“Speaking of,” Thalia butts in. “I never did get the story of how you and Lilly met.” Her eyes flash at Jeremy, full of mistrust and something close to disdain.
Her behavior towards Jeremy has me on edge. Why is she being so standoff-ish? She couldn’t … she couldn’t suspect anything, could she?
I give myself a quick shake and try to dismiss the thought. No, of course she couldn’t suspect any of the things Jeremy is actually guilty of. How could she? No one knows but him, Rose, and me.
Yet, she definitely is suspicious of something. Maybe it’s just a motherly worry for my well-being, or my choice of men. The age difference might be something Thalia disapproves of.
Jeremy smiles at her, taking in Fey and me, as well. “That’s actually quite the fascinating story,” he says, and launches into the alibi he’d made for us.
As I listen to him speak, I’m fascinated by how real he makes the story sound, how authentic. Hearing him describe our introduction, our first interaction, and the way things proceeded from there all sounds so genuine that I find myself nearly believing the story myself. If I hadn’t lived the truth, I wouldn’t have known any better.
But listening to him sparks a new realization in me: Jeremy is an accomplished liar. The words slip from his tongue with the same ease as any version of the truth.
When he’s done, the story is enough to dampen at least some of Thalia’s hostility. And Fey, who’s listening to the whole thing with a rapt attention, says, “Wow. I wish you’d have told me about all this as it was happening, Lilly! I would have loved the play-by-play. Why didn’t you call?”
“Oh. Uh . . . ” I look over at Jeremy. We’d discussed what I was to say to a question like this. I open my mouth to answer—and then change my words.
“Fey, look, I’m sorry. I’ve been busy. But obviously that’s no excuse. The truth is…” I glance at Jeremy once more. I can see his jaw tightening. I can feel his eyes boring into me. This is not what we had planned. “The truth is that I didn’t want to speak to you,” I finish in a rush.
The tension that’s been building in Jeremy evaporates. Fey looks taken aback at my words. I continue quickly.
“Not after disappearing for so long. Work took over the minute I started at Corfu. Weeks would pass without me realizing it. Everything was just so busy, so rushed… I always wanted to call, Fey. But by the time I met Jeremy, so many months had already passed that I thought… I thought…” I look down, hoping desperately that my lies sound as believable as Jeremy’s, “… I thought that, at that point, we’d just drifted apart. I didn’t think you’d be interested. I thought you might have forgotten all about me.”
Fey’s eyes widen, and understanding fills her face. She reaches across the table and takes my hand. “Oh, Lilly, how could you think that? A few months is nothing in the grand scheme of things. Forget about you? Are you fucking crazy? Oops.” Fey covers her mouth and looks at Thalia. “Sorry, mom.”
Thalia waves it away and motions for her to keep going. Fey picks my hand up in both of her. “I’d never forget about you, Lilly. I just figured, you know, that you were busy.” She smiles. “It looks like I was right. I know how focused you get when you have your eyes set on a goal. I’ve seen it dozens of times at Yale. Remember how Sonja and I had to practically abduct you to get you to come to The Game with us?” She laughs.
But on hearing that word … the word abducted … my stomach drops. That’s exactly what Jeremy did to me. And now, here I am, sitting with an old friend, pretending everything is okay?
Just how far have I succumbed to the Stockholm Syndrome? All it would take is one word . . . one plea for help … and Fey and Thalia could rescue me from my nightmare. I’d be gone from Jeremy for good. They’d take me to the cops where I would confess everything that he’s done. I’d describe every detail of his house, of his property, of his treatment of me. I’d tell them the truth. And they’d have no choice but to believe me. Jeremy would be arrested. His power would be extinguished. He would go to jail …
No. No, he wouldn’t go to jail. He’d hire the best lawyers in the country to fight his case. It would be my word--the word of a gold digging woman--against his, the word of the most powerful businessman in the country.
I wouldn’t stand a chance. I’d be demolished in the courtroom. What kind of attorney could I afford? Someone like me, fresh out of college? It’d be laughable.
And what evidence could I provide? Jeremy holds all the power. He holds all the cards. I could tell them about the contract he had me sign. But, could I offer them a copy? No. I could speak about the collar. But could I show it to them? No. I don’t even have any lingering scars or marks from my imprisonment.
