Page 91 of You and Me, For Real
No way. Not gonna happen. I’ve tolerated this relationship for nine long months. I’m not about to throw in the towel when we’re this close to finishing it. I need this film role.
“I’ve got it.” Wren’s voice pipes up from behind me.
I forgot she was even here.
“You take the dogs. I’ll go check on her.” She hands me the leashes to all three dogs, then slips off her shoes.
In a low voice, I say, “I’ll be there as quickly as I can.”
She nods, then takes off in a light jog, carrying her heels in each hand.
“Such a sensitive girl that one is. She always has been,” Ashton’s mom says.
My jaw ticks. “That must be where her big heart comes from.”
“Oh yes, yes. I’ve caught wind of her little furry philanthropic idea. Perfect party for her to capitalize on that, it would seem. I taught her well.” She laughs and smacks Wesley’s bicep like the two are old chums.
I cross my arms. Scarlet stands steady next to me. I feel a slight camaraderie between us at this moment.
I’d like to tell Edith her daughter is absolutely nothing like her, but instead, I keep the conversation civil. Ever the showman. Asmyfather taught me to be.
“I don’t see your dog, Ms. Blake. What brings you here tonight?”
“I invited her,” Wesley volunteers. “We’ve been discussing various project ideas for her next reality TV series.”
“Oh really?”
“I figured you might have heard about it since your father was the one who brought her to me as a new client.”
“He’s a good man, that Thomas Ford. And mighty handsome, too.” She winks. “I can see where you get your good looks from.”
This cannot be happening.
As if saying his name conjures him, my father appears next to Edith and slips an arm around her waist. Not in a friendly, client sort of way, but a we’re-on-intimate-terms sort of way.
I’m going to be sick.
“Evening, Son. I see you’ve met Edith, one of my new clients. The brightest shining star in reality television.” He winks at her, and she titters like a schoolgirl in response.
Bile rises in my throat.
“You two kids having fun?” He gestures to Scarlet and me.
I’m afraid to open my mouth, unsure of what might escape. Scarlet rescues me.
“We are, actually.” She looks at me and smiles. “I’m in need of another drink, though. You want to walk me over to the bar?”
Shock ripples through me. Mere hours ago, I told this woman I only wanted friendship despite her having feelings for me, and here she is helping me?
“Sure,” is all I can manage.
“It was so nice meeting you, Griffin. I hope to see you again soon,” Edith then turns to my father. “Maybe even dinner together sometime? It’s been so long since I’ve had a family meal.” To me, she adds, “Maybe you can persuade Ashton to come too. Assuming that’s okay with you, Scarlet?”
“We can arrange that.” Dad squeezes her side, and her smile widens.
Over my dead body.
Scarlet slips her hand into mine and tugs me toward the bar. “Sure. Well, we’ll catch you guys later.”
