AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Unable to help myself, I ball my hands into fists and ask, “What is wrong with you people?”
He looks at me and then back at her.
“Cora,” he says as if she’s exasperating. “Yes, you can eat and bring friends, whatever, but you’re supposed to play. You always play.”
“Right. And why is that?” she asks him.
Only this time, he doesn’t have an answer. Silence falls over the room. A pin could drop as they’re in a face-off, and my heart aches for her.
“I don’t want to play for any of you anymore,” she says as she picks up her cello and moves it back to its stand.
“You’re not making any sense.” Winston rubs the back of his neck. I really should introduce him to Jaxon. I’m certain that both of them would get along brilliantly.
“I’m making perfect sense. I’m done.”
He stares at her like she’s someone he doesn’t know.
“Well, then, I guess next year you won’t need to come.”
“Right.” Her eyes turn glassy. I know what she heard there. You aren’t needed anymore, so you aren’t invited.
It’s almost unbearable standing here and listening to the two of them. I know I have no place in this conversation, and she can handle herself, but man, would I like to insert a few very choice words.
Breaking eye contact, Winston sighs deeply and looks around her house. She’s done so much to this place from when she bought it, she has to be proud. I know I am.
“This house is small,” he says, not caring at all how anything might make her feel.
“What do I need a big house for? It’s just me.”
And that’s when his gaze finds mine again.
“You and him.” He looks me over from head to toe, and I know what I look like at the moment, a farmer. I’ve washed my hands but haven’t showered or changed my clothes. I’m dirty, my shoes are filthy, and I don’t even care. I know who I am.
“And?” I ask.
“Don’t think I didn’t look into you. We knew all about you before you showed up to my parents’ place.”
This doesn’t surprise me. I’m familiar with his type. They’re definitely keeping an eye on her, and from the look she’s giving, she’s realized it, and it’s pissed her off.
“And?” I ask again.
His face transforms as if he’s just had the best idea ever, and he looks back at Goldie.
“I don’t know why I didn’t think about it sooner.”
“Think about what?” she asks warily.
“It’s perfect. It’ll explain why you’re choosing to live here.”
“What will?”
“You’ll marry him.” He points at me. “His family is known in the South, his brother and his father have a ruthless streak that fits in appropriately, and this helps cover up the stain of you leaving your family.”
I chuckle. “Do I get a say in this?” Although I don’t hate the idea, which is surprising to me for a different reason. I would be marrying her for love, not image.
He ignores me and starts pacing the room, and Goldie never glances my way.
“Of course the wedding will be in New York, and he’ll have to take on a more involved role with his family’s company, but we can spin this perfectly. Where the North meets the South and falls in love.”
