Page 59 of Finding Us

“You don’t need to do this. Jade and I will just do like you said and not let them get to us.”

“No. I want this to be settled and I want it to be settled now. I want you to be able to relax and enjoy your wedding day and you won’t be able to do so if you’re worrying about this.”

“But, Dad, I don’t want you to—”

“Garret. I’m taking care of it.” Pearce says it forcefully.

Garret and his dad look at each other for just a moment and although nothing is said, it seems like there’s some kind of understanding between them.

“I guess we should get inside,” Garret says.

Pearce stands up. “Yes, we should go to dinner. Lilly needs to get to sleep early tonight. She’s had a long day.”

And that’s it. The conversation is over. Garret and his dad act like the whole thing never even happened and I’m left confused, as I always am when his family’s involved. It’s like they turn a switch and one minute they’re in crisis mode and the next they’re back to normal. It’s so strange.

We go back in the house and get ready for dinner. Grace takes us to her favorite restaurant in town, a little French cafe. I can’t even understand the menu because it’s in French so I make Garret find me something to eat. Apparently he learned French while in prep school. It’s not like he’s fluent in it but he can at least read the menu. I swear I’m always learning something new about him.

After dinner, we go back to Grace’s house and Pearce puts Lilly to bed. He even reads her a story. The guy has totally changed. There’s a warmth coming from him that was never there before, or if it was, he hid it really well.

It’s only 8, so Garret and I decide to head home instead of spending the night at Grace’s house. We tell everyone goodbye but as we’re walking out to the car, Pearce follows us.

“My meetings will be done Thursday morning so maybe we could come by your place Thursday afternoon?”

“Yes, definitely,” I say.

He looks at Garret. “I know I told you not to worry, but I don’t think you should go into town until they’re gone.”

“Can Lilly come over while you’re in your meetings?” I ask him. “Grace could bring her, right?”

“That’s a good idea. Lilly would love to spend time with you two if you’re not too busy with the wedding plans.”

“Everything’s pretty much done,” I say.

“Then yes, I’ll tell Grace to bring her over.” He hugs Garret. “Have a safe trip back.”

He hugs me, too. I’m still not used to it.

On the ride back, Garret and I avoid talking about our conversation with his dad. But as soon as we’re home, getting ready for bed, I bring it up.

“I don’t believe your dad. I don’t believe this is over.” I put a tank top on and get into bed.

“Jade, I don’t want to get into this. Talking about it will just make you worry more.” He gets in bed next to me, wearing just his boxer briefs.

“I’ll worry if wedon’ttalk about it.” I shove the blanket down so we’re covered with just the sheet. “I need to talk about it.”

“There’s nothing to say. They let me go. They have to follow the rules. My dad’s right. The organization is all about rules and they’re very strict about following those rules.”

“Then why are they here? And why are they doing this now? A week before the wedding?”

“Because they’re trying to get in our heads. Like my dad said, it’s what they do. They’re fucking crazy. They get off on doing this shit. Playing mind games. Showing how powerful they are. You can’t let them get to you.”

“Well, they’ve already gotten to me because I’m a nervous wreck. I feel sick to my stomach.”

“Get over here.” Garret puts his arm out I scoot up next to him. He wraps his other arm tightly around me. “Everything will work out. You need to stop worrying about this.”

I lift my head and look at him. “You’re not worried? Not even a little?”

“I’m not going to let them ruin this for us. This is the week before our wedding. We’re supposed to be happy.”

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