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CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

GARRET

Jade and I come down the stairs and the first person to greet us is Victoria. I can’t stand the woman. She’s almost as bad as Katherine.

“Garret.” She puts her long skinny fingers on my shoulders and leans in to hug me. Not a real hug, thank God, but a distant hug, which I expect to get a lot of tonight. “My deepest sympathies to you and your family.”

“Thank you, Victoria.” Her perfume is filling the air around me and making me feel like I have to cough. I step back.

She smooths the side of her hair which is pulled back into some type of twisted knot. She probably paid someone hundreds of dollars to style it that way. When I was dating Sadie, she’d pay $200 to $300 to have her hair styled for the ritzy parties she made me go to in DC.

“It’s such a tragedy when death is sudden like that,” Victoria says, referring to my grandfather but also probably to her husband.

“Yes. It is.” It’s eerie that Royce was killed by my father just steps away from where we’re standing and yet Victoria has no idea.

“It’s a shame you couldn’t attend the funeral.” She makes sure to only look at me, like Jade doesn’t exist.

“The timing of it just didn’t work out.” I glance over at Jade. “I believe you’ve met Jade, my wife.”

“Yes, we’ve met.” Her eyes do a quick scan of Jade, then dart back to me.

“Hi,” Jade says, but Victoria pretends not to hear her.

“Thank you for coming, Victoria.” I walk away before I do what I want to do, which is to call her out on her rudeness.

I’m trying to stay calm and get through this night without any drama. Yeah, like that’ll happen. Wishful thinking.

“You okay?” I ask Jade as I lead her down the hall to the kitchen.

“Yes. But let’s try to avoid her the rest of the night.”

Being around Victoria made Jade as nervous as she was around my grandmother. It makes sense. Both of their husbands tried to kill her. Shit. What the hell was I thinking? I shouldn’t have brought Jade here. This is way too stressful for her.

I take her to the kitchen because I know she’ll relax if she sees a friendly face.

“Charles,” I say to get his attention. He’s at the sink, washing a pan. “Someone wanted to see you.”

He turns around and smiles. “Jade. Garret. Welcome home.” He dries his hands on a dishtowel and comes around the island to shake my hand. “Congratulations on the marriage.” He turns to Jade and hugs her. “Is this guy treating you well?”

“Extremely well.” Jade smiles. She loves Charles. “And Garret does all the cooking.”

“Not even close to as good as you could do, Charles, but I try.”

Charles winks at Jade. “I taught him everything he knows. Don’t let him tell you otherwise.”

“I give you credit all the time,” I tell him.

“He does,” Jade agrees. “And he uses your recipes, too. He cooks almost every night.”

Jade takes a seat on one of the stools by the island. So I guess we’re staying a while. She’d stay here all night if I let her.

“I tried cooking, but it didn’t work out so well,” she says. “I ruined Garret’s birthday dinner.”

I stand behind her and rub her shoulders. “You didn’t ruin it.”

“I ruined it,” she says to Charles.

He laughs. “Not everything turns out. That’s just part of cooking.”

Jade points to a tray of cheese-filled tarts that’s sitting on the counter. “Those look really good.”

“They’re all yours.” Charles goes back around the island and slides the tray over to her. “Katherine decided she didn’t like them so I was getting ready to throw them out.”

Jade tastes one. “These are delicious. You can’t throw these out. Garret, try one.”

She hands me one and I taste it. “Yeah, they’re good. Why didn’t Katherine like them?”

“She didn’t like the way they looked on the tray,” Charles says. “It was an appearance issue, not a taste issue.”

“That’s crazy,” Jade says. She doesn’t understand how it works when you’re rich. She grew up with barely enough food to eat, and here my wicked stepmother throws perfectly good food away because it isn’t pretty enough.

I agree it’s a waste, but it’s how I grew up. For years I watched people toss shit aside because it wasn’t pretty enough or good enough or didn’t fit with the rest. And yeah, I’m talking about more than just appetizers.

“Charles, we’re running out of shrimp.” Katherine comes storming into the kitchen. She stops when she sees us. “What are you doing in here, Garret? You need to go out there and mingle with the guests.”

“It’s not a party, Katherine.”

“It is a social gathering and you need to represent the Kensingtons to the best of your ability. And besides that, your father is looking for you.”

“Let’s go.” I help Jade off the stool. “We’ll see you later, Charles.”

“Bye, Charles.” Jade waves at him, then says to Katherine, “Those cheese appetizers are the best. You should try one.”

As we walk back down the hall to the main part of the house, I put my arm around Jade. “Look at you, trying to rile up Katherine.”

“I just think she should serve those appetizers. I’m sure she wasn’t listening. She won’t even talk to me.”

“You’re better off not having her talk to you.”

“Garret, look. Harper’s parents are here.”

I follow Jade’s gaze to the side of the living room where Kiefer is talking to my dad. Kelly is next to him. Kiefer sees us and motions us to come over.

