Page 2 of Kyle
"I'm not." She stated flatly and decided that it was time to nip the self-pity in the bud. "You're who you are, and I love you. Come to the damn meeting and stand up to him. He'll respect you all the more for it."
A smile played around his lips. She was also one not to pull her punches. "You really have no idea what this is about?"
"None." She assured him but could not help the feeling that it was something major.
"It must have something to do with the company."
"Which doesn't make sense. I'm not part of the company." He pointed out reasonably. "I'm a cop and will remain one till the day I die."
"You're still a Ryder."
"Much to Gramps' distress." He shook his head when she gave him a look. "I'll be there. And I promise to keep my mouth shut, no matter what."
She nodded, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. The weight of family expectations pressed down on both of them,an invisible force that shaped so many of their choices. For a moment, silence hung between them, heavy with memories and unspoken words.
Ingrid glanced around the room, searching for something comforting, a reminder that, despite everything, they still had each other. "We'll get through it," she said quietly, her voice steadier than she felt. "Whatever he throws at us, we'll handle it together."
*****
Ingrid almost turned back twice on her way to the next stop. Jeremiah Ryder lived a few blocks away in another of their apartment buildings that was complete with all the amenities one could hope for in such a place. 'Ryder's Plush Living' had been created and designed by the best architects money could afford and was home to movie stars, up and coming executives, lawyers, doctors and politicians. It was located in the uptown area and surrounded by the theater and the latest Colby's gallery.
Trendy restaurants, including a brand-new Italian and French eateries and Kelly Takahashi's fine dining, were within easy reach, and that had been deliberate.
The buildings swept upwards gracefully, a perfect backdrop for the often-icy blue sky. Nodding to security, she drove inside the pebbled driveway, taking time to admire the lush green palm trees waving in the November breeze. Water sprinkled and poured clear as crystal into an urn, adding to the atmosphere. The housing development was aristocratic, like a graceful old duchess aging well, which she supposed was appropriate, since it had once been a mansion owned by an actual duchess.
A valet rushed forward to take her key fob as she exited the vehicle. Smiling at the familiar face, she took the time to have a conversation.
"Ms. Ingrid." The weathered black face creased in a pleased smile, dark brown eyes gleaming. "It's wonderful to see you."
"Jennings. Nice to see you too. How's Mary and the kids?"
The man's smile widened, and he could not help but think that here was a classy woman, not like her mother, who had never taken the time to learn their names. Ingrid Ryder was one of a kind, not uppity like most people with her kind of money and influence. No matter how busy she was, she always found the time to chat, and it was not just polite conversations. She genuinely meant every word.
"She's off today with the flu."
A concerned look touched her face. "I hope she's drinking lots of fluid. Let her know I'm praying for her speedy recovery."
He beamed at her. "I certainly will, Ms. Ingrid. Thank you."
With a nod, she approached the glass doors that opened to the gleaming foyer.
She paused for a moment, taking in the subtle perfume of fresh-cut flowers that filled the lobby. The gentle hum of conversation and the soft shuffle of footsteps on marble created a welcoming backdrop, reminding Ingrid of how much the building had become a refuge for its residents as well as herself. Each detail, from the art on the walls to the polished brass fixtures, spoke of both luxury and lived-in comfort, a blend she had always admired.
It was a matter of pride for her because she had been involved with the place from the inception, and it was at full capacity.
The concierge at the front desk greeted her with a polished smile as she made her way to the bank of elevators and pressed the button leading to the penthouse suite. Firming her lips, she cleared her mind, determined to make it as pleasant and as painless as possible. Her grandfather had tasked her to alert the family and prepare them for the meeting.
It did not matter that she wanted to be anywhere else. She had a lot on her plate but had hidden her resentment at being ordered to carry out this duty. When William Ryder spoke, it was always natural to obey.
And both her brother and dad needed a personal visit.
The front desk had alerted him that she was on her way up, and he was standing just inside the open doorway, a welcoming smile on his face. Jeremiah Ryder was handsome and charming, two things she suspected had caught her mother's attention. His caramel complexion was smooth. His nose slightly crooked, giving him a dashing piratical look that added to his appearance. He was also weak and lazy.
He was her father, but she had resigned herself to his faults years ago.
Still, she couldn't deny that he had a warmth about him that drew people in, a kind of effortless charm that made it hard to stay angry. Ingrid braced herself for the familiar mix of affection and exasperation she always felt in his presence, trying to remember that despite their differences, family was family, flawed, complicated, and somehow still worth the effort.
His smile came, and she felt love wash over her in waves. Whatever his faults, and she could see the brightness of hisliquid brown eyes was partly due to chemicals, something that tore at her constantly. But whatever his faults, she would take him any day over her mother, which left her thinking how messed up they were.
