Page 47 of Worth the Rush
“Thank you,” she says quietly before taking a sip.
“Ivy, why am I not surprised to find you with a full glass in your hand? How many has that been tonight?” Ivy’s face turns to stone. She slips back into her mask so seamlessly that you never would have believed she was just having a good time with me.
“Noah,” she addresses him. “Where’s Margot? Don’t tell me she’s already figured out that you aren’t worth the zeros.” Her tone is innocent, but it eats at him like she’s just thrown acid his way.
Noah hums, then gives Ivy a sneer. “I see you’re still the same bitch you’ve?—”
“If you finish that sentence, I will not hesitate to ensure you won’t be speaking to anyone for the foreseeable future,” I cut in. I’m not typically a man to threaten someone. I don’t like to ruffle feathers, and I can let a lot of things roll off my back, but this asshole will not disrespect Ivy ever again if I can help it. I lower my voice, “And I’m sure you’re used to men making threats and not following through, but let me be clear: I’m a man of my word. You need to be gone by tomorrow, or I’ll escort you from the property myself. The choice is yours, but the second option won’t end well for you.” His eyes widen atmy words. I can see the fear behind them even as his face remains stoic. “Are we clear?” I ask, and he nods. “Good.”
I feel Ivy’s hand slip into mine and give it a reassuring squeeze. “Okay, action hero, I think that’s enough,” she says a little shakily as she tugs on my arm and pulls us from the entrance. I give Noah one last glance as we make our way back into the main room. Jack’s voice comes over the speaker again, letting us know it’s almost time to eat, and everyone makes their way to their tables. I spot Rhett over by the snack table with Hazel. He’s sneaking her a cookie while Knox is on the phone over in the corner of the room. He’s got another thing coming if he thinks he’s coming for the best uncle title.
“I need to go over to the stage now, but thank you. I’ll add white knight to your list of attributes,” she teases.
“There’s a list, huh? And I thought I was the only one making those.”
She smiles at me. “I’ll be back in a few,” she tells me, releasing my arm and walking off in the direction of the stage. I take this opportunity to say hello to the Holloway clan. By the looks of it, the whole town has turned up.
“Hey guys, you all look great, but especially you, Hazey baby.” She smiles at my compliment and holds up the edge of her dress, showing me the lace trim. “Oh, it’s so beautiful. Did you pick it out?” I ask her.
She shakes her head at me, “Uh uh. Andy Lo did.” I know one day, she’ll stop calling us Muncle and Andy, and I already hate that day so much.
“I love it, baby girl.” She beams at me.
“Thank you, Muncle Aldie,” she says sweetly, then she shoves the cookie she’s been holding behind Rhett’s back into her mouth, and we both laugh.
“Baby brother, how’s it going at the school?” I ask. When Rhett hurt his knee, I didn’t know if making the transition to high school hockey coach would be an easy one, but he’s surprised us all by being happier than I’ve ever seen him. Winnie is probably the magic ingredient there. Speaking of which. “And where’s Win?”
“The team is great. They’re working hard, and we’re on a nice winning streak that I’m hoping will continue for the rest of the season. I’m feeling really good about it.” And I can tell by his genuine excitement that he means it. “Winnie is around here somewhere. She just went to answer a call from Marigold.”
“Is Marigold coming tonight, or is she working?” I ask. Being a surgeon is something I respect and admire. I’ve had to pass on a patient to a surgeon a handful of times, so I know the things they see day in and day out can be a bit intense. Mare takes it all in stride though. I know she’s been there for Winnie in the past, and she’s always ready to step in and help at all the town events.
“She’s coming,” he says with a huffed laugh.
“Are you upset with her about something?”
“No, I’m not upset with her. She’s the one who’s upset. I guess her car got a flat, and she didn’t have a spare, so she had to get a ride with Colt.” He grabs another treat from the table and hands it to Hazel. Knox is going to have a fit later.
“Ah, one day, I think we need to lock those two in a room until they can get along.” As I finish that sentence, Winnie comes into view beside my brother.
“I fear that would be putting both of their lives at risk, and since I love them both, I can’t sign off on it. No matter how crazy they both make me sometimes,” she tells us. “Hi, Hazey baby. Is Muncle Rhett giving you too much sugar?” she croons to Hazel. God, I don’t know if this girl has a shot at not being spoiled. We’re all her puppets.
“Yes!” Hazel shouts.
“Hello.” A loud, raspy voice floods the room. I look to the stage and see Ivy there, looking too beautiful for words. “Firstly, I would just like to say thank you to everyone who’s made time in their busy holiday schedules to be here with us tonight. It means so much.” She speaks so eloquently. “I would like to let everyone know that all the proceeds from tonight's silent auction will be going to our EMS workers’ charity. They work incredibly hard and extremely long hours to ensure the safety of the public; their bravery is unmatched. Some even lead dangerous rescue missions by helicopter…” Her eyes briefly catch mine before continuing, “To bring loved ones back to safety. They are truly pillars of strength and serve a pivotal role in this community and every other around the country.” When she finishes, everyone in the room claps and mumbles their agreement. Her words hit me right in the chest. I’m not sure if she knows what that means to me.
“I’ll be back up here throughout the night, but for now, I would like to invite you all to have a seat at your tables so we can get dinner served. Please enjoy yourselves, and let me know if there’s anything you need. Thank you,” she finishes, and I let out a whistle. She gives me a look, but I can tell she likes it. Ivy Rutherford is an absolute conundrum. I know she wants attention, demands it, but the more I give her, the more she tells me I shouldn’t.
“I’ll see you guys in a bit. I’m going to head over to my table.”
“Oh, yeah? With Ivy?” Rhett asks.
“Yes. With Ivy. And the rest of the staff,” I tell him. As I’m walking over, I see Marigold and Colt walk in and give them a wave. Colt smiles big and waves back at me. Mare waves a hand halfheartedly but stalks off to the bar. I shake my head. One day.
Tonight has gone better than I ever dreamed. The people of Silverthorne have been incredibly gracious and generous. I’ve felt the spirit of their community from the day I arrived here, from graciously hosting me to my car sliding off the road, but tonight—tonight, this community has raised $250,000. All while embracing my idea and, in turn, making me feel like I matter here. I’m blown away.
Even though the evening is coming to a close, there are still a few people out on the dance floor. I’ve been a little envious of all the guests experiencing it, but I’m also so grateful to have hosted this evening and watching my vision become a reality. It’s a little bittersweet to see this whole community come to support my cause because this event brings me one step closer to leaving.
“Thank you for coming,” I say for the hundredth time. You would think I was getting tired of saying it by now, but I’m not. I truly am so incredibly grateful. This event is going to get me one step closer to my end goal of running something that’s allmine. My calls with my father lately have been short. Brief and to the point. My father isn’t a kind man, but he does keep his word. If he says that the company will be mine, I’m inclined to believe him.
