Page 40

CHAPTER FORTY

“I’m really tired. I’m going to bed.” I get up and leave the room before they can say anything more about the car.

My lack of sleep hits me as soon as my head hits the pillow. I’m out until noon the next day. When I get up, I see that Garret called and left some text messages. I call him back.

“Did you just get up?” he asks.

I hear his voice and feel myself smiling. Damn, I think I miss him even more today. I’m so pathetic.

“Yeah. I was wiped out. Did you get some sleep?”

“Not really. My bed’s too empty.”

“And it better stay empty.”

“Jade, don’t joke about stuff like that.”

“Well, you’ve got female fans lined up outside. You might give in and let one of them inside.”

“If they actually watch that show, they’re not my type.”

“So what’s going on at the Kensington estate?”

“Not much. I swam this morning. Lifted some weights. Showered.”

“Okay, stop. You’re totally turning me on.”

He laughs. “It’s that easy, huh? All right. My turn. What are you wearing?”

“That’s so lame. But for the record, I’m wearing a sweatshirt and pajama pants. Nothing special.” I’m actually wearing several layers of clothing because Frank can’t afford to turn the heat up and the house is freezing. I was used to it when I lived here, but now I’m used to the dorm which is kept really warm, so Frank’s house feels like a freezer.

“Jade, wake up.” Ryan’s knocking on the door.

“I’m up,” I call back. “I’m on the phone.”

“We’re leaving soon so get yourself ready.” I hear Ryan walking away.

“Do you need to go?” Garret asks.

“Yeah. Sorry. We’ll talk later.”

As I head to the bathroom Ryan purposely bumps my shoulder on his way to his room. “We’re going to a movie at 1, so hurry up.”

I stand there, rubbing my eyes. “I’m not awake yet. Did you make any coffee?”

He continues down the hall. “You’re not at Garret’s house. I’m not your butler. You have to make your own coffee.”

“Geez, you could be nicer to me since you never see me,” I yell at him.

I hear him laughing from his room. He yells back, “I’m making you feel at home. Treating you like any big brother would.”

All three of us go to the movie, which is weird because we never used to do that. We always rented movies. This is the first time we’ve gone to a theater. After the movie we go home and order pizza, then play cards the rest of the night.

Monday morning, we take Frank to see Dr. Cunningham who’s in town for the day. He has an office at a clinic that’s inside the hospital.

While Frank and Ryan are filling out paperwork in the waiting room, I pretend to go to the restroom but I really sneak back to see Dr. Cunningham to ask him if I can fly home. As I expected, he says no because I’m still having headaches. But at least he’s okay with me not using the crutches anymore.

The rest of the week goes by slowly. A March blizzard traps us inside on Tuesday and Wednesday. Frank doesn’t have cable so there’s nothing to watch on TV and we quickly get tired of playing cards. Thursday Ryan and I go to another movie while Frank rests at home and then we all go out for a farewell dinner since I have to leave the next morning.

After dinner, Ryan drops Frank and me off at home, then leaves again to pick up Chloe from her part-time job because her car’s in the shop.

Frank and I sit in the living room. As I reach for the TV remote he stops me.

“Let’s talk, Jade.”

That’s never a good way to start a conversation. I put the remote down. “What do you want to talk about?”

“Tell me about your involvement with Garret’s family.”

“They’re paying for my school. That’s it.”

He rubs his jawline which has two days worth of stubble on it. “I feel like there’s something going on. Are they making you keep secrets? Bribing you to keep quiet about something?”

“What?” I let out a nervous laugh. “Of course not.”

Where is this coming from? Do I look like I’m hiding something? Then again, Frank was a reporter for 25 years. He tends to pick up on stuff.

“You can tell me, Jade. This is just between you and me. How did you really get that concussion and hurt your knee?”

“I told you. I tripped when I was running on the trail.”

“I’ve interviewed a lot of people over the years and I can tell when someone’s lying. Now what’s the real story?”

I know Frank will keep prying until I tell him the truth. Or at least part of it.

“Okay, here’s what happened. Garret’s sister, Lilly, ran away and everyone thought she’d been kidnapped because bad people have kidnapped her in the past to get ransom money. So Garret and I searched the property to see if maybe she just ran into the woods behind the house. And that’s where she was. We were searching at night and I tripped over her and fell. My head hit this huge log and my knee scraped over some rocks.”

