Page 55 of A Vintage of Regret
“Don’t let her get to you.” Grant’s tone carried both affection and brotherly concern.
Elizabeth approached with her usual regal disdain, Parker one step behind her, sporting a half smile, which made Bryson feel bad for the man. Not just because of the cancer, but because he always seemed to do whatever Elizabeth wanted. As if “yes, dear” was the only response he was allowed to give.
Something Bryson never quite understood.
“Well, this is certainly unexpected,” Elizabeth said, her gaze traveling from Riley’s dress to Bryson’s arm. “I’m shocked to see you here. And with him.” She gave Bryson the once over, her gaze filled with disgust. “Your father died while working?—”
“Hello, Mother,” Riley said, her voice even, but she wasn’t sure her tone could be considered polite. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t go slinging accusations like they're appetizers. No one in Bryson’s family did anything wrong.”
“Guess we’ll find out for sure since you pushed the autopsy, which is probably a good thing. I’m sure Bryson worked your dad to the bone.” Elizabeth’s gaze slithered up and down Riley. “You look… like someone else’s idea of appropriate.” Elizabeth stuck her nose in the air. “That dress doesn’t quite hang on you properly. A little tight in the waist. A little too big in the bust. You always did have an odd-shaped body.”
Fury surged through Bryson as he watched Elizabeth systematically tear Riley apart. This was psychological warfare, designed to make Riley feel small and unwelcome. He'd forgotten that Elizabeth could wield cruelty like a scalpel, cutting with surgical precision.“She looks perfect. Beautiful.”
Elizabeth’s mouth thinned. “So, we’re visiting old ghosts, Bryson? Because that’s all she is. She’ll vanish in the light of day. She always does. And like usual, she’ll take something that doesn’t belong to her.” Elizabeth lowered her chin. “You’re lucky Parker talked me out of calling the police. I wonder what the statute of limitations is for theft.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Riley asked through her clenched jaw.
“Why, my favorite diamond earrings, child. They went missing the day you left all those years ago.”
Parker cleared his throat. “I think it’s best if we take a walk around the room, dear.”
Elizabeth turned on her heel, retreating toward the champagne like a queen returning to her throne.
“What on earth is she talking about?” Riley asked, staring at Grant.
“I honestly don’t know.” Grant glanced over his shoulder. “That’s the first time I’m hearing this.”
“She mentioned it to me,” Erin said. “Also told me that her favorite crystal figure went missing the day Riley came over for funeral planning.”
“Excuse me?” Riley blinked. “Why didn’t you tell me that the other day?”
“I’m sorry,” Erin murmured. “I don’t believe her,” she rushed to say. “I’m sure she either misplaced them, or she’s lying about it. She has a bizarre relationship with the truth and likes to attack when she’s hurt.”
“That’s a cruel thing to do,” Bryson said
Grant glanced toward his wife. “Not the first time Mom’s accused Riley of something like that.”
The old familiar anger rose from Riley’s toes and snaked a path through her system. “I never stole money from?—”
“Relax, Riley.” Grant waved his hand. “I believe you.”
“Seriously?” Riley’s voice rose in obvious frustration. “Because you’ve always taken her side when it comes to that summer fundraiser.”
“I was a kid. I didn’t want to believe what you were saying about Mom and Parker.” Grant rubbed the back of his neck with a shaky hand. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I alsoweirdly understood Mom. While she always acted like she was better than, she never felt good enough—not for this town. But I can’t begin to fathom her behavior toward you since you’ve come home. But she’s being more repugnant than usual.”
Bryson wanted to add how Grant wasn’t behaving completely like himself but decided to keep his mouth closed. Sandy was still reviewing those documents and speaking with some of the committee members. Bryson was walking a fine line and didn’t want to trip up.
“We'd better go mingle, sweetheart.” Grant took Kelly’s hand. “I’ll see you later.” He turned and headed toward a group of people from his business.
“I better get back to my husband before he gets upset.” Erin smiled weakly.
Riley took her hand and squeezed. “Let’s talk tomorrow.”
Bryson sighed. Every family had its drama, but this one had way too much, and he was pretty sure there was about to be a whole lot more. “Still time to turn around and leave,” he offered. He honestly didn’t want to be at this damn party. While he was friendly with many townspeople, being around Monica and her family wouldn’t be a cake walk. If he managed not to stick his foot in his mouth, it would be a fucking miracle.
“No way.” Her gaze shifted toward Monica. “I know that makes me look like a catty person, but she started it the other day at the tasting room.”
“You’re not catty. You’re simply letting her know that she can’t rattle you, and I’m all for that.” He pressed his hand against the small of her back and guided her through the crowd. They settled near the silent auction table. One of the waitstaff strolled by with a tray of red and white wines. He lifted two glasses of red and handed one to Riley. “Here she comes. Kick me if I start saying something too rude.”
