Page 97 of Escaping Our Reality

“Yeah, Holt told me you had a guy. Nice to finally meet you.” Ridge furrows his brow. “For some reason, I thought your name was something different.”

“You can call me Crutch. Everyone does. It’s a pleasure to meet you too. And the food looks great. Please give my compliments to your dad.”

A soft whistle travels through the dining room. “That’s my cue. I’ll see you guys later.”

Ridge heads back into the kitchen, leaving Ry confused.

“Their whole family does it. It started when the boys were little and Ridge would be over playing in the backyard with Holt. His dad hated to always scream for Ridge to come home so he started whistling. They do it now for everything. If they’re in the store and can’t find one another, they just walk through the aisles whistling.”

“Hmm. Effective.”

I tug on his shirt. “I’m starving. Let’s get some food.”

We’re filling our plates when Ry knocks me with his elbow. “What’s that?” He nods to the wall above the antique sideboard.

“I have no idea.” It’s obviously a framed portrait. A huge framed portrait. But it’s covered in black velvet; you can’t see what’s underneath. “I guess a portrait based on the size.”

“Like a family portrait?”

“Not a family portrait. Unless they photoshopped me in. Maybe it’s dear old Mom and Dad. Riding white stallions, down streets of gold.”

He chuckles. “Could be worth something one day. Like a Monet, maybe.”

After we eat, we escape out to the pool. Most people from outside have made their way back inside for booze or food, and it gives us a little breathing room. It’s also here that we see my father, whispering in a corner next to the waterfall with Addison. She’s not very happy. She’s probably upset that some of his other sexual conquests are here.

I guess that’s the recurring theme for the day.

Except I don’t see my mom and dad fighting for one another the way Ry and I always do. We will always fight to make it back to each other.

Ry clears his throat, making our presence known. Dad and Addison quickly change their behavior, trying to appear nothing more than professional. They should really take cues from Mom. She’s a much better actor than either of them. Smiling, Addisoncircles around us, nodding and giving me a quick compliment on my dress.

“There’s my darling daughter.” He leans in, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek. “Addison was just telling me about some surgery additions for the upcoming week.” He holds his hands up in the air, wiggling his fingers. “Everybody needs the good doctor.” He laughs at his own joke.

Neither of us laugh with him. “Dad, I’d like for you to meet Ryland Crutchfield. Ryland, this is my father, Robert Hill.”

Dad tsks me, quickly making the needed correction. “Dr. Robert Hill. Nice to meet you.”

Ry politely shakes my father’s hand. I watch as the muscle in his jaw twitches. “Pleasure is all mine, sir.”

“So, what year did you graduate North and Camden? Are you related to Andrew Crutchfield who owns the newspaper?”

“No, Dad. Ryland is my boyfriend. Remember?”

“The mechanic.” The shock makes his voice falter off key. He sounds like a screeching girl.

Good to see my father is filtering his comments for my benefit. I nervously fiddle with the side of my dress. Without looking, Ry reaches over and grabs my twittering fingers, wrapping them in his firm grasp. My father glances down, watching in stunned silence as we hold hands.

“Yes, sir. I work at Harlan’s Garage and Automotive. If you ever need any work done, we’re the best in the county. I’m also about to graduate from the community college.”

My dad sniffles. “That’s right, community college. And what are your plans after that? Ella will be attending the University of Virginia.”

Ry glances at me, smiling. “Yes, I’ve seen some of her drawings. You should be very proud. I’m not sure what my plans are yet, sir. However, I have a feeling a lot of weekend road trips to Virginia will be in my future.”

Not only does that statement warm my heart, but it makes my dad shit a golden brick. Which I totally love.

One of these days I’m gonna have to break down and tell Ry—and my dad— that my plans have recently changed.

“Robert! Susan is looking for you.” Phillip, Kristie’s dad, joins us, his signature tumbler of whiskey in his hand. After my father excuses himself, I introduce Phillip and Ry.

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