Page 75 of Give My Everything
To say I’m surprised is an understatement, and when I catch Ben’s eyes over his mother’s shoulder, I realize he’s just as surprised as I am, the shock on his face standing out starkly.
But he wipes it away as quickly as it appeared.
Vivian pulls back, her hands still holding me by my shoulders.
I expect her to say something, but she doesn’t. She just squeezes my arms and then steps backward, grabbing a flute of champagne off a passing tray without even looking at it.
Her eyes find Ben’s. “Does anyone else know?”
There’s an extended pause before Ben responds. “Just Wyatt.”
Vivian nods, taking a sip of her drink, her eyes shifting to watch the room once more.
“I am truly happy for both of you,” she finally says. “Truly.” Then she leans forward just a little bit and looks me right in the face. “Good luck with everything coming your way. In this family, you’re going to need it.”
Her words make something curdle inside my stomach. Whatever happiness and buoyancy I was feeling a moment ago at the emotion she allowed me to see is now gone.
I look to Ben for direction and see that his face doesn’t look any different.
He isn’t concerned, I realize.
This isn’t a weird or strange or crazy interaction.
I slip my hand back into his, giving it a squeeze, hoping to tug him away and talk to him for a minute so I can get my bearings.
What does that mean?In this family, you’re going to need it.
But before I can give him any indication that I’d like a moment just the two of us, I feel his entire body tense and shift even though his expression fades into something jovial and easygoing.
I turn slightly and find Ben’s father approaching, a young woman with plumped lips and a bitchy expression glued to his side.
When he’s finally in front of us, his deep voice raises every hair on my neck and shoulders.
“Well, if it isn’t the prodigal son.”
CHAPTER13
BEN
I knew he’d be here.
I was banking on it. Hoping for it.
For this opportunity to finally begin.
I can feel Remmy shift uncomfortably next to me, but I’m not as aware of her as I was a few minutes ago.
That’s how things normally feel when she’s around, almost like I have a direct connection to her emotions and feelings and moods.
My father’s presence, though, changes all of that.
Now, all I can focus on is him. Standing in front of me.
With Krissa Bilson on his arm.
I don’t know why I’m surprised to see her here with him. Logically, I know they’re married, know she goes with him to society events and public spaces.
But I’ve been meticulously avoiding any place where she might be, so her presence is a surprise.
