Page 51 of A Lesson in Obedience
River had mentioned that Grayson’s car was still in the student parking lot, so we wouldn’t be forced to ride with Asher all the time. If things didn’t get better with Grayson, then I actually didn’t mind being in that close proximity with his brother.
“No problem at all. Mateo has one of our best at your mom’s. She has already offered him water, lemonade and tiny pretzels because apparently, she has so many.” Jade straightened up, picking dog hair from her shirt. Her dark ringlets were styled into two low ponytails that fell down her back.
“Yeah, they’re my favorite. My dad actually used to add like four more boxes of them to the shopping cart just because he always knew that one wouldn’t be enough,” I rambled, clearing my throat when I realized I had drifted a bit.
Jade gave me a small smile, placing her hand on my shoulder.
“I really don’t know why I just told you that.”
She shrugged. “Neither do I, but I’m happy you did. If talking about your dad keeps him close to you in some way, then please keeptalking. Also, I enjoy snacking on walnuts and cashews. I blame it on the bar.” Her laugh was soft and it eased the tension in my shoulders.
“Ready to go?” River’s hand rubbed my lower back and I nodded. I heard the guest bedroom door open and I swallowed down a lump in my throat when I locked eyes with Grayson. He adjusted his backpack on his shoulder and licked his lips, not so subtly shifting his eyes from me to anywhere else in the room.
Jade tapped the sides of her legs. “I’m just going to go feed this big guy and get myself away from this umm… awkward situation.” She gave us all a tight smile and quickly walked into the kitchen. Beau trotted behind her, clearly eager to remove himself as well.
The car ride was full of mutual breathing and the sound of various cars going by. River kept his hand on my leg, tapping his index finger occasionally against my jeans. I saw my phone light up, so I picked it out of the side pocket of my backpack.
“Hey Mom,” I answered, not wanting to be too loud, but there was really nowhere to hide.
“Please be careful,” she blurted out.
I sighed. “Mom…”
“I’m serious, Riley. That man is proving all the reasons why I ran away all those years ago and I’m just scared all over again. That school is just… I know you are an adult and you are going to make your own decisions despite what I say, but just please say, ‘yes Mom, of course I’ll be careful’.” Chancellor Fowler instantly saw my dad as a threat once he realized my mom had moved on and was happy. He wouldn’t lay a finger on me, but everyone else was inconsequential in his need for my loyalty and love, therefore they were disposable. I could understand and respect her apprehension.
I ran my hand over River’s, laying my fingers over his. “Yes Mom, of course I’ll be careful.”
“Good. I’m going to be going over to Sarah’s house to check on her cats and get her mail for the next few days. She is flying to Virginia this morning to settle some things over there before sheprepares for the funeral. She asked about you when I spoke to her again last night. I think it was a nice distraction.”
“I wish things were different. Let me know the details about that…the uh, funeral.” My voice lowered and I had no idea if any of them were listening, but I made myself believe they were all blocking me out. “I have to go, Mom. Can I talk to you later?”
“Sure. I love you. Always and always.”
“I love you too. Always and always.” I hung up the phone, tucking it away.
“Riley…” Asher started from the driver’s seat, but then he stopped himself, looking into the rearview mirror at his brother.
I looked over at River who was staring intently back at him. I knew they were silently communicating through their minds and I really didn’t have the energy to consider what they must be saying. Asher let out a rough sigh and flicked his eyes to me in the rearview mirror and I challenged his stare.
He quickly looked away, remembering that he was driving.
Asher pulled into the student lot a few minutes later and texted Corrin.
I’m here
CORRIN
Do you see me waving? Ike is waving too.
I pushed open the car door, grabbing my backpack and looking around. I found Corrin instantly with the way she was flailing her arms around. Ike was doing a much less enthusiastic imitation of her movements. River and Grayson got out, slamming their doors behind them. Asher opened his door, folding his arms on the hood of the car.
Corrin made her way over to me, holding out her arms to pull me into a tight hug. “I missed you so much. Jax feels the same way.”
I pulled back, rolling my eyes, and watched her pull her backpack in front of her and unzip the smallest compartment. She pulled out a tiny box and handed it to me. I looked over my shoulder seeing thatthe guys were just watching me, prepared to stand there for however long. I opened the box, revealing a ring that was a dark ruby color. It felt like the normal metal that River’s was made out of, but there was something unique about it.
“That makes me wish I had gotten mine decked out,” River said, suddenly standing next to me and inspecting my ring.
“I would have been fine with something plain.” I eyed Corrin who just shrugged.
