Page 98 of The Secret
I turned my attention to Violet. “Let me show you some sample styles, and we can discuss what you like an what you don’t.”
For the next half an hour, Vince stayed mostly silent and watchful, Trent propped up the wall like it was his job, and Violet answered only direct, yes-or-no questions about her likes and dislikes. I’d had more painful meetings, but only rarely, and I felt like my brain was itching.
“I think I have enough to get started,” I said. “I can get some more details from Charlotte and the staff here about the exact specifications as we get closer to the day.” I gave Violet a smile and lied through my teeth, “I’m confident that your wedding will be a beautiful reflection of your personal styles and your relationship.”
“Thank you.” Violet’s shoulders sagged, like she was relieved she wouldn’t be asked any more difficult opinion questions.
“You’re a good kid, Violet,” Vince said approvingly. To me, he added, “Trent’s had some difficulties, but finding the right person has really sorted him out. Isn’t that right, Trent?”
Trent neither moved nor spoke, and I wondered if he’d fallen asleep against the wall, but Vince and Violet both smiled as though he’d enthusiastically agreed.
“That’s so…sweet,” Charlotte said. “Love really does put everything in perspective, doesn’t it, Micah?”
Thatwas something I could agree with.
“Well.” Vince slapped the table with both palms. “I guess that takes care of one vendor, Charlotte. Please send us the contracts, Mr. Bloom.”
Charlotte and I exchanged a glance. Clients rarely decided to sign a contract on the spot.
Vince must’ve seen our look, because he gave me a smug smile. “We considered a couple of other, smaller vendors, but none of them have a client list like yours, nor your integrity.”
Don’t ask, I told myself.Donotask.
“My integrity?” I heard myself ask. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s always validating to hear that Blooms has earned a good reputation, but that’s an interesting choice of words.”
Vince steepled his fingers. “We have family in this area. In fact, we lived not far from here at one point.”
“Middle of fucking nowhere,” Trent said, speaking for the first time.
Vince’s nostrils flared, but he forced a smile. “Yeah, the place doesn’t have pleasant memories for us. But I believe you know my cousin Patrick over at HG Supply.”
I felt my smile fade. “Yes. I know Pat.”
“And I believe you also know the Ross family of Ross Landscaping? In fact, according to Pat, you’ve had your own share of trouble with them.”
“Trouble?” I gripped the arm of the chair more tightly. I frowned. “Not really. They seem like very decent people. I admit they haven’t taken too kindly tocompetition, but that’s only to be expected.”
Charlotte gave a tinkling little laugh. “Of course!” She set her palms on the table. “Alrighty, then—”
“Oh, you don’t need to speak so diplomatically withme, Mr. Bloom. We have our own history with that family. One of the boys was a schoolmate of Trent’s. Had somedeplorablebehavior issues, probably stemming from a lack of adequate supervision in the home.” He sighed. “Trent tried to extend a hand of friendship to the Ross boy in a time of need, and the boy completely abused Trent’s trust. And after a brief physical altercation, he nearly killed Trent in retaliation.”
“He means Constantine Ross fucked my girlfriend behind my back. And when I beat his ass, he wrecked my car like the little pussy he was. Fag shoulda stuck to fucking his own kind.”
Charlotte gasped.
Vince said, “Trent.Enough.”
Violet said, “I don’t understand. Trent, what are you saying?”
And me? I saidnothing.
Not one goddamn thing.
I didn’t move a muscle.
For what might have been minutes or hours or millennia, I sat in stunned silence. My limbs felt weightless, even mylipstingled, as I realized exactly who was in front of me. Exactly who I’d been speaking to.
When the full impact of it hit, I stood up.
