I Hate You, Love Me

by Jamie Knight

  I can see him getting mad and there’s nothing I could really do to stop that, since it’s completely justified.

  “You need to tell the dean what you told us immediately,” he says.

  Nicole gets a panicked look on her face.

  “I can’t. I don’t have any proof that Landon planned this whole thing. What if they kick me out?”

  That’s a valid fear for her to have. I’m certain that Landon made sure to cover his tracks, but he must have slipped up somewhere.

  “Did Landon ever have you come to his office?” I ask her.

  Maybe if we can get someone else to physically place her there – which would be weird, considering that Nicole and Landon don’t have a relationship – it could open the door for people asking him questions.

  “Did someone see you talking to him?”

  “I did, but I was there to see my dad first. No one would have looked twice at me being there,” she says.

  Shoot! That’s probably why he chose Nicole.

  “Is there anything else you can tell us that might help?” Robert asks.

  Nicole takes a second to think.

  “Well, the day of the test, Landon met me on campus and he gave me the fake exams,” she finally says.

  So, that was the ‘business’ he was taking care of that day, I think. No wonder he was being so shady about what he was doing on campus.

  “You know what, I’ve got a friend who works for Landon. His name is Seth and he just started, but the two of us go way back and I’m sure he’d be willing to help us,” Robert mentions.

  I know we’re dealing with a lot right now, but the fact that we’re going to be meeting a childhood friend of Robert’s has got me a little excited. Maybe I can get some more details about how he was, growing up. Obviously, that’s a secondary mission, but one that’s at the back of my mind.

  “What are you going to ask him?” Nicole asks.

  “We can see if he can ask around and see if someone saw the fake exams being made. He knows how to be discreet, so we shouldn’t have a problem. The only thing is…” Robert trails off.

  “It’s not the greatest lead?” I ask.

  Robert nods.

  Seth is new to the company, which means he probably doesn’t have access to privileged information. But it’s what we got, and we’ll have to work with it. Hopefully it’ll end up giving us more information that we can use.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Robert

  Now that Savannah and I have met with Nicole and she admitted to swapping out our tests, even though we couldn’t get her to go to the dean and admit what happened, at least Savannah and I have a plan to talk to Seth. I’m hoping he might be able to get us information or, even better, that he’ll already have something for us.

  I’m a little miffed with the current situation. It turns out I was just collateral damage in this whole thing. I’m currently trying to emotionally deal with that, while also staying focused on our current mission.

  We decide to meet up with Seth at a nearby coffee shop, after I call him. Savannah and I get there first and order something small to eat. We realized that we had completely skipped breakfast once Savannah’s stomach made a very loud rumbling sound.

  I’m not very hungry, so Savannah’s really the only one eating the muffin we order. We’re sitting pretty quietly.

  Earlier today, Savannah had been glancing at me while we waited for Nicole. I’m sure she thought I hadn’t noticed, but I had.

  If I had to guess, I’d wager that she was thinking about our conversation last night. I’m hoping she doesn’t ask about that again, but I’m sure I won’t be so lucky.

  Seth shows up soon and takes a seat across from Savannah and me.

  “Hi, Seth. Thanks for meeting with us on such short notice,” I say.

  Seth waves it off.

  “Not a problem. It sounded like it was a pretty urgent on the phone.”

  I look at Savannah and she nods before I launch into our story.

  “So, you know that I got kicked out of med school because they thought I cheated on a test, right?”

  Seth nods.

  “Well, Savannah was the other person who got kicked out with me. Recently, we found out that our tests had been swapped out and replaced with two other ones that were identical to each other. We also found out that it was Landon who arranged the whole thing. The only problem is that we don’t have any concrete evidence,” I explain.

  Seth looks very pensive.

  “I have to admit that I’m not surprised. But why would he go to all that trouble?” he asks.

  I see a blush creep up on Savannah’s face.

  “He did it because of me. He thought it was the way to get me to marry him. If I wasn’t in school to be a doctor, what else could I be doing? I think that was his train of thought,” she answers.

  “It was very misguided,” she adds, in a mumble.

  “That’s… creepy,” Seth comments.

  I one hundred percent agree, but I also know that Savannah isn’t going to want to talk about it, so I steer the conversation away from an actual analysis of Landon’s actions.

  “Yeah, we were wondering if you happened to see the tests being made?” I ask.

  Seth shakes his head.

  “I didn’t see anything like that. In fact, I don’t think Landon takes me very seriously,” Seth says with a sigh.

  Normally, I would ask him about it, but we’re on a bit of a tightrope right now and there isn’t much time for diversions.

  “I can try to covertly ask around? Maybe that will help?” he adds.

  “That would be amazing,” Savannah says. “Thank you so much for offering to help.”

  Seth shrugs.

  “Honestly, I’m glad to give you guys a hand. I feel like there’s a lot of shady things going on there – especially with the deals Landon makes. I don’t have any proof, but, from I’ve seen, it seems like Landon’s going around making sketchy business deals. I’m already looking for another job.”

  “Really?” I ask.