Frank continues to rub his scruffy jaw. “Why did you lie about it? And why did Garret’s father lie to me about it?”

“He didn’t want to scare you with the whole kidnapping thing.”

“Why would it scare me? You weren’t the one in danger of being kidnapped.”

“Just the fact that dangerous people come after his family sometimes. That’s the scary part.”

“Do they ever come after Garret? Threaten him?”

“No. I don’t think so.”

Frank doesn’t look like he believes me. He sighs. “Jade, I realize that you’re becoming more serious with Garret, but being with him won’t be easy. I hope you know that.”

“I can handle it.” I keep my eyes on the couch, tracing the lines in the plaid fabric with my finger.

“He’ll have to deal with the same problems his father has to deal with. Problems with the company. Lawsuits. People making threats against him and his family.”

“That won’t happen. Garret’s getting away from all that. He doesn’t want to run Kensington Chemical. He’s getting his business degree, then an MBA, and then he’ll start his own company.”

“It may not be that easy. He may have obligations he’s not able to get out of. He’s his father’s only son. And in wealthy families like his, sons are often expected to follow in their fathers’ footsteps. They’re not given a choice.”

“Garret already told his dad he’s not taking over the company and his dad’s okay with it. Well, I’m sure his dad isn’t happy about it, but he’s accepted it.”

Frank’s quiet and I look up and see him watching me.

“What is it, Frank?” It comes out sounding angry because I already feel like he’s lecturing me and I’m sure he’s not done yet.

“Garret has grown up with wealth and privilege. People taking care of his every need. Is he planning on continuing to live that way when he’s on his own? Because that doesn’t seem like the type of lifestyle you’d want to be around. That’s not how you grew up.”

“Garret’s not going to live that way. He doesn’t want maids and cooks and he doesn’t want to live in a mansion.” I’m really getting pissed off now. It doesn’t matter how Garret grew up or how I grew up. I’ve finally accepted that and I don’t want to start worrying about it again. “Do you want me to break up with Garret? Is that what this is about?”

Frank leans over and rubs my arm. “No, of course not, honey. I just want you to think about these things. Although I like Garret, I do have concerns about his family. Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but I find it a little strange that his father would give you such an expensive car. I suppose to him it’s not that expensive, but that’s just another thing for you to consider when you think about being with Garret. Being around that type of wealth will take some adjustment.”

“What are you saying, Frank? That I have to be poor the rest of my life because I grew up that way or because my mom was?” I yank my arm from him and move over on the couch. “I’m half Sinclair. That means half of me is rich. And I really wish I could tell people that because I’m sick of people at school acting like I’m not one of them. Acting like I’m just some poor kid from Iowa. I deserve to live in a nice house and drive a fancy car just as much as anyone else at Moorhurst.”

He nods slowly. “If that’s what you want, then okay.”

The way he says it infuriates me. Like it’s wrong for me to want material things. “It’s not what I want! I mean, I guess it is, but who wouldn’t want that stuff?”

I’m such an idiot. I shouldn’t have said that to him. Frank doesn’t have much when it comes to material things. His house is sparsely decorated and he wears worn-out clothes, yet he’s still happy. He’s always told me that he’d rather have his health and his family than material possessions, and I used to agree with him. I still do, but can’t I also have a few nice things?

“I’m sorry, Frank. I don’t know what I’m saying.”

“You’re right. You’re part Sinclair, but look what that lifestyle did to Royce. It turned him into a monster.”

“I know, but the whole family isn’t like that. His dad came to visit me a couple weeks ago and he—”

Shit! Why did I just say that?

Frank shoves the footrest of his recliner down and grips the edge of the couch. “What did he want? Did he threaten you? Try to hurt you?”

“No. He just wanted to talk.”

“This happened weeks ago? Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?” Frank’s really mad.

“I thought I’d wait until I got here.” Actually I wasn’t planning to tell Frank at all because I knew he’d overreact like this.

“Does he know what happened to your mother?” Frank huffs. “Of course he does. He helped Royce cover it up.”

“No. It’s not like that. Just let me explain.”

I tell Frank the story about Arlin, leaving out the part about the secret organization. Instead, I say how Arlin never knew the truth about my mom and didn’t know I existed until he found the file Royce had locked away.