“There you are.” My dad puts his hand on my shoulder. “I was looking for you. In a few minutes I’m going to say a few words about your grandfather and I wanted you to stand up there with me.”

Is he serious? I don’t even want to be here. I can’t believe my dad can even find anything good to say about his father.

My dad is much better than me at putting on an act, pretending to be something he’s not. Tonight he’s playing the role of the grieving son who loved his father and is hosting this event to pay tribute to this wonderful man. Fucking ridiculous. Why not just tell the truth? Tell everyone how he killed my mom and tried to kill Jade. That’s the man he was and that’s how he should be remembered.

“Yeah, okay,” I say, agreeing to stand next to him. But I’m not happy about it. I’m only doing this for my dad.

“Garret, we’re very sorry about your grandfather.” Kelly sounds sincere when she says it. I think she’s a nice person, so I don’t know why she’s going along with her husband’s plan to join the organization. She has to know it’ll destroy her family. It already has. Harper’s not even talking to her parents anymore.

Kiefer gives his condolences as well, then both of them say hello to Jade.

“How is Harper doing?” Jade asks. “Is her shoulder better? I haven’t talked to her for days.”

There goes Jade, stirring up trouble. She keeps hoping she can fix this thing with Harper and Sean, and now she wants to fix Harper’s relationship with her parents. I know she means well, but she can’t keep interfering like this.

“It’s a long recovery for that type of injury,” Kelly says. “But she’s getting better each day.”

“That’s good.” Jade’s eyes keep darting over to Kiefer. He seems uncomfortable. He keeps swishing his liquor around in his glass, the ice cubes clinking against the sides.

“If you’ll excuse us,” my dad says, “I’m going to go say a few words.”

Kiefer nods at him. “Of course. Go ahead.”

My dad’s hand remains on my shoulder as we go and stand by the easel that holds the photo of my grandfather.

My dad lowers his voice and speaks by my ear. “You know how this works. Be serious when I’m serious and smile when I smile.”

“Yeah, I got it.”

“Do you want to say anything?”

I huff. “You’re kidding me, right?”

“We do what we need to do, Garret.”

“Well, I’m not doing that. This is all you.”

“May I have your attention, please?” My dad’s voice quiets the chattering in the room and it becomes silent. “Thank you all for coming. It’s been a very sad and difficult week for myself and my family and we appreciate you taking the time to be with us here tonight as we celebrate my father’s life and his many accomplishments.”

I almost roll my eyes. I actually felt myself starting to but forced myself to stop. My dad rambles on about how great my grandfather was and all the wonderful things he did. I tune it out. I can’t listen to the lies. Instead I peer out at the crowd of people gathered in front of me. I spot Grace and William in the back. Victoria isn’t with them. She’s standing next to a man I recognize from one of the financial news shows I watch. He works on Wall Street but that’s all I know about him. Victoria’s likely trying to assess his worth to decide if she should date him.

Kiefer and Kelly are standing next to Jade. Kiefer is rubbing his chin, then he rubs the rest of his face. Then he takes a swig of his alcohol. And another after that. He’s very fidgety tonight. Not the laid-back, relaxed Kiefer I’m used to.

I scan the rest of the room. I don’t know half of these people. Lilly isn’t around, which is good. She doesn’t need to hear my dad’s speech. It would just make her sadder.

“…and we can take comfort in knowing that he is now in a more peaceful place.” My dad finally stops talking.

I hear Katherine’s voice behind me. I didn’t even know she was there. “Before we continue, Garret would like to say a few words.”

I turn and see the smirk on her face and almost punch her. She knows I don’t want to say anything.

I glance at my dad, who has no expression at all, which is typical for him. Another Kensington rule. Don’t show emotion if it will reflect poorly on the family. Use it only as needed, when it works to your advantage.

“Garret, go ahead,” Katherine says.

Have I said how much I hate Katherine? After this little stunt, I might just have to release one of those videos.

I face the crowd of people. “Although I had hoped to say a few words about my grandfather tonight, the tragedy of his passing is still too fresh in my mind. Therefore I am unable to do so. I’m sure you understand.”

“Of course, son.” My dad nods at me, then turns toward the guests. “Again, I would like to thank everyone for coming. Please continue as you were. We ask that you say your final goodbyes at eight tonight so that we may spend time together as a family.”

Katherine races off to talk to someone before I can yell at her. I wouldn’t anyway. I’m done fighting with her. She’ll be out of my life soon enough.

Everyone goes back to their conversations, the noise level in the room slowly rising.

My dad takes me aside. “Thank you, Garret. I’m sorry about Katherine. I didn’t know she was planning that.”

“It’s Katherine. It’s not that surprising.” I check that no one’s around us, then say, “I need to talk to you about something. It’s important. It can’t wait.”

I should’ve told him this last weekend when I was here, but with everything going on I wasn’t even thinking about it.

My dad lowers his voice. “What is this about?”

“Aston Hanniford.”

He smiles, but only to cover up the fact that we’re talking about something we shouldn’t be. “Smile, Garret.”

