Page 12 of Love Me

A driver opens the door of a black Mercedes SUV for us, and we climb inside.

With every mile, the past slams into me. Memories, I thought I squashed, cram back into my head. I shut my eyes, my heart beating with an out-of-control cadence. Seeing Kaden again and being indifferent to him will be the test I need to pass.

Behind the thick wrought-iron gates, I see the six houses scattered around the foot of the hill. Grandmother’s mansion looks down, a virtual reminder of who holds the power. I pat my dress and then my hair with my hand so no strand is out of place.

Felix again eyes me with that displeased expression I want to smack off his face.

The driver rounds the car and opens the door. Felix steps out first, buttoning his suit jacket.

You have this.

I hate that I need to encourage myself. After all I have done to get to this moment, this should be the simple part, but I’m struggling to keep myself under control.

“Get her stuff to her house,” he orders the driver.

“Right away, sir.”

I hand him my trench coat; the weather in early September is far warmer in Greenville than in London. Thanking him, I follow Felix up the stairs.

Thomas opens the door, and the old butler’s eyes warm when he sees me.

“Miss Langley, a pleasure seeing you again.”

“It’s good to be home.” The bitter tasting words slip effortlessly from my tongue.

He steps aside and stretches out his arm, letting us in. For a moment, I revert to that young girl intimidated by Grandmother’s presence.

Down the long hallway, Thomas opens the door to a sitting room. I remember coming here on a few occasions. It’s her favorite room as it overlooks her coveted rose garden. I straighten my shoulders, inhaling deeply. Grandmother sits on a plush armchair, drinking from a cup of coffee, her sharp eyes taking me in. She gestures for me, and I approach her.

Always play into their hands. Act as if she’s the one in control.

“Grandmother.” Tears brim in my eyes on command. Those acting classes paid off. Her wrinkled mouth curls up a bit but never into a full, genuine smile.

She grips my chin and analyzes me like an exhibition object.

“How did she behave?” she asks Felix.

“Like she should have from the beginning.”

But her eyes are on me. Good luck seeing past my mask. I am the wolf dressed in sheep’s clothes.

“Sit.”

I take a seat in the armchair beside her. With a dismissive wave of her hand, she signals Felix to leave.

He dips his head and walks out of the room.

Silence stretches between us. I wonder if she’s waiting for me to slip so she can send me right back to London.

“Why do you think it took me two years to answer your letters?”

Ah, we’re going this route. Maybe because you get your rocks off on the fact I mean nothing to you.

“Before I answer, and with the risk of repeating myself, I’m sorry, Grandmother.”

She takes another sip. Her wrist is covered with pearl bracelets.

“You raised me, made sure I had a home, and I didn’t appreciate it. I was ungrateful.”

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