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The man nodded as Joe’s aunt got to her feet.
“It is, and please excuse my manners for not introducing myself to you sooner.”
He was slick, Joe would give him that, but nothing else. The man had been in Ryker too long as far as he was concerned, and the sooner he left—alone—the better.
“Wouldn’t hurt you heathens to learn a few of his manners,” Aunt Jess said, taking the hand Clark held out to her, and pumping it twice.
“Thanks for that, Clark,” Jack drawled. “She’ll spend the next two months making us dress for dinner and pull out her seat now.”
“You ignore them now, Clark, and take a seat. Have you eaten?”
Looking trapped, he turned to Bailey, but she was already back in her seat, inhaling food.
“I haven’t, no.”
“Sit, then.” Aunt Jess led him to the seat between Luke and Piper, then pressed him into it. Luke handed him a plate and waved to the food.
“Have at it, bud, before it’s all gone.”
Joe wanted to laugh as Clark looked around the table, clearly uncomfortable. His family was eating as if it was their last meal.
“You might want to remove that jacket, Clark. Wouldn’t want a grease stain on it.” Bailey waved a french fry at him. He quickly stood and removed it.
Everyone started talking again, except Clark and Bailey, who watched. She ate, he used the tongs supplied, as yet unused, and put some fries on his plate. He then attempted to get a burger. Piper made a noise, and picked one up and dumped it on his plate.
“I washed my hands yesterday, should be sweet.”
His smile was tight, as was the thank-you.
Chapter 31
Bailey finally filled the gnawing ache in her stomach. She sat back and sipped her second cup of coffee, and watched Clark. She’d never loved him, and seeing him close to Joe, knew she never would. He was handsome, she conceded, but Bailey didn’t get that small kick to the stomach when she looked at him. Like her, he was a product of the life they’d led, uptight and unemotional. Had they spent their life together, they would have learned to hate each other, she was sure, and probably one day would have separated.
“So, Clark, you’re Bailey’s manager, right?” Jack asked.
“I am, but I also have other clients.”
He spoke in a polite, well-modulated tone that suggested he’d been raised on vacations in the Hamptons, and private schools. Which he may have, but strangely, Bailey actually didn’t know anything about his family life or where he’d been born and raised, which was sad considering they’d once been engaged.
“Anyone famous?”
Clark looked at Bailey, his smile small.
“She’s the most famous.”
“Really?” Luke whistled, then nudged Bailey with his shoulder.
“She’s played for royalty, and with some of the best musicians in the world. Bailey is very talented.”
“Thank you, Clark.” Bailey knew she was good; you didn’t receive the praise she had, and not be.
“So what, you’re ridiculously rich as well?” Luke asked.
Bailey leaned in and nudged Luke back, a gesture that a few weeks ago she’d never have done, but felt right now.
“I did okay.”Not that I can spend any of it.
“Do,” Clark corrected.
