Page 196 of Double or Nothing

“I didn’t want to be anywhere near him back then.”

“You were children.”

“He was a cruel, selfish asshole.”

“He was immature.”

“He threw stones at cats, Dad! He was vile. He’s always been vile. Leopards don’t change their spots. Not that much.”

Dad gives a dismissive tut.

“For God’s sake, stop over dramatising. Boys do stupid things. Christopher has grown into an impressive man. You might find he’s changed considerably.”

“I might find him exactly the same.”

“You can make that judgement after meeting him.”

“And what if I still hate his guts?”

Dad’s face hardens.

“The ceremony isn’t next Sunday, so don’t blow it out of all proportion. I’m asking you to have dinner with a family we’ve known for decades.”

“You’re not asking. You’re telling. And when you say the ceremony isn’t next Sunday, you’re saying there is a ceremony. There will be a ceremony. Have you already booked the venue?”

Silence.

Horrible, nasty silence.

For once, I’ve caught him out.

“You’ve planned the venue, haven’t you? You’ve probably got the date in the calendar. The day I walk down the aisle to a guy I don’t give a toss about.”

Mum reaches across the table towards me. “Darling, can we please eat and discuss this calmly?”

I don’t give her my hand. I don’t want her touching me. I don’t want anyone touching me.

“The last thing I want,” Dad says, “is for you to throw away your future over a man like Jack Reid.”

“What’s this got to do with Jack?”

Dad slams his hand on the table.

“It’s got everything to do with that idiot. Don’t try and play me for a fool. You’ve been barely in contact since the auction, and you walked out arm in arm.”

I’ve been caught out.

Damn it. I feel cold as ice as he continues.

“You’re twenty-eight years old and behaving like a teenager, all because an attractive idiot paid you some attention. Grow the hell up and stop tarnishing the Parker reputation.”

Jack’s fire is no longer a spark inside me. It’s a collection of words in my throat. Angry words. Words of rage, and hurt, and rebellion.

But they won’t show up for me. They won’t see it through.

I clench my fists with tears in my eyes.

“You know what? Fine. I’ll be at the dinner.”