Page 85 of Always Us

Garret just told me we’re going to see his family on Friday and I’m already getting nervous. I’m sure Garret was just being nice when he said his grandmother invited me. She wasn’t exactly friendly the last time I saw her, so I’m guessing she doesn’t want me at the memorial service.

What if people from the organization are there? I don’t want to be anywhere near those people. I wish we could skip the memorial on Friday and just go to Garret’s house for the weekend and spend time with Lilly and Pearce. But Garret promised his grandmother we’d go. At least Grace will be there. And William. I feel a little better knowing that.

I’m dreading seeing Katherine. She always makes me uncomfortable, but now that I know she killed Holton I’ll be even more nervous around her. I can’t believe she just gets away with murder. Well, I guess she’ll be punished, but not by the actual justice system. She won’t have to spend her life in prison, like any other murderer would.

Then again, Katherine wasn’t alone in killing Holton. Pearce and William also played a role and they aren’t being punished either. Not that I’d want them to be. Holton deserved to die. I know I shouldn’t say that and I never would out loud, but I still think it.

This is so crazy. The three people who killed Holton will be at his memorial service. And nobody knows that except Garret and me.

I’m still at the coffee shop, but Garret left for class. I call Grace because she left a message and I haven’t had a chance to return her call until now.

“Hi, Grace.”

“Jade, how is Garret doing?”

“He’s okay. He got back yesterday and finally got some sleep. This morning his grandmother called and asked us to come out there on Friday for a memorial they’re doing at the house. She said you’ll be there.”

“Yes. I’m staying with William so we’ll be arriving together. Meredith is out of the country and won’t be able to attend. Victoria will be there, but not the girls.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re coming. It’ll be good to see you again.”

“Jade, remember that we have to pretend we’re not related. People there don’t know you’re a Sinclair.”

“Yeah, that’s right.” I know that, and yet it hadn’t occurred to me until now.

“Be especially careful around Victoria. She’ll be keeping an eye on you and she’ll probably ask you and Garret some questions.”

“Why is she so interested in us?”

“She knows Pearce has been checking in on me after Arlin died and she knows I attended your wedding. She’s been asking me why I’m spending so much time with the Kensingtons. I explained that we’ve been friends with them for years, and she knows that, but that didn’t seem to appease her. She’s a very nosy, gossipy woman, much like Katherine.”

I smile. I like that Grace hates Katherine almost as much as I do.

“I’m sure she won’t be friendly to you,” Grace continues. “Victoria always wanted Garret to be with Sadie, so she’s not happy he ended up with you. She’s not at all fond of Evan, although she approves of his relationship with Sadie, knowing what’s in store for him. She just wishes it had been Garret instead.”

“Why doesn’t she like Evan?’

“He drinks heavily, uses drugs, has multiple girls on the side.” Grace sighs. “And yet Sadie still chooses to be with him. It’s sad that she feels she needs to do this, but it’s her life. Jade, I didn’t realize it was so late. I have an appointment I need to leave for. Could we talk tomorrow?”

I smile. “I call you every day, Grace.”

“Yes, I know, honey. It’s very sweet of you. We’ll talk soon.”

As I’m hanging up, Harper calls.

“Hi, Harper.”

“Hey, I heard about Holton. How’s Garret?”

“He’s okay.”

I’m not going to tell her Garret was just out there with him. That would just lead to questions.

“When are you leaving for the funeral?”

“We’re not going. Garret doesn’t want to.”

“He has to go. It’s his grandfather.”

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