Which, I guess in the grand scheme of this entire revenge plan, wasn’t bad information to know.
Fifteen
Regan
Aweek went by without a word from Rook or any sign of him randomly showing up. I told myself it could be a good thing, but the loneliness that vanished when he came around quickly returned. I had endless days of being alone, unless Harper could hang out.
And me being the socially pathetic girl I am, I kept looking out the window to see if Rook would show up. Could a person really be so lonely she wanted a stalker? I guess I couldn’t consider Rook a stalker anymore when I kept inviting him in every chance I could.
I groaned as I slipped on my new dress, the pink fabric hugging me, the sides and back cut out with black lace that I loved. At least I would be the prettiest pathetic girl at the ball, I thought dryly.
My dad had another dinner party to go to tonight, and he had invited me to join him. Excitement and a flicker of hope bubbled up inside me at the thought of him finally taking me more seriously. And possibly at the idea that Rook might show up again. I hadn’t really minded him showing up or the game ofpool even though I was still a little annoyed he went through my room.
Either way, tonight could end up going better than ever. Every time my dad asked me to go, I couldn’t contain the anticipation. Maybe this would be the night he’d tell me I could finally start learning the business, that he trusted me enough to let me in on the secrets and responsibilities he shouldered. I imagined us talking it all out and him introducing me to his associates, acknowledging me as his equal. I imagined I could walk into a room and not just be his daughter, but be Regan Fletcher.
But there was always a shadow of doubt. Each invitation felt like a double-edged sword, bringing both hope and the fear of disappointment. The countless nights I spent getting ready, dressing up, and perfecting my smile, only to end up feeling like a decorative accessory, haunted me. I couldn’t quite bring myself to believe this would be the night when I had wasted so many on the thought.
The memory of previous parties lingered—me, standing on the fringes, trying to engage in conversations which always seemed just out of reach. The sting of being overlooked and the frustration of not being taken seriously gnawed at me. Yet, despite the recurring disappointment, I clung to hope. So tonight, like a hundred other nights, I would get ready, go with him, and act like I could handle everything. Maybe this time, it wouldn’t be just an act.
I clung to that sliver of hope and put my earrings in.
I would always have my doubts, but I still hoped.
That hope died fast when I made it down the stairs to find him in casual clothes with his phone glued to his hand. The sight felt like a punch to the gut, my excitement deflating instantly.
“I have to go,” he said without even looking up. “I have a last-minute…appointment. The doctor called and needed me to fly to Boston for an appointment tomorrow.”
“What about the dinner?” I asked, hating my voice tinged with desperation.
“You go. Shake all the hands and excuse my absence. I can’t miss this.”
“Aren’t they expecting you, though?” I tried to keep the frustration out of my voice, but it seeped through. It wasn’t his fault he’s sick, but between never spending any time together, not getting any knowledge of his company, and always having to go to these things alone, I only grew more getting frustrated.
He glanced at me briefly, then back at his phone. “No one is going to mind me not being there when you are. You look beautiful, Regan. You’ll be the center of the party.”
“But I thought you could introduce me to everyone? I’d like to get to know who you work with and this would be perfect,” I insisted, my heart sinking further.
“Yes, but the doctor seems to think I need a few more tests. I think he has some concerns from last time. Sorry, Regan. You can understand my health is more important. You seem to be more upset every time.”
“Of course, your health is more important. I mean, I understand. I had just expected to go with someone. It’s weird being there alone. I would have invited Harper.”
“You could still invite her,” he said, checking his watch and starting towards the door.
“Yeah, I guess I’ll have to. I’ll see you in a few days, then?”
“Back by Sunday, possibly. I’ll let you know.” He nearly walked out the door, but seemed to think better of it and came back, kissing my cheek once and then disappearing.
As the door closed, I stood there, feeling a mix of anger and sadness well up inside me. I had spent hours preparing, hopingtonight would be different, only to be let down once again. The disappointment was now a familiar ache, but it didn’t hurt any less.
I sank onto the bottom step, staring at the spot where he had been. Why did I keep hoping for something different? I thought of all the times I had been in this exact position, dressed up and ready, only to be cast aside for another “urgent” appointment or meeting. The loneliness wrapped around me like a suffocating blanket.
I pulled out my phone, ready to text Harper, knowing she would at least try to lift my spirits, but clicked it off instead. I would go to the party, put on a brave face, and play the role I was expected to play. I couldn’t run a company if I couldn’t go to a party alone.
I would try again.
Like I did every other time.
I took a deep breath, wiping away the tear that had escaped, and stood up. If my father wouldn’t introduce me to his world, I would have to find my own way in. Tonight, I would be the perfect guest, and maybe someone would take notice of me for who I was, not just as Cameron Fletcher’s daughter.
