Page 23 of Spiteful Lies

“I talked to them,” he says, “Come back to the table.”

I shake my head. “Don’t think I’m afraid. I mean, I am afraid, but not of them. I can’t screw this up for Dr. Rawlins. If it comes out that it was me, I’m going to need her not to hate me. And today, she seems okay with me. I can’t screw this up.”

His fingers close around mine. “Astrid, my parents are demanding, but they will come around. But you’ll have to spend time with them for that to happen. I spoke to them, and they’re on best behavior.”

I smirk. “Really?”

“Come on.”

It is obviously not okay as Mr. Shelton’s scowl deepens when I reappear at the table holding his son’s hand. Lia even looks surprised, and maybe I should have played it cool, sticking my hands deep into my blazer pockets and gripping onto the scratchy wool. I sit beside Bryce again and tone down the PDA as Rawlins approaches the table. She greets each parent warmly, shaking hands and smiling as she moves from person to person before stopping in front of Mr. Shelton.

“Harlan, thank you for coming.” They exchange chaste air kisses. “Once again, Stonehaven appreciates your support.”

“Marianne, Stonehaven is home to my family and me. I’m alarmed that this scandal has cast an ugly shadow across your pristine reputation.”

Rawlins looks shocked by his comment but recovers quickly. “You are kind, and Bryce has carried on your tradition beautifully.”

“I wish he would carry on all my traditions.” He reaches out and grasps his wife’s hand. “I met my lovely wife Elisa here. I had hoped Bryce would have had the same good fortune.”

For a moment, Rawlins freezes, aware that I’m sitting beside Bryce. “Yes, it’s unfortunate that Charlotte’s plans have changed. But with her father being ill, her focus is elsewhere.”

“It’s thoughtful of her sister to fill a void at the school,” adds Mr. Vanderbilt. “But let’s hope our boys find something else a bit more enduring for our legacies before they leave.”

Speechless, Dr. Rawlins glances over at me, and I stare back at her. She squares her shoulders. “All the students at Stonehaven are high achievers who maintain the standards of the school. For example, Ms. Howland is a straight-A student and track star. I look forward to her competing in the spring.” She clears her throat. “And I wish you luck, my dear.” She moves on quickly to another next table.

“Well, an A student and a track star,” replies Mrs. Shelton to Rawlins’ quickly retreating back, “I guess we should consider ourselves lucky.”

Mr. Vanderbilt nudges Pierce’s arm hard. “I thought you were dating her?”

Lia watches the discussion brewing with alert eyes. She doesn’t say a word to Wyatt, who scowls at everyone at the table.

“I am dating her,” says Pierce, “but we don’t have an understanding yet.”

“An understanding?” Mr. Vanderbilt scoffs. “Let me tell you how I understand it. Some women string men like us along to see what they can collect. She’ll pick the one that gives her the most stuff. Ask your mother if I’m not telling the truth.”

“Don’t talk like that, Dad,” The bully Pierce resurfaces as he narrows his eyes on his father. His father smirks at Pierce’s challenging behavior and turns away to face the front of the room.

But not everyone turns away as Mrs. Shelton stares directly at me with a sour look on her face. I’m caught in her harsh gaze, and I can’t look away as Rawlins is stepping onto the makeshift platform in front of the stained glass window lit from behind. Bryce leans over and nudges his mom, but she swats his hand away.

“We have to discuss this later,” she whispers, but I can hear her. “Your first choice was less than ideal, but this one is worse. She will ruin you. Let her ruin someone else’s son. It seems she has a pick.”

“None of that is true,” replies Bryce in a harsh whisper, “You’ve just met her, and you’re passing judgment? Try not treating her like the help, and you might see her as an equal.”

Mr. Shelton scoffs. Though his back is turned toward the table, he’s heard every word of the whispered conversation. “Your mother is right about this one, Bryce. Congratulations on dumping the first one, but this one is no improvement.”

Bryce hisses, “Leave her alone. I’m warning you.”

“When did you take over? Don’t threaten me. If anything, I’m tired of waiting for you to prove yourself. I have a bad feeling that you’ll be the generation that loses it all, and that girl is the proof. Where did Howland find her? The gutter? Well, I say send her back without my money.”

Bryce’s voice rises as Rawlins glances over, stumbling over her carefully rehearsed introduction. “Enough,” Bryce says in a loud whisper, “Stop, because this time I do mean it.”

I can’t watch any more of this, and the longer I stay, the more my presence will fuel it. Quietly, I stand and move quickly toward the wall. I hurry away, but their voices follow me as they increase in volume, interrupting Rawlins’ speech.

“Bryce, sit down now and let her go. Or I will cut you off.”

“Go ahead. I won’t do as you say after I graduate. We’re done.” Bryce moves away from the table, heading toward me. I don’t want this to happen and continue moving toward the employee-only door. They won’t stop me from entering the kitchen. I slip inside, but Mr. Shelton’s voice carries into the kitchen as he ruins Dr. Rawlins’ goodwill speech.

“You’ve made another bad choice, but this time you are going to live with it.”

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