No. If I say anything now… things can only end in disaster. The one thing I’d be sure to accomplish is inciting Jeremy’s wrath. He’d get me back. He’d be relentless. And when he did? Well, I shudder to think of what he’d do to me then.
So I have no choice but to continue the charade. If I go head-to-head with Jeremy in a courtroom, I’d be painted as a lunatic. Hell, I know what he did to Paul.
No! I can’t waver now. Getting away is not what I want or need. Calling for help is the coward’s way out.
This isn’t Stockholm Syndrome. It’s me being clear in my purpose. The stakes are high. My life could be on the line.
But, my life already revolves around Jeremy Stonehart. That’s how it’ll continue to be, until the moment comes when I can strike him down. And I will do so on my terms, on my own abilities. I will not rely on anybody else. The cops, lawyers, judges, a courtroom… all of that would involve other people in administering justice. That is not what I need. The only way to settle things between me and Jeremy is on a personal level. And the only person who can know when justice is done is me.
I fight through the discomfort and laugh as well. “Yeah,” I say. “Yeah, I do. Thanks for understanding, Fey.”
“Hey, that’s what friends do, isn’t it?” she beams. “But now that we’ve seen each other again, and you know better than to think that I could forget about you, you’ve got to make me a promise. Okay? You remember before you left for California, I made you swear that I’d be the first person you’d call if things went bad? Well, I’m amending that now. You’re to call me at least once a week, Lilly Ryder. No matter what. You got that?”
I glance at Jeremy, seeking his permission. He inclines his head slightly. His lips, however, remain firm.
“Okay, okay,” Fey hedges, not even waiting for my reply. “Once a week might be a little steep. After all, I know how busy you are.” She sneaks a look at Jeremy, full of sly understanding. “But at least once a month. Okay? And email me when you can! At least that way I don’t have to wonder if you’re alive or not.”
“Okay,” I smile. “Sure, Fey. I can do that.”
She takes out her phone and hands it to me. “Punch in your new number,” she commands.
I freeze. I don’t have a number, and if I do anything on the phone without Jeremy seeing, his suspicions would immediately be raised. The memorandum on news of the outside world has still not been lifted.
But before I can blunder things any further, Jeremy reaches over and takes the phone from my hand. “I gifted Lilly a new cell phone with an international data plan,” he says, “when we arrived here last night. She hasn’t had the chance to memorize the number yet. Have you, Lilly?”
“Oh. No.” I say. “I’ve no idea what it is. The phone’s still in its box.”
Fey and her mom exchange a strange look.
“Luckily, I have it saved in my contacts,” Jeremy continues. He takes out his own phone, and transfers the number from screen-to-screen. He hands Fey’s back to her.
“Thanks,” she says, squinting her eyes at me in unspoken questioning. I give her a little smile and a shrug.
Well, that wasn’t suspicious at all, I think.
That’s when I notice the delicate engagement ring on her finger. I’d been so caught up think
ing about how I must appear to her that I’d forgotten all about Robin!
“Where’s your fiancé?” I blurt out.
“Oh.” Fey giggles. “Robin didn’t come with us. He got a job offer from The Economist for next year. They have a winter break retreat for all the new recruits in South Africa.” She smiles. “I’m so happy for him.”
“The Economist is a prestigious newspaper,” Jeremy says. “Receiving an offer from them right out of college is impressive. I respect that.”
“Thanks,” Fey beams. I can just see the pride radiating on her face.
“You haven’t gotten married yet, have you?” I ask. “Still just engaged?”
“Oh, a wedding is an enormous undertaking,” Thalia says. “The two love birds wanted to do it quick, right at the end of summer. But Fey’s father and I managed to convince them otherwise. It took quite a bit of wrangling on my part.”
“Mother!”
Thalia smiles warmly at Fey. “I convinced them to wait a year and do it properly after graduation.”
I lean forward in interest. “So the date is set?”
“Oh, yes,” Thalia replies. “August 23rd, 2014.”