When I’m done, Frank is quiet for a moment and then asks, “Did you believe him when he said he didn’t know about you or what happened to your mother? Did he seem sincere?”

“Yes. So he’s either a really good liar or he was telling the truth. He apologized repeatedly for his son and admitted that Royce had problems. Do you think he was lying? I don’t know enough about the guy to know if I should believe him.”

Frank leans back in his chair. “I did some research on Arlin and the whole Sinclair family back when your mother told me about Royce. I’ve continued to follow the family over the years and I haven’t come across anything that would cause me to think Arlin is dangerous. But that’s not saying much given that he could’ve just covered up whatever he’s done.”

“I don’t think Arlin’s like his son. After we talked, I got this gut feeling that he’s not.”

“And after he told you this, he asked if he could see you again?”

“Yes. He said he wants to get to know me and he asked if I’d meet his wife.” I shrug. “The whole thing’s really weird. I’ve never had grandparents before and then this guy just shows up saying he wants a relationship.”

“Jade, do you want to see Arlin again? Because you don’t need my approval to do so. He is your grandfather and it’s okay if you want to talk to him or have him introduce you to your grandmother.”

“I don’t know yet. I have to think about it.” I focus on the lines in the couch, not looking at Frank. “But what if I let him pay for some stuff? He offered to pay for the rest of my college and I was thinking that might be a good thing. It’s kind of weird to have Garret’s dad paying for my school. Arlin also said he wanted to help me with other expenses, not that I would ask him to, but . . . I don’t know. What do you think?”

“If you need money for something important, like school, and he’s offering, then I think it’s okay to consider that. I understand how you might feel a little awkward having Garret’s father pay for school, so maybe letting Arlin pay for it is a better option. As for other expenses, that’s up to you. Just make sure that Arlin’s doing this for the right reasons. If his offer includes any kind of conditions, then I think you should refuse his money. But it sounds like you didn’t get that feeling from him.”

“No, I didn’t.” I look at Frank again. “He seemed like a nice old man. That’s why I’m so confused. About all of this. Letting him pay for college. Meeting his wife. I feel like I shouldn’t even want to see him again, but he’s my grandfather and part of me kind of wants to get to know him.”

“Then maybe you should. Maybe just have lunch with him and his wife and see how it goes.” Frank sighs and shakes his head side to side.

“What’s wrong?”

“I just never thought I’d be encouraging you to get involved with the Sinclairs.”

The back door opens and we hear Ryan in the kitchen, his keys jingling as he hangs them on the hook.

He comes in the living room and sits down. “Jade, is your boyfriend on some reality show on cable?”

Frank laughs like his son is kidding but Ryan looks serious.

“The Prep School Girls’ Reunion,” I say.

“You know about it?” Ryan asks.

“Of course I know about it. How did you find out?”

“When I dropped Chloe off I went in her apartment for a few minutes and was flipping through the channels and I heard Garret’s name. And then I saw him with some girl. At least I think it was him. I could only see the back of him.”

“That’s not Garret. He’s not on the show.”

I explain everything and when I’m done Frank and Ryan don’t seem to believe me. But they never watch those reality shows. They don’t get how much of those shows are fake.

“That’s why Garret couldn’t come home with me,” I explain. “He’s hiding out from the photographers. They’ve been following him around and some of his fans are following him around, too. That’s why I didn’t tell you about the show. I didn’t want you getting all worried about me being around all that. But tonight was the second episode and next Thursday it ends. After that, people will forget about it and everything will go back to normal.”

“Garret’s father should sue the production company and everyone else involved,” Frank says.

“The lawyers told him it would be better to ignore it. Fighting it would just end up getting Garret even more unwanted press. I should talk to him quick and see if he watched tonight’s episode.”

I go in my room and call Garret. “Hey, did you watch tonight?”

“How about a greeting before you jump right in with the questions?”

“I’m sorry. Hi, Garret. How was your day?”

“Same as every other day this week. I’m so sick of hanging out here I’m actually looking forward to going to class again.”

“So did you watch the show?”

He laughs. “You don’t even care what I did today, do you? And no, I didn’t watch the show.”

“Garret, you have to know what they’re saying about you. I don’t have cable here so I didn’t see it, but Ryan saw part of it when he was at Chloe’s so then I had to explain the whole story to them.”

“They would’ve found out eventually. I don’t know why you were hiding it from them.”

