Page 5 of Gold Rush

I sigh again. “You’re busy. I’m busy. I’m unpacking. About to start a new job.” Trying to escape my dad’s thumb.

Molly doesn’t know the extent of the dysfunction with my parents, so I don’t add that last bit. The sole upside of moving to another state was being farther from Julian Parks. It didn’t feel like much freedom, however, since my father micromanaging my life was the reason I was stuck in Boston in the first place.

“You weren’t too busy to go to Rory Kensington’s graduation party.”

I frown at that random comment. “So?”

“So, you two looked cozy. Maria sent me a photo.”

Maria Lopes was in my International Law course last fall. She’s how I met Molly, her roommate at the time, and Maria is clearly more loyal to Molly than me, despite copying my notes the entire semester. I’m annoyed with Maria for stirring up shit and unreasonably curious what photo she could have taken of me and Rory Kensington that could possibly be described as cozy.

Every time Rory looks at me, a crease appears on her forehead. It’s kind of cute—and rather insulting.

Rory likes everyone.

Everyone likes me.

Yet Rory and I have never had an interaction I would consider casual or entirely civil. There’s this tension between us, always, and I have no clue why or how to remove it. I’m not sure Rory does either. If she does, she’s never attempted to.

“Flynn. Hello?”

I catch another sigh just before it escapes my mouth. “She’s Kit’s cousin. If we looked cozy, it’s because I’ve known her forever.”

It’s annoying—and amusing—that I even need to explain that. A little strange, too, because Molly isn’t the only girl I’ve dated who has acted resentful toward Rory.

“I can’t believe she invited your entire class.”

I doubt Rory did. She’s never appeared entirely comfortable as the center of attention. I’m sure it was her proud parents who suggested renting out Atlantic Crest Country Club to host close to a thousand guests, including our entire graduating class of five hundred something.

“Maria said there were custom napkins and signature drinks?” Molly laughs. “So pretentious.”

My jaw tics with irritation. I resent the obvious judgment in her tone.

I have this peculiar impulse where I enjoy taunting Rory, but can’t stand when anyone else says anything remotely demeaning about her. Doesn’t matter if Rory herself didn’t hear. Whether it’s a comment about her endless poise or her bossiness or her family’s wealth.

The urge to defend her has appeared repeatedly, over the years, and my close relationship with her cousin is a convenient excuse for how I react every time. But honestly, I’m not sure the two are connected. I’m never personally offended on Lili’s behalf or Wren’s, even though I wouldn’t hesitate to defend either one of them. I’m protective of Rory in particular, which makes zero sense. She proves, every time we converse-slash-argue, how capable she is of fending for herself.

“I have to go, Molly,” is the least aggravated reply I can come up with.

My girlfriend scoffs, then hangs up.

A final sigh leaves my lungs, this one pure relief. I shove my phone back into my pocket, raking a hand through my short hair before I turn back toward Proof’s entrance.

We should have broken up before I left Boston.

I’m not afraid of commitment or incapable of it. I just don’t like it. It’s constrictive, like wearing a shirt that’s a size too tight. Kit says that feeling doesn’t appear with the right person, but I’m not sure I believe him. If he is correct, Molly is not the right person because I feel plenty stifled by our relationship.

Jacob takes the hundred I slip him with a grateful smile, clapping me on the shoulder and saying to let him know if I need anything.

Proof renovated over the winter. They were closed when I was in New York for the holidays, so this is my first visit since last fall. The new design is less open, the overall effect more mysterious and secretive. Each room I pass through has a different decorative theme to it—Hollywood or casino or masquerade.

I continue walking until I reach the farthest section, another bouncer I recognize opening the velvet rope to allow me into what appears to be the new VIP area, complete with its own private bar and a section of booths hidden by sleek, silky curtains. A casino influence is apparent in here, with several poker tables set up between the bar and the booths.

I beeline for the bar.

Plenty of top-shelf liquor was on hand at Rory’s graduation party, but I only had one drink.

The Kensingtons have served as my family on the many days my own was disappointed in me. I’m closest with Kit and his parents, but Rory’s parents have always welcomed me too. I think I would have been invited to the party earlier even if I hadn’t happened to graduate alongside Rory, and I wasn’t about to get blitzed at the hidebound country club to repay their hospitality.