I took my normal lecture in the back of the limo.
Don’t talk to anyone, but Jena. Don’t look at anyone, don’t answer questions, and the most important one of all that night. I was in no way allowed to talk to Mr. Callaway alone, and if he asked, I was to tell him that I rather my husband stay. I wondered who Mr. Callaway was. I knew that Drew said that he was his father. I wasn’t sure that I believed that. He called him Mr. Callaway. Why would anyone call their father by Mr.? Even for a fucked up family like that, it seemed off to me. This would be at least a dozen times that I would have the pleasure of being beaten because he insisted, every time that I talk to him in private. Drew never helped. He walked away with his tail between his legs.
Jena never showed, only Derik. He said that she had come down with something and wasn’t feeling well. I really wanted Jena to be there.
I saw Mr. Callaway being pushed around in his wheelchair. Drew looked over and told me not to look at him.
What the fuck?
I turned my gaze away from him. I knew that I was going to be in trouble regardless, so I asked.
“What’s wrong with him, Drew?”
He shot me a death glare. “Don’t ask questions that don’t pertain to you. That’s one,” he warned, holding up one finger. One what, I didn’t know. It could mean anything with him.
My dress had an open back and Drew kept his hand there. It made me sick that he made all of these people think what a wonderful husband he was. He never kissed me unless it was in public around people that he was trying to impress.
Mr. Callaway of course made his way over to me.
I couldn’t figure out what his interest was in me. Why did he always insist that I be pulled to the side with him?
“Leave us Drew,” he boldly stated as soon as he was wheeled by his caretaker to us.
“With all due respect, Mr. Callaway, I would like for Drew to stay,” I tried. I did want him to stay. This guy was just going to ask about my happiness like he cared about my wellbeing.
“Nonsense, leave!” he demanded. Drew walked away. I looked past Mr. Callaway and Drew held up two fingers. I almost rolled my eyes at him, but caught myself, knowing that I would get the third finger.
Mr. Callaway gently took my hand, beckoning me to sit. “You look absolutely gorgeous, as always.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“How are you doing? I missed you last month for our grand opening.”
I had no idea what he was talking about. Drew didn’t tell me things that pertained to his business.
“Drew said you weren’t feeling well. Is everything okay?”
No. You old moron, I am married to a monster. I don’t feel so well at all.
“Yes. I’m fine. Thank you for asking. It was just a little bug,” I lied.
“How is Drew treating you? Everything okay at home?”
What the hell? Who the hell are you, and why do you care?
“Yes, everything is wonderful.”
I had no idea what this guy’s deal was, but for some reason he felt the need to go on and on about his son.
Michael. I mean, I’m not cold hearted or anything. I did have compassion for the guy losing his only son. I just couldn’t understand why he felt the need to tell me, especially with my obstinate husband glaring scalpels at me.
Chapter 10
“What was the party for?” Dawson interrupted when I got silent, thinking about the party.
“I don’t know, some software launch or something,” I lied. I wasn’t about to tell him Drew owned fifteen different jewelry stores throughout the country. It wouldn’t be hard to pinpoint the Callaway name to them now that I had volunteered the old man’s name. It was better that he thought he was some kind of software developer from Indiana. Maybe someday I would tell him, but not yet. I couldn’t take the chance. I knew Dawson would go after him, and probably end up dead.
“Why did he not want you to be alone with this man?”
I shrugged my shoulders. “I don’t know. I still don’t know. I never did figure out what his interest was in me. Drew had told me the first time that I met him that his father was none of my business, but I’m not so sure if the guy was truly his dad.”
“Did you ever meet any of his family?”
“No. I don’t even know if he had family, other than Mr. Callaway.”
“What happened after the party?”
“Let’s go up to the house, and save that for another time,” I tried.
He pulled me toward him causing me to knock over my sand creation with my foot. He kissed the corner of my mouth and then whispered.
“I love you, Riley, and that was a real nice try,” he smiled.
I leaned my back to his side, and he put his arm around me.
“We left almost immediately after Mr. Callaway was wheeled away. Drew didn’t say a word all the way home. He did put his hand out for my rings once again which I without a problem, I handed over to him.”
“Where are you going?” Drew asked once we were inside.
“To change?” I said in a question, asking for permission.