare myself to meet his eyes. What I find there is nothing but openness and curiosity, no judgment or anger. “At first I thought drugs or alcohol.”

  “At first?” His lips twitch with amusement.

  “Gambling and Russian escorts were also in the running.” I shove the words out of my mouth as quickly as possible and stare over his shoulder again.

  He laughs and I cringe.

  “Mae, look at me.” His voice is commanding but soft.

  I obey and manage not to squirm.

  “Having an existential crisis and going on a long walk are dull and boring by comparison. I’m sorry to disappoint you.”

  “You’re not a disappointment. I am.” Movement across the pool catches my eye. People are slowly walking inside for dinner. “We should go. Everyone is sitting down and we’ll be missed.”

  “Wait.” Gripping my wrist, he stops me from leaving. “I’m not letting you walk away thinking you’ve disappointed me. Because you haven’t.”

  “You should be mad I believed it possible you needed to go to rehab for five months because of your drug, alcohol, gambling, and kinky, paid sex addiction.” A woman across the pool pauses and stares at me like she heard every word. If so, I’ve just started a crazy rumor about Aiden. Add it to my list of crimes.

  “I’m not mad at you. Out of habit, I blame Landon for not telling you the truth about why I moved back, but it wasn’t up to him to share my story.” He gently strokes my wrist, and I feel the echo of his touch move through my bloodstream.

  “Margaret?” My mother’s voice carries over to us from the entrance. “Are you joining us? Your date is already seated.”

  “Let’s hop the fence and get out of here.” Aiden jerks his head toward the stone wall with a ten-foot drop.

  I peer over the side. “We’d break a leg or ankle.”

  “Might. Or we could land safely and hightail it away.” He quickly raises his eyebrows.

  “Margaret?” My mother repeats my name, clearly annoyed I’m loitering.

  Although I’m tempted, I want to avoid pissing off my family. “Later? We can escape when the party shifts to the concert.”

  “Deal.” Using our distance and angle to his advantage, he gives me a soft kiss at the corner of my mouth.

  For all she knows, he’s whispering something in my ear.

  She remains flanking the door like a guard at a palace, stoic and unsmiling until we get closer.

  “Aiden.”

  Calling her tone cold is a compliment.

  “Mrs. London, you look lovely this evening.” He extends his hand to shake hers.

  Margaret London can’t abide bad manners so she allows him to take her hand. “I didn’t realize you were still in town.”

  Translation: Her grapevine of gossips has failed to inform her. Heads will roll.

  “Mae, Landon is already seated at your table. I believe you’re at number nine. Aiden, there’s an empty seat at table fifteen.”

  Trans
lation: Don’t plan on crashing my daughter’s date with your brother.

  “Thank you for saving me the trouble of finding a seat. I believe I’m a last minute addition. Mae, I appreciate our conversation. We’ll have to continue it another time.” He gives me a warm smile and walks away.

  Translation: Your mother hates me and I’m going to leave now before she sprains a Botox frozen muscle trying to scowl at me.

  The last part might be my own personal interpretation of his words.

  “Shall we?” Mom steps beside me. “It isn’t polite to leave your date and spend the night talking to another man.”

  “Aiden is his brother.” And the far better option, but I keep this new knowledge to myself.

  Chapter 16

  Aiden

  Entering the room, I feel the weight of multiple eyes on me as I scan the table numbers for fifteen.

  Sweeping my palm over my freshly shaved cheek, I feel both naked and like I’m wearing a disguise. In my charcoal suit, I guess I am in a costume. The fit is tighter in the shoulders from hiking and paddling this summer. I brush a hand over the fine wool and take a moment to settle into my skin. Inhaling, I button my jacket and then straighten the cuffs of my shirt. This man isn’t who I am anymore, but the people inside of the ballroom don’t care. They’ll see the expensive suit and well-groomed face, and come to their own conclusions.

  News of the sale hit the business news cycle yesterday afternoon. So far no one has made a big deal out of my new financial status, other than Lee bringing it up in front of Sage. Would be nice if that continued through the weekend, but I’m not delusional enough to believe it will.

  I pass table nine and notice two empty chairs.

  “Aren’t you joining us?” Sage asks, pointing to a seat between herself and Mae.

  “Mrs. London pointed me to number fifteen.” I pause, trying to locate my seat for the meal.

  “That’s the kids’ table.” Zoe points to the corner. “She must not like you.”

  “I’d rather sit at the kiddie one,” Landon complains.

  “We could switch,” I suggest. “People still get us confused.”