Page 43 of Beyond Expectations

I went to respond, but there was a cold, almost sad look in my mother’s eyes. I’d never seen that look on her face, so I dropped it for now.

I didn’t know what felt more uncomfortable, the almost three-hour drive with Verity or how much she saw Verity as one of the family.

We went inside and found everyone else waiting for us in the lounge. On the large Chesterfield sat my younger sisters, Heather and Kara, and next to Kara, her husband, Austin. Their son, Kai, ran out from behind the couch.

As he collided with me, I grabbed him and threw him high up into the air, which made him squeal with delight, but Kara always complained.

“I see you finally decided to show your face.”

Even though Kara was younger than me, she always acted like the older one, forever talking down to me.

“And it’s good to see you too, sis.”

I kissed my nephew on the cheek, said my hellos to Austin, and handed him Kai.

Leaning down, I kissed Heather on the cheek as well. She barely acknowledged me as she continued debating my father about the merits of free college funding. A conversation that sounded like it had been going on for quite some time. I made my way over to the bar and greeted my father.

Only then did I notice two figures seated on the bar stools. One was my brother, and the other was his date. We made eye contact at the exact moment, and it took me a second to realize where I had seen her before. It was Serena’s friend. Oh fuck. And with how she looked at me now, I could tell she’s spoken to Serena.

I greeted Julian, and to my surprise, he stood and properly introduced us.

“Rhett, this is Ruby Tanner. Ruby, this is my brother Rhett.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ruby. I do believe I was at The Mount on your birthday. I hope you had a good evening?”

Her eyes were profoundly assessing, and for a moment, I wondered whether she would shake my hand or simply leave me looking a fool.

Luckily for me, she shook my hand. And despite her small size, her grip was firm as she dug her nails in.

“Yes, how could I forget? You were looking after my best friend, Serena.”

Her intelligent eyes bore right through me. She didn’t need to say anything. I knew exactly what she meant.

I glanced over my shoulder to see Verity’s reaction and could see she was about to say something, but for once, she read my facial expression and stayed silent. Now was my opportunity to tell Ruby the truth about Verity. Still, before I could, the housekeeper alerted us that dinner was ready, and my father walked over to say hello.

“Come on, son,” he said, patting my shoulder, and I followed him into the dining room.

Could this day get any worse? There was still no word from Charlotte on retrieving Serena’s number. And now I had to endure this unnecessary family meal with Verity and Serena’s best friend present. I didn’t want to think about the version of this evening Ruby would portray to Serena. I needed to speak to her.

My mother always had to make a song and dance at family dinners. It couldn’t just be one dish we all tuck into, share, and enjoy with our family. Instead, it was a four-course meal cooked by their private chef.

The food was delicious, but I couldn’t appreciate it. Not with Verity beside me, constantly flirting and trying to reminisce and dredge up family stories. And on the other side of the table, I had Ruby silently watching my every word and movement, not even trying to disguise her disdain for me. Her coldness seemed to spur Julian on more, and he lapped it up.

My phone vibrated in my pocket, and as I looked at the message, I saw Charlotte had managed to obtain Serena’s number. I needed to call her. Now.

“I’m sorry, but I’ve got to go; something important has come up. Thanks for a lovely dinner.”

I went to get up and leave when my mother shouted, “Rhett, sit down!”

“Excuse me?” I queried, my brow raised at her unexpected outburst.

“Rhett, please, we don’t want to do this during dinner. Please wait until we are all finished and talked, then you can make your way. I’m sure whatever it is can wait.”

“Mother, I’m afraid this cannot. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

The sound of her slamming the table with her closed fist brought everyone to a stop.

“Your father is dying! Is that important enough for you to hold out on whatever is causing you to rush off?”

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