Page 17 of Queen of Ruin

“I never got the chance,” he stops short, scratching the back of his head, and even though he doesn’t finish the sentence, I know it was because of the photos. “She thought I was keeping you all to myself,” he admits with a heavy sigh.

“And were you?” I already know the answer, but I like pushing him.

“You know I do,” he admits darkly. “You probably won’t believe this, but if you knew my mother, I think she would have been happy to see you take over her charity, if that’s what you wanted.”

“That’s hard to believe.”

“She would have seen the same thing in you that she saw in my father,” he admits. “She would see what I see.”

I turn away from Darren, unable to be under the heavy weight of his stare a moment longer.

As angry as I am, I have to admit that hanging around this house, doing nothing for the next year, doesn’t sound fun. My shoulders loosen and I contemplate whether I really want to get in deeper with these people.

When I stare out the window, the sky is still full of clouds, and droplets of rain streak down the glass pane obscuring the view. It’s not just the rain but how bare the trees are that reminds me the holidays are almost here, and I can feel my chest tighten at the thought.

It’s the ache that makes the decision for me.

“I’ll call Audrina tomorrow,” I say quietly while I throw my towel into the bin by the door.

“You don’t have to.”

“I know.”

Darren digs into the pocket of his sweatpants, a curious expression on his face as he presses the phone to his ear.

“Alistair, this better be important because…” he starts to say and then his eyes widen. “You’re where?” he asks with amusement. “Well,” he sits down on the bench, barely containing his laughter. “I know it’s not funny.”

He looks over at me, the green flecks in his eyes twinkling with obvious amusement. It’s not often he laughs like this, so uninhibited and genuine.

“Just answer me this,” he pauses, “did they have to call in a female officer to pat you down?”

6

DON’T BE DRAMATIC

DARREN

“Just get me out of here,” Alistair growls as he pushes past me, his ankle giving out, and he almost topples over in his heels. There’s a loud squeak as Evangeline tries to contain her laughter by pressing a fist to her mouth, but she’s not doing a good job of it.

“When you said you were at a police station, you didn’t mention it was the park police,” I accuse.

“Did I need to?” Alistair places his hands on his hips which only makes me laugh harder. “Every police station is the same.”

“I disagree.”

“Did you have to bring her?” He points to Evangeline, who is doubled over laughing.

“She’s my wife,” I remind him, amused. “And besides—” I pause, meeting her eyes. “I owed her.”

“Jesus Christ. Where’s your car parked?” Alistair looks around.

“Car?” I scoff, acting confused. “I’m not parking my BMW in this neighborhood. We took the subway.”

“Tell me you’re joking, because I’m not riding the subway in a dress.” Alistair looks alarmed and I almost feel bad for teasing him, but he just makes it so fun. “Call Bailey,” he demands.

“Darren,” Evangeline warns between giggles.

“I’m joking, the car is in the lot down the street,” I tell him.

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