Page 38 of Marrying the Gardener
Dad.
I…must’ve missed that development.
My father is letting Kaleb call himDadnow.
That’s…wonderful. Good. Great. Fantastic. Everything is progressing smoothly.
My grandfather eyes my feeble advance and chuckles. “You’re planning to keep her barefoot and in the kitchen, eh?”
“Please, sir,” Kaleb says, nearly affronted. “We havepeoplefor the kitchen… I’ll keep her barefoot and in the bedroom. Where a lady of her exalted status belongs.”
Smiling becomes progressively more difficult, but I am strong. Because Iama lady of good status. And I belong at the head of meeting tables, in penthouse offices, on private jets…not out here, pandering.
When my grandfather tosses Kaleb the keys to the golf cart and tells him to drive, my thoughts stall. I’ve been sitting next to Kaleb in the back row this whole time. But now my grandfather’s sliding in next to him in the front. Am I supposed to sit in the back with my father? I don’t really want to—
The cart pulls forward without me in it, and my heart plummets as the men drive away, up the green, leaving me behind, startled, inheels, at least a mile away from the clubhouse.
Dread wells. Sickness surfaces.
The chorus of dimming laughter grows closer after the cart turns around, heading back for me. “Oops,” Kaleb goads, coming to a stop at my side. “Come on, Crimson. You’re supposed to beinthe cart.”
I force a laugh, slide in beside my father and plant my hands on my hips, petulant. “So mean! I thought you were leaving me.”
“And have no one to kiss in between rounds? Don’t be stupid.” Leaning over the chair, Kaleb squishes my cheek like I’m a child, and my family eats it up. “I’m teasing you. You know I’m teasing you. Honestly,” he pats my cheek and facesforward, “I’m glad you didn’t stay back with the other women. You’re a good girl, raised well. I don’t need to worry about you overspending on frivolous things when you’d rather be here with me.”
My father runs a hand down his beard and spares me half a modicum of interest. “It’s true. Crimson behaves well and always has. I raised her to know better than to waste her time and energy gossiping over expensive mixed drinks.”
“You did an immaculate job, Dad. Thanks to you, she’s the best woman I’ve ever met.” Kaleb starts toward the next hole while my father grants me the only approving nod I have ever received from him in my life.
Because I’m obedient.
And know better than to spend time with other women when I could be praising a man.
Because I don’t cause problems.
Because I outgrew my feelings.
Because I’m agood girl.
I want to scream.
But since I’msucha good girl, I refrain.
?
It is not helpful how badly I want to punch Kaleb tonight during our designatedokay, let’s wind down after the day andnotwant to punch Kalebtime. My fists haven’t unballed themselves since the bedroom door closed behind us. Through gritted teeth, I say, “You didgreattoday.”
“Crimson—”
“Really, reallygreat,” I hiss. “Fabulously, even. My grandfather likes you. Already. Driving off without me?” I bark a laugh. “Comedy gold!” I rake in a breath, let it whistle from my nose. “And sneaking in how I’m not going to waste any money you inherit like theotherwives would? Brilliant.” I havefound my way to my vanity. I have opened the drawer. I have removed the kitchen knife I use to wing my liner. “I think I’m starting to like it.” I turn on my heel and brandish the blade as I sneer. “Being yourgood girl. Not having tothink. You answer everything for me sobeautifully, it’s a wonder I even need a tongue. Oh wait.” I stalk toward him. “I remember why I need it. Come here, baby. We’re in the bedroom where I belong. I think I’d like to do what women do best.”
Which is, of course, homicide without getting caught.
Taking a sharp turn away from Kaleb, I march to my bed and begin stabbing my pillow. “Die, die, die, die,die!” Tears are running eyeliner down my face before the feathers from my pillow have a chance to settle around me. Heavy breaths pour through my body aswordsandcommentsI’ve been subjected to my entire life replay in my head.
I am helpless.
And Kaleb is sogoodat this game. I barely need to be a player in it. I thought I’d have more to do, more to control, more to…something. But I’m just standing around and taking abuse. It’s no different than what my entire life up to this point has been.
