Page 128 of Collide
I stare at the screen like it might bite me, thumb hovering a beat too long before pressing call. It rings. Broderick watches from next to me, one brow lifted, the corner of his mouth tilting enough to make me smirk despite myself.
The line clicks.
“Eleanor,” my father answers.
My smile drops.
“Elena, please,” I correct him.
“Sorry, sorry. Bad habit. I must change it on my phone. I’ll have to ask Colin how to do that.”
My jaw tenses. “All good.” The sugar in my voice clashes with the metallic tang at the back of my throat.
“To what do I owe the pleasure?”
I brace myself for his disappointment, hoping he doesn’t think I’m irresponsible for leaving this to the last minute to organize.
“I’m so sorry to spring this on you so late, but we need to use Montgomery Estate for Philippa and Andrew’s bachelorette weekend.”
“Of course, Elena, you’re welcome to use it anytime,” he says.
The relief comes fast, hot and full-bodied, like a valve released behind my ribs.
“When is it?” he asks.
“Two weeks from tomorrow,” I say through clenched teeth, hoping he doesn’t blow up at the last minute of it all.
“That’s…tight, but it should be okay. Do you need it fully staffed?”
I glance at Broderick. He gives a small shrug, then nods.
“Yes. Yes, please,” I say quickly, trying not to sound too eager.
“Alright, I’ll let Colin know,” my father replies, his tone calm and matter-of-fact.
“Thank you.”
“My pleasure,” he says. “Enjoy yourself. You haven’t been to the Hamptons since you were twelve.”
“I know,” I say softly. “And thank you again.”
“Yes, thank you, Mr. Montgomery,” Broderick calls, voice calm, unbothered.
I narrow my eyes at him.
“Broderick, is that you?” my father asks.
“Yes, sir.” His voice is polite and professional.
I look at him like he’s grown two heads…sir.
“You’re with Elena?” he adds, a note of curiosity curling at the edge of his words. Maybe even amusement.
“We’re planning the event.” There’s a hint of a smile. “You know, as best man and maid of honor.”
“Oh, that’s delightful. Well, you two have fun. Carole and I are headed to dinner with some friends.”
Did Mortimer Montgomery just tell me to have fun with Broderick?
