Page 50 of Scandal
“The press was fond of you, Mercury,” she admits, placing her phone beside her. On the screen is an article, and front and center is a picture of Asher and me from the gala last week. Following Asher and my family’s advice, I avoided searching for any photos or news articles. I knew the damage the press coulddo to someone’s mental health. But when I look down at that photo, all I see is the way Asher was looking at me, like I was the center of his world.Not real. Not real.“But it’s no surprise. I knew they would be,” Theodora says.
No, you didn’t, I want to say. But I don’t. There’s only so much backtalk you can get away with when speaking with a countess or your fake boyfriend’s mother, and I think I’ve hit my limit for the day.
“The truth is, you’re not ready for the road ahead,” she says pointedly as she puts away her phone. “Neither of you are. You need media training?—”
“I’ve had media training,” we both say at the same time.
She arches one of her perfectly waxed eyebrows at her son. “Hollywood does things differently than we do. You know that.”
Then she turns her gaze on me. “And you’re too green. You got lucky with your confrontation with Isobel. Her mother reined her in before she could cause a scene, but if it had been someone else…”
I think back to that confrontation, to what might have happened if she’d pushed back. Finally, I nod, understanding what she’s implying. “It could have been me causing a scene.” And I never want to be the reason Asher’s name is shrouded in scandal.
“So what are you proposing?” Asher asks, taking a sip of tea, though he looks thoroughly unconvinced.
“You will both move into the main house. Immediately.” She gives another pointed look, this time letting it drift from me to Asher. “You will take up your old quarters, and Mercury will occupy one of the guest suites.”
“No.”
“Asher,” his mother tries to argue.
“We will move into the main house if that is what you wish, but Mercury will not be placed in a guest suite,” he says, his voice icy and demanding. “She will stay with me.”
His mother sputters, her eyes blinking rapidly. “It’s not how things are done, Asher. You’re not married?—”
“I don’t care.”
I have no idea why he’s being so adamant about this. Maybe he thinks it will make our relationship look more convincing. He once told me he thought his mother had doubts.
But this seems personal.
And it makes me very…confused.
“We’ve already made all the arrangements. Why do you think it’s taken me so long to come down here and talk to you? We had to prepare the room and order the clothes?—”
“Mother.” His voice is calm. Almost eerily soft.
“Yes?”
“This is my only demand,” he says. “You can send us to galas and balls. We will smile and wave. I’ll give speeches and do interviews. I’ll do whatever is needed, but Mercury stays with me. Is that clear?”
Theodora blanches slightly, as if she’s just now realizing she’s dealing with a future earl, one she won’t be able to control for much longer.
She gives a curt nod. “Crystal.”
“Perfect.” He takes another sip of tea, then turns to her. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, you and your father seem to have a habit of interrupting our breakfast.”
Her lips pucker bitterly, but she rises nonetheless. “Of course.” She walks over and slides her bag onto her arm, then stops. “Enjoy your…grapes,” she says, crushing the purple fruit with the heel of her shoe.
When the door slams a moment later, I find my hand rising to cover my mouth as my shoulders start to shake. My gaze finds Asher, and he’s trying so hard not to laugh.
A second later, we’re both cackling at the top of our lungs.
“God, do you think I was the grape she crushed with her shoe?” I snicker, tears streaming down my cheeks.
“No.” He chuckles. “That was most assuredly me. I think she actually likes you.”
“Shut your mouth!”