“You’re coming. Right?” Fey asks. She sounds suddenly anxious. “I wanted you to be . . . one of the bridesmaids. But I didn’t know if I’d see or hear from you before then . . . ”
“We’ll both be there,” Jeremy interjects. “If Lilly has the honor of being one of your bridesmaids, it’s not something I’d ever let her pass up.”
I turn my head toward him. Appreciation of the deepest sort blooms within me.
“Of course,” Jeremy continues, “being a bridesmaid is no small task. You’ll want her free and on-demand in the weeks leading to. If the August date is final…?” He trails off, and both Fey and Thalia nod, “… then we’ll make sure to schedule Lilly’s vacation time in advance. Thalia, you mentioned difficulties in planning? Well, I know of a magnificent event planner who just so happens to be on my payroll.” He takes out a business card from his pocket and writes on the back. “That’s her name and contact information. Give her a call. Tell her you’re a friend of mine. Use my first name. She’ll know who you mean.”
“Thank you,” Thalia says. “But I couldn’t possibly—”
“I insist,” Jeremy says. He pushes the card across the table, where Fey picks it up. “And I’m well aware that a wedding can be a great expense. Work with my gal, and I promise you that you won’t see a penny of the bill.” He locks eyes with Fey and speaks directly to her. “Make it as extravagant as you want. Think of it as an early wedding gift for one of Lilly’s old friends.”
“Wow,” Fey mutters. She reached for the card. “Thank you, Jeremy. That’s very gracious …”
“And unnecessary,” Thalia says. She places her hand on Fey’s outstretched arm, stopping her. “Thank you, Mr. Stonehart. But I am sure my husband and I can take care of our own daughter’s wedding.”
“I have no doubt you can,” Jeremy says smoothly. “And please don’t take this gesture as me suggesting anything of the sort. I am simply aware that I am guilty of having kept Lilly so occupied that she has not had time to dedicate to old friends. If you do take me up on the offer, it will just be a way of me saying sorry. Nothing more.” He directs that charming smile towards Fey. “It’s unfortunate that I did not get the chance to meet Robin today. He sounds like a very accomplished, intelligent young man, to be picked up by The Economist at the start of his career. Next time we meet, I would love to make his acquaintance.”
“As I’m sure he’d love to meet you,” Fey replies. I notice that she’s picked up the card, even though Thalia hasn’t released her grip.
“But seriously,” Jeremy says. “Call my wedding planner.” He looks over and smiles at me. “Seeing Lilly in a bridesmaid’s dress might give me some unintended inspiration.”
***
The rest of brunch goes by without a hitch. I’d been wrong before. I didn’t have to be cold and distant to make it through the meeting. In fact, most of it was spent reminiscing about old times.
Jeremy’s humor and inherent charisma also came through. He shone in the moment just as much as he had last night, on stage. By the end of it all, the last traces of Thalia’s hostility had vanished.
Afterwards, when we’ve all said goodbye, and I reaffirm my promise to Fey to keep in touch, I feel light as a butterfly. I’ve just spent a magnificent few hours with an old friend, with Jeremy Stonehart at my side, and nothing at all has gone wrong. It’s been light, breezy, and fun. My earlier trepidation about it had been all for naught.
“Come here,” Jeremy says when we reach our car. He pulls me into him and surprises me with a warm, passionate kiss. “You were wonderful,” he says. He lifts his shades so that I can see his eyes. The smile that’s on his lips extends to them, making the corners crinkle and making him look so very human. So very accessible.
“You weren’t bad yourself,” I counter. “You know, there were a few times, especially at the start, when I thought we’d get a showing of your temper.”
“Temper?” Jeremy sounds amused. “What temper?”
“Don’t tease.” I slap his arm. I feel like spinning and laughing. The sun is shining. I’ve re-established ties with Fey, and I’ve just been the recipient of a toe-curling kiss.
Suddenly a shadow clouds his eyes. “Lilly,” he says seriously. “You know that this was a one-time occurrence. Even though you were perfect, I can’t risk meetings like that again.”
My spirit falls. “I know,” I say softly.
