Page 51 of Kayla's List
Bethany has been extremely short with everyone lately. I know that she works hard, so I haven’t said anything.
“That’s why I’m reminding you that you’renotworking right now. I have noticed how hard you work. Brady and I both notice. We appreciate your drive and everything that you do.” I’m not a complete asshole, and Bethany does work hard. But Brady and I could probably tell our employees more how much we appreciate them.
“Thanks, Anderson. I really appreciate you saying that.” Bethany looks up at me with twinkling eyes and blush covering her pale skin.
Bethany looks nothing like Kayla. In fact, she’s her complete opposite. But at that moment, her blushing at just the smallest compliment reminds me of Kay. I begin to frown again because I want to call her, but I’ve been restraining myself.
Brady told me to give Kay a minute and some space. I tried calling her, but it had gone straight to voicemail, and I was too big of a coward to leave a message. Then days had gone by, and she didn’t reach out, so I text her, and again I didn’t get a response.
I don’t want to crowd her or become a crazed stalker. She wants her space, and I want to give her whatever she wants. But I miss her. I miss my doll face.
When I look up, it’s like she stepped out of my thoughts and into the room. Kayla is standing by the bar with a burnt orange gown adorning her lovely body. The fall color complements both her skin and the theme of the party.
When our eyes lock, I smile a real smile for the first time in a week.
* * *
I movetoward Kay with determination, but before I can reach her, she turns and walks in the opposite direction. I frown, but before I can follow her, my grandmother steps into my path. I sigh, but I manage to place a smile on my face.
“Grandmother, are you enjoying yourself?” I question politely. My grandmother is a spitfire of a woman, and she’s never agreed with my father, her youngest son’s treatment of me.
“I’m fine, dear. I was just wondering why you’ve been in such a foul mood all night?” She raises a gray brow at me, and I chuckle. Francine McNair doesn’t miss much, and I should’ve known she would clock my mood.
“I’m fine, Grandmother. You know I don’t like these events.” It isn’t a lie. I have never been a fan of black tie events, and everyone close to me knows that.
“Oh, Anderson. Relax, will you? You’ve been complaining about these things since you were a boy. You’re worse than your father.” She shakes her head, and her gray bun stays perfectly in place.
I don’t say anything. We usually don’t discuss my parents. When they basically disowned me, my grandparents were livid. But in true McNair fashion, we swept it all under the rug not to be dealt with. So while I’m obligated to come to these events, my grandparents usually forgo sending an invite to my parents. They still talk to my mother and father, but the relationship is strained.
In public, we’re the prestigious family with old money, close family ties, and an abundance of love. In private, we’re a family of disloyal, disowned, disinvited mess. But we all have our shit to deal with. I’ve come to terms that it is something that will never be fixed.
“It’s only a few hours out of your time to do something good for other people,” my grandmother continues. “So, suck it up, buttercup.” She pats my cheek with a wide grin, and I smile.
“Where’s that woman who’s dying to be by your side? She sure does talk a lot. I think you might have a problem on your hands with that one, son.”
I look at my grandmother in her twinkling blue eyes that I inherited, and it’s my turn to quirk a brow at her. “Bethany isn’t dying to be by my side.” The words taste bitter on my lips. Because that’s the vibe she is giving off.
“Don’t be silly, Anderson. If she batted her lashes at you any harder, I was afraid she was going to fly away.” My grandmother shakes her head and tsks.
“Grandmother?” I give her a belly laugh. “Bethany is my employee. I’m not interested in her.”
“Honey, take an old woman’s word. Just because you’re not interested in her, it doesn’t mean she isn’t interested in you.” She gives me a serious look before patting my cheek once again. I nod my head in understanding.
“Enjoy yourself, honey. I have to go wrangle up your wayward cousins, and find your grandfather.” Grandmother sighs as she strolls off into the crowd.
If my grandmother noticed Bethany’s behavior, then I know I’m not making things up in my head. I’m not sure where this sudden interest in me came from, but I need to put a stop to it. I have never fraternized with my employees, and I never gave the impression that I would.
After my grandmother is gone, I can finally go after Kay, but I don’t see her. I’m hoping like hell that I can catch a glimpse of the burnt orange material in the sea of black gowns. I’m doing my best not to look like a lunatic as I continue my search, but I feel the frustration building inside of me.
“Shit!” I mumble when I can’t find her.
“You look like somebody kicked your puppy, Andy.” I hear a raspy voice behind me, and I shake my head with a chuckle.
“Maybe they did, Shelby.”
“I was wondering why Kayla hasn’t said anything about coming to your family’s fundraiser tonight without you. But then I thought that maybe she was still on her solo date thing. But now that I see your face…”
I grunt because obviously, Kayla didn’t tell her friends what happened like I told mine. And I’ll be damned if I tellherfriends.