Page 60 of A Lesson in Deceit
“How does River know what just happened? He can’t use his power on campus.”
Grayson gave me a playful smile. “He isn’t on campus. He went home after his morning class. Me letting him in on what happened isn’t a campus violation, so I was graciously letting him have a little play by play. He did tell me that you can get a little loud, so I should cover your mouth.” He waved his hand around at our surroundings. “Library and all.”
I rolled my eyes, looking back at my phone.
Are you jealous?
RIVER
Haha, no. As long as you’re happy and so is that pussy, then I’m a happy man.
I am happy.
I would be even happier when I could just focus on this and not everything else that had nothing to do with them.
RIVER
Perfect. Keep it up and you’ll have a very eventful weekend, gorgeous.
I’m going to tell Corrin she can bring her partner. Is that okay?
RIVER
Asher won’t be home, so you could literally bring whoever you want.
I smiled at my phone, clicking it off and pushing off of the ground. Grayson kept his eyes on me. “Leaving so soon. I thought you had school history research to do?”
“I actually figured that out. And I should probably grab something to eat and caffeine. I could take a nap after…” I motioned towards the area we were in, alluding to what had just transpired.
“You’re welcome, trouble.”
He handed me my backpack. “We’re back to that?”
Grayson picked his book back up. “I like keeping you on your toes. Don’t pretend like you don’t like it.”
29
River
I’d gone back and forth on whether to show up to his stupid meeting, but I decided it would be more of a hasslenotto go. At least he had picked a Thursday when I have a class in an hour, so I didn’t have to stay here forever. I walked through the door, stepping up to my dad’s front desk receptionist, Dorthea. She was an older woman, with kind eyes and tiny crows feet at the corners. She was far too good to work for my dad.
“River, oh my gosh, how are you?” she asked, smiling at me.
I granted her a genuine smile. “Good, Dorthea and you?”
“You know, same old. Picked up another hobby.”
I rapt my knuckles against the wood of the counter. “Crocheting didn’t pique your interest?”
She wagged her finger from left to right. “Hated it. It’s for some people, but I am not one of them. Felt like I was giving myself early onset arthritis.”
I laughed. Footsteps and a throat clearing had my laughter ceasing.
“River, come on in.” My dad motioned for me to follow him. I sighed, cracking my neck and giving Dorthea a nod before stepping around her desk.
My dad’s office was clean and put together. It reminded me of Asher’s, but at least my brother tried to decorate his desk just a little. Even if it was just a fake plant. There were two chairs on the opposite side of his desk, so I chose the one closest to the window. I could look outside every so often if I got bored during this little encounter.
My dad unbuttoned his suit jacket and sat down in his chair. “How are you?”