“It’s not . . . It’s not because of you,” he growls. “You’ve proven to me time and again that I am right to trust you. It’s because of me. As you learned last night, Stonehart Industries is going public. Everything I do is scrutinized. I was able to arrange that enough of my men were present at the café to ward off problems—”
“Wait! What?” I stop him. “What do you mean, ‘your men’?”
“Security, Lilly.” He frowns. “Surely you don’t think I can go out in public without security!"
I feel an uncomfortable itch between my shoulder blades. “We were being watched?” I hiss.
“Yes,” Jeremy says. “Don’t tell me you take offense!”
“Take offense? Take offense? Hah!” I scoff. I look around the street, feeling a lot like a tiny fly caught in an invisible web. “Of course I don’t take offense, Jeremy,” I say sarcastically. “Why, what’s a little more invasion of my privacy at this stage of the game, anyway? It’s not like there’s anything about me that hasn’t been laid bare.”
“Lilly, stop,” Jeremy commands. “You’re being histrionic.”
I step around him and fling open the car door. I’ve come to accept that I cannot have any secrets from you, Jeremy. But, taking away Fey and Thalia’s privacy, too? That’s what has me so riled up. “Let’s get out of here,” I spit, and slam the door shut.
Jeremy stalks around the front of the car and gets in. I shove my seat belt angrily into its holster. It doesn’t fit. I try again, jabbing it into the slot once, and again, and again, and again, and again.
“Here,” Jeremy says, reaching over to help. “Let me get that.”
“I can do it!” I explode. I keep trying, but the damned thing just won’t go in.
“Lilly.” Jeremy takes my hand. I try to jerk away. But, he has an iron grip. “You’re ruining the vehicle.”
“I don’t care!” I cry out. I feel tears of anger and frustration building in my eyes. Why can’t I do it? Damn it! It’s such a simple, stupid thing!
With all the force I can muster, I rip my hand from Jeremy’s. Pain shoots through my shoulder. “Fuck!” I curse. It feels like a sprain. I rub at it vigorously with my other hand, seat belt forgotten, the injury worsening my already-foul mood.
“Lilly—”
“Just go!” I say. “Go. Take me back to the room. Have ‘your men’ follow us. See if I care.”
He just looks at me. He mak
es no indication of starting the engine, or driving us back, or anything of the sort.
“Well?” I scowl. The pain is working its way up my neck and down my arm. “What are you waiting for? Go! Take me back to the prison where I’ll know, at least, that my every action isn’t being scrutinized by invisible watchers.”
“You’re overreacting.”
I bark a near-hysterical laugh. “No, Jeremy. I’m not. You’re under reacting. Don’t you think it’s a little, oh, I don’t know, outside of regular decorum to plant spies at a meeting that was supposed to be strictly casual?”
His jaw tightens. “If you knew the lengths I went to, to get those men there,” he begins.
“Oh, and now you want me to be thankful?” I spit. “You want me to say ‘Thank you, Jeremy, for having your goons watch over us?’ Well, tough fucking luck. You’re not going to get that from me. No way. No how.”
“Having the cafe secure was essential to our meeting Thalia and Fey,” he says softly. There’s an undercurrent of impatience in his voice, which, if I were in a more reasonable state of mind, I would do well to heed.
I don’t and I won’t. I refuse to stand on pins and needles around Jeremy Stonehart any longer. I’d go crazy if I had to keep second-guessing every minute action. I’m already committed to him, bound inextricably to the enigma of the man. And he’s bound to me. If I risk evoking some of his displeasure by acting this way, so be it. He’s already done his worst, and I’ve survived it—twice. Right now, it’s doing immense things to my psyche not to feel so restrained around him.
“If I couldn’t arrange for it in time, you would have never seen your college roommate. I think, Lilly,” he emphasizes the word with a low growl, “that I deserve some appreciation for that. This type of bratty attitude will make me think hard about letting you go on similar outings in the future.”
“Outings where every step I take is being watched, every word I say probably recorded, is that right?” I give up on the trying to ease my shoulder pain and, instead, jam both hands in my armpits, crossing my arms and staring straight ahead. “Even without the brooch, or the collar, I’m still your prisoner. You did a fine job reminding me of that today.”
Uncovering You 6: Deliverance Page 6
