Page 13 of The Fight

“If they’re going to be a part of this family, she needs to follow the same rules. My reputation can’t take a hit. The press is already watching us,” Henry bites, raising his hand to reveal a newspaper I didn’t even notice he was holding.

It’s hard to make out the headline and picture, so I raise my camera and zoom in on it through my lens. Snapping a few quick shots, I lower it, then examine the pictures I took. It’s a picture of the mess I caused at the country club. Table on fire, patrons with screaming faces, and Henry standing to the side with his hand on his head.

“Local and widely known lawyer Henry Cornell announced his engagement to a Saint Bipal newcomer yesterday evening, and it seems their relationship is already on fire!” I cringe at the words and move my eyes down lower. A headshot of my mom with her name inked in italic letters accompanies the piece.

As much as I would like to, there is no denying their relationship anymore. All of Saint Bipal knows by now, I’m sure.

Shay shakes his head. “This is fucking ridiculous.”

“There is no need for the attitude, Shay. It’s not like I’m asking your permission. I am telling you what needs to happen.”

The laugh that bubbles from Shay’s throat is bitter. “Yeah, I noticed. And you didn’t even bother to ask how I felt about it. It’s always about you, isn’t it?”

“Watch your tone,” his dad warns. “I’m still your father, and you will respect me.”

“Respect? You think you deserve my respect? You didn’t respect Mom’s memory. It’s been, what, three years? And now you’re bringing some woman and her daughter into our house like they’re part of the family?”

I flinch at his words. It isn’t like I had a choice in this either…

“Your mother is gone, Shay.” Henry’s voice is lower now, more understanding. “And she isn’t coming back. I’m trying to move on, to build a life again.”

“Build a life again?” Shay laughs. “Yeah… A life they’re going to destroy.” He flicks the paper dangling from Henry’s fingertips, sending it to the floor.

“Goddammit, Shay. I’m trying to do my best here!”

Silence stretches between them, and I feel like an intruder. Like I’m eavesdropping on something private and sacred, but I can’t move.

“Maybe your best isn’t good enough.” Shay finally breaks the silence. “I’m going out.”

My phone buzzes in my pocket and makes me break my stare from the men in front of me. Pulling it out quickly, I hit Answer, then bring it to my ear. By the time I glance back to the window, though, both Henry and Shay are gone.

“Hey. Beach party happening now. You in?” Hannah’s voice pours from the receiver. I already gave her the lowdown on the move earlier today before I abandoned the small home Mom and I were renting, so I’m sure that’s the reason she’s inviting me. She knew I would need to get away.

“Um, sure. I could use a break from this house, but I’m high. Wanna scoop me up?”

“Send me the addy, and I’ll be there!” she squeals, ending the call without a goodbye.

I quickly drop her a pin, then pad inside with my camera in hand to change. As I make it to the top of the stairs, my phone pings, alerting me of a new text. I glance down, sure it’s Hannah letting me know she’s heading this way, but instead, it’s from a number I don’t have saved. Only this time, it’s a Florida area code.

They’re back…

UNKNOWN: Mark my words; I’m coming for you.

A chill runs down my spine as I read it. It’s threatening, sure, but I had been receiving these messages for so long I don’t hold any weight behind the threats anymore. Honestly, I was wondering when I would get them again. Considering the day I’ve had, it’s almost weirdly comforting too. A fucked-up constant in my very fast-changing life.

Shaking my head, I lock my phone and slide it into my pocket, deciding not to give it any more attention. I have enough on my plate already.

Fuck Shay, fuck the random message, and fuck this too big of a house. I’m going out too.

CHAPTER NINE

SHAY

Idon’t know how long I’ve been driving, but even the hum of my Jeep’s engine can’t drown out my dad’s words. He’s basically asking me to keep Blair in check, like she’s just another thing he can shove onto my plate while he plays house with her mom.

I don’t even know where I’m going, but I know I needed to get out. I’m a pro at keeping my anger in check, but my dad has a way of testing me. Hell, we test each other. Mom was the ref between us, keeping the peace and making sure there was always a resolution to any problem. But he just replaced her like she meant nothing.

The town streets blur past as I drive, the wind whipping through the open windows and carrying away some of the knotting tension in my shoulders. I really don’t want to think about my dad or Blair. I just want to clear my head.

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