I smile, but I’m sure it looks fake.

“I already know about it,” he says. “We’ll discuss it later.”

He walks off and I go over to Jade, who’s talking with Kelly. Kiefer got whisked away by some older man I’ve never seen before. Kelly doesn’t know most of the people here so we stay there and keep her company.

A half hour later I hear some commotion in the foyer. Jade and Kelly are talking and don’t notice.

“I’ll be right back,” I say to Jade.

She nods.

I pass by the other guests, who have now migrated to the appetizer tables and the bar. As I approach the foyer I hear my dad say, “I most certainly did not invite you! You need to leave.”

I go around the corner and see my dad standing there with Roth. The foyer is empty except for the two of them.

“Garret.” Roth saw me. Shit. I was just getting ready to turn around.

“Garret, go upstairs,” my dad orders.

“Pearce, I came to express my condolences,” Roth says. “That would extend to your son as well.” He comes up to me. “I’m sorry for your loss. Your grandfather was an extraordinary man. He’ll be greatly missed.”

I glance at my dad. “As my father said, I need to go upstairs and check on Lilly. I was just heading up there now.”

“Very well, then.” Roth grins. “We’ll be seeing you soon, Garret.”

What the fuck does that mean?

My dad comes up behind Roth and grabs his arm. “In my office! Now!”

They go in my dad’s office and he slams the door.

I can’t believe my dad just talked to Roth that way. And grabbed his arm. Roth could have my dad killed for that. He could be dead tomorrow. Shit!

I turn around and see Jade coming toward me. She whispers in my ear, “I want to talk to Grace, so we’re going in one of the rooms down the hall so Victoria won’t bother us.”

“Yeah. Okay.” I’d go with her but I need to keep an eye on Roth and my dad.

When she’s gone, I approach the door to my dad’s office. I hear loud talking but I can’t make out the words.

I feel a hand on my shoulder and turn around and see Kiefer standing there.

“Garret, I need to speak with you when we’re back in California. What’s your schedule?”

He reeks of hard liquor and I back away. “Are you drunk?”

“No. Of course not.” He takes off his glasses and rubs his eyes. He’s drunk, but also seems anxious and tense.

“What’s wrong with you?”

He looks side to side, checking to make sure we’re alone. “Just say you’ll meet with me when we get back. I’ll make a trip up to see you.”

“Um, yeah, okay.” I agree to it just to get him to go away. “You have my number. Just call me and let me know when you’re coming.”

“Good. Very good.” He puts his glasses on and walks away.

What the hell was that about? And why was he acting so strange?

“Garret.” Lilly runs down the stairs. “Can we watch a movie now?”

I glance at my dad’s office. “It’s not a good time right now. Maybe later.”

“Please.” She grabs my hand. “You promised.”

“I know, but I can’t right now. I’m busy.”

She lets go of my hand and her head drops down as she turns back toward the stairs. I see her shoulders creep up, then down, like she’s crying. Dammit. Why is everything happening at once? First my dad and Roth, then Kiefer, now Lilly.

“Lilly, wait.” I meet her halfway up the stairs.

“It’s okay. You’re busy.” She wipes her tears with her tiny hand and I feel like the worst brother in the world.

“I didn’t mean that. I’m not busy. Come on.” I walk her up the rest of the stairs and to her room. “I’ll start the movie but I can’t watch all of it right now. I have to go downstairs and talk to people, but when I’m done I’ll come back, okay?”

She nods.

“What movie should we watch?” I’m standing in front of her TV. Below it is a white basket filled with movies, all of which have pink boxes. Princess cartoons.

“You pick,” she says.

I grab one from the middle. It has a princess and a snowman on it. Good enough. I put it in the machine and turn the TV on.

“I got your spot ready.” Lilly has pillows lined up against the headboard, the same way I used to arrange them whenever I’d watch TV in her room. Her headboard is made of wood and has a design carved in it that digs into your back when you lean on it, so I always had to pile up pillows behind me.

“I can only watch for a few minutes.” I sit next to her as the movie starts.

She leans against my shoulder, holding her stuffed panda bear in her arms.

“Garret?”

“What?”

“Is Daddy going to die?”

“What? No. He’s not going to die.”

Actually, he might if Roth kills him, which could happen if I don’t get them away from each other, or at least get my dad to calm down.

“Grandma said everyone dies.” Lilly pets her panda bear as she says it.

“Usually just when they’re old. Dad’s not old.”

“Grandma’s old. Is she going to die?”

Seriously? She has to ask these questions now ? I don’t have time to explain death to her. And I shouldn’t be doing it at all. Her parents need to do that, not me.

“Lilly, you need to talk to Dad about this. Let’s just watch the movie.”

“I can’t talk to Dad. I can only talk to you.” She looks up at me with her teary blue eyes. “Why do people have to die?”

Shit. I can’t explain this to her. I don’t even have the answers. What do I know about death?

I don’t have time for this. I need to get downstairs.