  I totally understand why he’s done with that place, but he’s must have only been there for about a month. Working there must really suck, if he’s trying to get out already.

  Seth nods.

  “To add on to all of that, Landon keeps buying up factories and moving production overseas.”

  Of course, he is. I wouldn’t expect anything less from a guy like that.

  “I don’t really know why I thought going to work for him would be better or something. I guess I already knew about the overseas stuff. I just wanted to change it from the inside, but I don’t think that will be possible with a guy like Landon. I need someone who, at the very least, is not a jerk,” Seth says.

  “Don’t blame yourself. It might have seemed possible to go in and shake things up, but guys like Landon don’t care about the people on the ground. If they did, they’d keep the jobs here,” I tell him.

  Both Seth and my father lost their jobs at one point because someone bought the factory they were working in and then shut it down. I guess to these big wigs we’re just numbers on a page.

  I can see Savannah getting uncomfortable.

  “My father actually does the same thing. He and Landon work together a lot,” she admits.

  “I’m well aware,” I say, it coming out a lot snippier than I would like.

  I don’t want to be angry with her, but I can’t help it.

  Why can’t she just remember?

  Her dad fired my dad. I mean, it’s great that she remembered that we met back then, but it still feels like she doesn’t care enough about the aftermath of all of that. I don’t want to think or talk about this anymore, so I stand up.

  “We have to get going; we’re having dinner with our parents.”

  “Oh, yeah. I heard you guys got married. Congrats,” Seth says.

  “Thanks,” I tell him.

  Savannah and I get up and leave the coffee shop, so we can get ready for din
ner.

  The time between leaving the café and getting to the restaurant is quiet. It feels like Savannah and I are having an argument.

  I’d like an apology from her, but how can I get one if she doesn’t even know the real reason why I’m mad? I’m just going to let it go for now and focus on getting through this dinner.

  We get ourselves to the restaurant, and it’s a lot fancier than expected. Joseph is already there, and we join him at the table.

  “Savannah! Robert! Take a seat. I got a bottle of wine for the table. Why don’t you guys have a small aperitif while we wait for Mr. and Mrs. Miller?”

  We take our seats and then take small sips of our drink. Savannah and her dad talk about wedding stuff, but I remain mostly quiet. I already know my parents will feel out of place here. That’s not something hard to figure out. I’m sure Joseph didn’t even think about that.

  “So, how has marriage been treating you, son?”

  I’m taken out of my thoughts. Joseph is looking at me expectantly, so I give him an answer.

  “It’s been treating me well. Savannah and I have been… enjoying being newlyweds.”

  It’s not a complete lie – maybe a lie by omission, but that’s it. And what’s one more at this point?

  “That’s good to hear. I’m so happy my daughter has found someone to spend her life with.”

  Joseph takes a sip of his drink.

  “I was actually a little worried she might not ever want a relationship. I think the last time you dated anyone was in high school,” her dad comments.

  I glance at Savannah. She’s looking down at the table, her expression a little ashamed and very embarrassed.

  “Well, it looks like you had nothing to worry about,” she tells him.

  The conversation is cut short by the arrival of my parents. They look uncomfortable approaching the table, and are probably a little freaked out by the extravagance, but I know they won’t say anything.

  Soon, everyone is seated and has ordered. My parents had a bit of a time with the menu. Everything here is crazy expensive and, knowing my father, he’s going to try and pay for their half later – the only problem is that nothing here has the actual price next to it.

  Rich people just know they can afford stuff, I guess. They were whispering to one another, so we couldn’t hear them, but I know they were trying to figure out what was the least expensive item. I guess we’ll find out when the bill comes.

  Not much has been said outside of introductions and some of the usual opening questions.

  “So, what did you guys think when Robert told you he had eloped?” Joseph asks, trying to start a conversation.

  “We were definitely surprised,” my mom answers. “We had no idea he was even seeing anyone. That’s not too crazy, since he doesn’t always like talking about himself, but it was good news for sure. We’re just glad he’s found someone he wants to be with for life.”

  I almost choke on my drink at what my mom has said.

  “And we’re so happy we finally get the chance to meet his new wife,” my dad adds.

  I mean, I’m happy my parents are taking this whole marriage thing so well, but I’m also sad because I know they’ll be disappointed in a year when Savannah and I get our divorce. I feel really bad, knowing that my dad is holding back his feelings about Joseph in order to be happy for me.

  Our food arrives and we all take a few seconds of quiet to start eating. I realize I haven’t really eaten much all day, but that doesn’t really help my appetite. I’m still a little miffed from earlier and, when I’m upset, I tend to not really want to eat. I do put food in my mouth though, because going an entire day without eating is grossly unhealthy.

  “So, tell me more about the Miller family,” Joseph says. “Do you still work with auto-parts, Brian?”

  “I do, Mr. King –”

  “Please call me Joseph. We’re family now,” Joseph insists.

  “Well, Joseph, I’m managing a factory not too far from our house. We’re about to have our first grandchild. Our daughter Lindsay is due any day now. We also want to help out with this second wedding in any way we can. Our son told us you promised to fund the whole thing, but we couldn’t possibly not lend a hand,” my dad responds.

