Page 38 of Wild Lies

I wait for Grayson to answer, almost afraid to breathe. It’s the one thing holding me back. In my mind, it’s either Chloe or my family and this ranch. It doesn’t feel like I can have them both.

The corner of Gray’s mouth kicks up, and he squeezes my shoulder reassuringly. “Not at all, brother. We’d miss you like hell, but I’ve only ever wanted you to be happy. That’s all we’ve ever wanted, and if it’s the thing holding you back from asking her if you can go with her, then take this as your permission to take the leap. Besides, we’ll always be here for you, Kade. This place will still tick on over, and they have these magical devices with cameras and shit on them now, so we can stay in touch.”

I shove Grayson, a grin splitting my face in two as the weight I’ve been carrying the last couple of days lifts from my chest.

Grayson smirks, slapping me on the shoulder as he walks back to the table.

It’s decided. I’m going to ask Chloe what she thinks about staying in Coldwater, me going with her to Seattle if she’s set on leaving, or if she’d even be open to seeing where this thing between us goes.

With my mind made up, I duck out of the rest of dinner and jump in my truck, heading out of town to the restaurant Chloe told me she was going to for dinner. By the time I get there, they’ll probably just be sitting down, but for her, I don’t mind waiting. Whatever she needs from me I’ll do, and that’s how I know this is something worth fighting for.

22

CHLOE

It’s Friday night and I’m sitting across the table from my parents, wearing a dress I rushed out to buy this afternoon. Aside from my outfit for the wedding, I’d packed for comfort, not fashion, so my options were limited. We’re seated in a five-star restaurant, miles from Coldwater, in a town called Westbrook and I couldn’t feel more uncomfortable or out of place. The clink of cutlery and low hum of polite conversations press into my skull, the dull throb of a headache looming at the base.

I wish that Kade was here, but then again, I’d never wish this kind of agony on anyone. And especially not on someone I care about. Besides, he’s at dinner with his family tonight. I should have hidden in my cabin until my parents left town. Or at least said no. Anything but having to sit through this tense awkwardness for hours.

Thankfully, my parents leave tomorrow—most of the wedding party does. Which means Kade and I can stop pretending to be in love every time we interact with a member of my family.

Rachel and her new husband, Ollie, left town yesterday. Apparently, Coldwater was only ever supposed to be their wedding destination and they’ve caught a flight to Bali for their honeymoon. I spent yesterday morning with Rachel as she packed up her room and we ate room service for breakfast. We’ve made plans for lunch when she’s back in the country.

“How are things in Seattle?” my mom asks, straightening the napkin on her lap.

I pick up the glass of ice-cold water and take a sip before answering. Anything to buy myself even just a sliver of time and wash away my untruth. “Great, thanks.”

She exhales heavily, the sound one I know all too well. It’s sharp and clipped, and my stomach tightens, knowing what comes next. Probably a scolding for not responding the way she deems fit. My mom has never been one to hide her disappointment or frustration. “Don’t be so childish, Chloe,” she snaps. “You know exactly what I’m asking.”

I drop my eyes to my lap, rolling them before lifting my gaze back to her. “Sorry. Work is going well. We’re working on the plans for the winter edition, which is always exciting.” The lie rolls off my tongue, leaving behind a bitter taste, but it’s far easier to swallow than the shame and anger that will come from them if they knew the truth.

My dad makes a noise in the back of his throat, one that tells me of his satisfaction with my response. They’ve never been ones to vocalize their approval or show me any sense of pride, at least not in the way other parents do.

“You could have at least made an effort with your appearance tonight, Chloe,” my mom admonishes, keeping her eyes on the menu and all but ignoring my answer to her earlier question.

I bite down hard on the inside of my cheek, wishing that Rachel was here to take off some of the pressure. “I did the best with what I could find in town. Coming to a restaurant as fancy as this wasn’t on my itinerary, unfortunately.”

“Hmm.” Translation: your best isn’t good enough. “Didn’t Rachel look wonderful on Saturday?”

“Yes, she did,” Dad replies, setting down his menu as he leans back in his chair and looks around the room.

I mumble my agreement, discreetly looking down at my watch. How has it only been fifteen minutes? Oh God, tonight is going to be painfully slow and torturous.

“Why didn’t you get ready with us, Chloe? We’d paid for the hair and makeup professionals.”

I sit taller, closing my menu in hopes that it will send up a bat signal to the server, who should have been by already. Can’t they tell how badly I don’t want to be here?

“I wasn’t aware that it was something I could make use of.”

“Of course you weren’t, because you made zero effort to be included in your own sister’s wedding preparations,” Mom snaps, her eyes slicing to mine with something akin to malice swirling in the depths. “Was it really too much to ask for you to show up for Rachel? To be there for her on her big day?” She doesn’t give me time to respond, disgust lacing her words as she continues, “I suppose it was. You’ve always been selfish, and I don’t know why. It’s not how your father and I raised you. And the young man you were with at the wedding, I suppose you brought him to show us up.”

Every inch of me bristles, readying for a fight. She said more than I should have allowed about Kade at the wedding. I won’t let her badmouth him again. “His name is Kade,” I bite out.

“Yes, him,” my mom sneers. She looks down her nose at her menu again.

“What about him makes you think I brought him to the wedding to show you up?” I grit out.

She looks up at me, and I instantly know that whatever she’s about to say is going to be something I won’t like.