“Did you hear from anyone who saw it?”

“Decker called right before you did. He watched it. He said I took Ava skiing up in Vermont. Apparently we had a great time.”

“It works out well for the show. They could cover up their Garret look-alike with ski clothes and nobody would guess it wasn’t you.”

“Jade, just forget about it. There’s one show left and then we can move on and pretend it never happened. What time are you leaving tomorrow?”

“Ryan and I are leaving around 8, so we should be at Carson’s around noon.”

“Will you call me this time?”

“Yes. Will you be around?”

“I’m a prisoner here. I’ll be around all day. I’m spending tomorrow night in the dorm so that I’ll be there when you get back on Saturday. We have a lot of catching up to do.”

“I may need a few hours sleep before we start catching up.”

“I don’t care what we do. I just need to see you. A week apart is way too long. Don’t make me do this again.”

“Me? This is your fault! Or Ava’s!”

“I’m just kidding. Oh, I almost forgot. I got that place reserved for the summer. It’s all ours. And Harper and Sean got the one right next to it.”

A couple days ago, Garret and I picked out a beachfront condo to rent in a town a couple hours north of LA. It’s a condo that Harper found and once we checked it out online, Garret and I liked it, too. It’s a furnished condo and we even liked how it was decorated, clean and simple with comfy-looking furniture.

“Are you serious?” I’m so excited I want to jump up and down but I can’t or I’ll hurt my knee again. “So this is really going to happen?”

“Well, yeah. Did you think it wouldn’t?”

“Kind of. You know me. I never trust that things will work out.”

“Stop thinking that way. I’ve told you that a hundred times. I’m good luck. Stick with me and things will always work out.” I can feel his famous cocky smile through the phone. “The guy who owns the place even gave us a deal because we’re staying all summer.”

“This is so great! I have to call Harper.”

“I talked to Sean earlier and he said they’d be out all night with her sisters, so you might want to wait.”

“I’ll just text her. So tell me again. Are we really living on the beach in California all summer? With Harper and Sean right next door?”

“Yes, Jade. And you’re freaking adorable when you get this excited. Even over the phone. Damn, I love you.”

“I love you, too. I need to go spend some more time with Frank before I go to bed but I’ll call you tomorrow. And hey, don’t get used to sleeping alone because when I get back we’re having sleepovers every night for at least a week.”

“A week? Try the rest of the semester.” I smile because that’s really what I want, too. “Have a safe trip and make sure to call me from the road.”

“I will. Bye, Garret.” I hang up and go back to the living room where Frank and Ryan are watching the news. “Guess what? Garret reserved that place on the beach so we’re definitely going there this summer. Isn’t that great?”

“Yeah, great.” Ryan pretends to be annoyed but I know he’s happy for me. “And I’ll be stuck here in summer classes. Can I at least come visit?”

“Of course you can visit. That’s a great idea. Bring Chloe if you want. You should come, too, Frank.”

“I think my traveling days are over. But you should go, Ryan.”

Ryan yawns as he gets up. “I’m really tired. I’m going to bed. I want to leave on time tomorrow, Jade, so set your alarm clock.”

“I should probably go to sleep, too,” Frank says. “I’ll see you in the morning, Jade.”

I wasn’t expecting them to go to bed at 11. I thought since this was my last night here we’d all stay up late.

I go to my room but I’m not ready to sleep. I’m too excited about my summer. A whole three months living with Garret on the beach with my best friend right next door. It’s like a movie, but it’s actually my life. How did this happen? A year ago I was here in this house thinking I’d go to college, get a boring job, and live alone in an apartment the rest of my life. Now everything’s changed in ways I never could’ve imagined.

Since I can’t sleep, I make a pros and cons lists to fill the time. I’ve never been much of a list person, but now that I have decisions to make I find it a useful exercise. First I make one for being a doctor. The result? Almost all pros. Then I make one for meeting Arlin and his wife for lunch. There are quite a few cons, but the pros still win out. Lastly, I make a list for marrying Garret, just in case he asks me someday. The list is all pros except for one con. His family. But that only applies to Katherine so I scratch out family and put Katherine’s name down. There’s no way I’d let Katherine be a reason for not marrying Garret.

So as of tonight, it looks like I’ll be going to med school, having lunch with my grandparents, and marrying Garret. Yeah, things have definitely changed the past year.