  “Oh, yes,” my mom adds. “We’d love to be a part of the process.”

  The three of them continue to talk about the wedding and what they each can do. My dad is being so damn polite. I can’t believe he called him Mr. King.

  He doesn’t work for him anymore. He’s like one step away from calling him sir. There’s no need for all the kindness. Joseph King has done nothing to earn it.

  “Dad,” I finally say, with an edge in my voice.

  Obviously, everyone stops talking and turns their attentions to me. I don’t have anything to say to him, though. Or at least, nothing that I can say in front of Joseph.

  I just wanted my dad to stop being so nice. I see my dad waiting for me to say whatever I need to say, but I just shake my head.

  He looks at me, clearly confused, but doesn’t say anything.

  Our parents restart their conversation, and Savannah touches my shoulder, a look of concern on her face.

  “Are you okay?” she mouths.

  I nod because I don’t want to talk about why I’m so mad. I can probably just get over it. I’ll just… fucking ignore my feelings.

  Everyone continues talking again, and the same problems resurface, and I feel myself getting mad again. I don’t think I’ll be able to hold it in anymore. I think someone just asked me a question, but I was brooding so much that I missed it.

  “What was that?” I asked.

  “Oh, Mr. Kin – sorry, Joseph wanted to know if you were on board with some of the ideas we had just discussed for the wedding, but I’m not sure you heard us,” my dad jokes.

  Joseph laughs at the joke and my dad gets a sheepish smile. I can’t take it anymore and I just explode.

  “Why are you being so nice to him?” I demand.

  “What?” my dad says in response.

  Everyone at the table looks beyond confused. And a little concerned. Well, I’m about to illuminate my feelings.

  “This man cost our family so much. He didn’t take a second to think what it would do to all those families if the plant closed. He just did it to line his own pockets. You don’t remember how hard it was back then, Dad?”

  My parents have a panicked look on their faces. And they look confused – probably wondering why I didn’t address these issues before I married Savannah.

  I don’t want to make them uncomfortable, but I just don’t understand how they have seemed to forgive Joseph when he hadn’t even apologized.

  “Robert,” my dad puts his hands up in an effort to calm me. “I’m fine, really. We got over that hump and, today, I just want to welcome Joseph and Savannah into the family.”

  “But, Dad –”

  “Everything that is that far in the past should be left in the past,” he insists. “We’re all ready to move forward. I’d like for you to be there moving forward with us, too, son. I know that if you love his daughter, he has to be a much better man than the one part that we saw or thought of him back then.”

  I feel a hand on my arm and turn to see Savannah looking at me.

  “Please, Robert. Your dad is right. I’m sorry for what happened back then. But now we can move forward together.”

  I look at Savannah like I can’t believe what she’s saying. I can see the exasperation and frustration on her face, but I don’t care because I don’t want to move forward. I want everyone here to realize that just because someone has money doesn’t mean they can do whatever they want.

  “You’ve never understood, Savannah. I’m tired of you telling me how to feel,” I snap at her.

  Her eyes go wide, and I think she’s going to say something, but she pushes out her chair.

  “I’m going to go outside. I need some air,” she says.

  Her voice has gone flat. />
  I should probably apologize or say something to stop her, but I’d kind of like for her to leave. I’m annoyed that she wants me to just put it all behind me. I tell myself we’ll probably just talk about it later tonight – that is, if she still wants to go home with me.

  Chapter Thirty

  Savannah

  I can’t take it anymore, so I decided to go outside for some air. I hobble outside and go to stand to the side of the restaurant. I just need a moment to think, away from everyone else.

  I can’t believe Robert spoke to my father and his father like that. It was so rude. I mean, I’m having second thoughts about this whole thing. I’m not sure what’s going on anymore. I wanted to think that Robert loved me or loves me – I don’t know.

  I guess I wanted to think we could make this marriage real or something, but that might not be a possibility anymore, because I’m not sure if he’ll ever be able to get over what my father did when we were kids.

  Sure, it was messed up, what happened – it always sucks when someone loses their job – but, obviously, his dad found another job, and everything seemed to have worked out. Why was he still so angry?

  And why can’t he just tell me what’s going on in his mind? I won’t ever be able to understand why he’s so upset if he refuses to talk to me.

  Will Robert ever be able to handle that my family has more money than his? Is that what is going to be the downfall of our relationship? Not the fact that we entered it under false pretenses, but because the two of us are just too different?

  I wish I could just not want to be with him. This whole affair has ballooned into something bigger than I ever anticipated.

  I look inside the store window and it looks like everyone is still arguing. I let out a big sigh and move further down the street. I don’t want to hear, see, or deal with any of that fighting.

  Maybe I’ll just leave and text Robert that I went home. Hopefully, once he’s cooled down, we’ll be able to have a civilized conversation in which he doesn’t attack me. Maybe, finally being able to confront my dad, he can get all of this out of his system and we can move on.