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Mark is a businessman in real estate or something boring like that, so what are they called?
“You know, Allison—”
“It’s Allie.”
“Right,” he scoffs. “God forbid you use your given name. You know, you’re a very smart girl and I understand you’ve made some mistakes in your life. We’re all prone to make mistakes when we are young, sweetheart. It happens. I happen to be of the belief smart people match better with smart people while the pretty people ought to be with their own kind.”
I don’t know if he’s calling me ugly or stupid right now. Or both.
“Ted is a very smart guy with plenty of potential. Handsome, charming, good head on his shoulders. He’s an excellent match for you.” Mark picks up a picture frame from my desk with Jadon and me in it, and examines it with a scowl. “But it appears you and Ted can’t come to terms with a little arrangement sorted out for you.”
He sure is direct now and not at all hiding the fact he’s a shady person.
“He has a good job, Allie, that he can do anywhere. A decent income, and is prepared to take you on with your…child. Says he’s always had feelings and was waiting for the opportunity, but a little guy got in the way.”
And what is this concern? Why does it matter to him so damn much?
“I think I’m happier with Lucas, but thank you for your concern.” There. Dignified and somewhat not too weak-sounding. My lady balls are in full swing.
“Here’s the thing, Allie.” He sets the picture back on my desk, faced down, and clasps his hands together. “Lucas is the star. Bright smile, pretty face, attracts everyone he meets. He’s the all-American dream boy from a small town with charm. All that cute glamor people like. He’s otherwise not very good with you and your care.“ Mark waves his hand around dismissively. “You understand where I am going with this?”
John’s voice carries from his office. He’s on the phone with someone, and Mark and I are completely alone. There’s no rescuing me here.
Swallowing the lump in my sandpaper throat, I consider lying, but I don’t know what’s prompting me into his Allie trap. “No.” I clear my throat when he arches a brow at me. “I-I-I mean no, I don’t understand why it matters to you.”
Mark sighs and flashes a quick grin before he returns to business mode with a friendly, but hollow, tone. “Ted will have you taken care of, Allie. You and Jadon will have every opportunity to go anywhere you want. Say where, and I’ll make it happen. I’ll arrange for your passport and Jadon’s, and Tom can follow along. Private schools for the boy, the best clothes, your student loans paid. Maybe set up your little catering business with some friends that would get your foot in some doors. Everything would be taken care of for you.”
What?
I glance down at the picture of Jadon and me, and when I look back up, Mark is inches from my face. His eyes are more green than blue this close and I can see my reflection in them. He smells like expensive cologne and doesn’t have a hair out of place on his head.
“I hand selected Lucas Kennedy for Katrina years ago on that football field. I have planned out his entire life for him ever since the first newspaper interview. It’s still framed in every small business in this town like they see him as a local hero. He’s going to be in my family, representing my interests. He’s going to marry Katrina and her name will be Katrina Kennedy, and they will have children that live to a certain standard. Just because you spread your legs for him in my driveway when you thought no one was looking and got yourself pregnant will not alter my plans. You will either go with Ted, or I will force you out of this place. It’s your choice.”
He’s the devil, this man is.
Mark narrows his eyes and blinks slowly while I recall his words.
“You’re the reason Lucas got hurt, aren’t you? When that kid slammed into his shoulder. He was going to play and now he can’t.”
He wrinkles his nose and stands back up straight, patting down his sleeves. “Accidents happen, Allie. That’s all it was.” He glances over at John’s door before looking back at me. “You’d be wise to take my offer.”
“And if I don’t?”
The way he says it sounds more like a dangerous threat than anything else. “Watch out for accidents, Allie.”
“Are you threatening me?”
“I don’t need to make threats. I’m providing you with an opportunity you won’t want to pass up. You and your child will be better off out of this town in the long run.”
Why does he keep bringing up Jadon as my “child” like that? Like Jadon is some disease.
John’s door opens again, and he approaches us with a broad smile while clapping his hands together. “Okay, shall we head to the field? I think Tom is out there for practice now. We can get a feel for how you want everything set up after the game.”
What? “You’re setting something up?”
John nods. “Didn’t you hear the announcement? Mark is running for Congress. We’re using the field after the first game for a rally, and then we’re announcing your dad’s retirement.”
His what? Retirement?
