“Are you saying that I’m cruel and cold and uncaring too,Uncle Richard?”
“No, that’s not what I meant. You know I think the world ofyou.”
“Then why don’t you trust me?” she asked. “It’s like you haveno faith in me at all. Uncle Richard, this isn’t some big con. I’m in love withhim.”
Love? I tried to smile and nod when all I felt likedoing was throwing up. I didn’t want to talk about Brooklyn. I didn’t want tobe standing here with her dad and Poppy. I wanted my fresh start.
Mr. Pruitt nodded. “Truly?”
“Truly, madly, desperately in love with him. Why aren’t youhappy for me?”
For a second Mr. Pruitt said nothing at all. But then hecleared his throat. “Of course I’m happy for you, darling. And Matthew. You feelthe same way about Poppy?”
“Yes.” My voice sounded strange as the lie twisted in mythroat.
A smile spread across Mr. Pruitt’s face. “Well, this iswonderful then, yes?”
The fact that he was suddenly so happy was somehow more terrifyingthan when he was throwing food. I nodded.
Poppy smiled up at me with pretend sweetness. “So wonderful,isn’t it, sugar tits?”
Stop calling me that.
“I have to say, I’m surprised,” Mr. Pruitt said. “But relieved.”He slapped me on the back. “I’ve been worried about you over the years.”
“Right. All your texts. I’m sorry I didn’t respond, but Iwasn’t in the right…headspace.” I hate you and I always will, murderer. “Yousaid you wanted to talk to me about something?”
“Not necessary now.” He shook his head. “Not necessary atall.”
What did that mean? Not necessary now that I was…datingPoppy? Happy? What? “The last time we spoke, you mentioned that I was indanger.”
“Ah, yes. A little unrest in the family again. But there’snothing to worry about now. It’s been taken care of.”
“Tit for tat,” Poppy said. “And I got to find out that carbombs are delightfully fun. Boom.”
My stomach rolled. I honestly had no idea what she wastalking about, and I wanted to keep it that way. In less than 48 hours I’d beout. I had to be. I couldn’t be pulled into car bombings and evil plots. I didn’twant any part of that.
“It warms my heart that you’ve found happiness again,Matthew,” Mr. Pruitt said. “Warms my heart indeed. If the two of you love birdswill excuse me, I don’t want my absence to be noted.”
He hugged Poppy and then turned to me. “Just so we’re clear. Ifyou hurt her, I’ll kill you. Slowly. Understand?”
I nodded.
“And I’ll have a relationship contract sent over to your residenceimmediately. Please return the signed copy as soon as possible.”
Just like that I’d been pulled back in. This was worse thanjust a lie with Poppy if I had to sign a contract. I couldn’t let it get thatfar.
Mr. Pruitt nodded and then strolled back out of the kitchen.
As soon as he was gone, Poppy elbowed me in my side. “Whatwere you doing, purposely antagonizing him?”
“He…”
“And don’t you ever bring Brooklyn up again in front of myuncle. The last thing we need is for him to think you’re still in love withher.”
“I’ll always love Brooklyn.”
“Keep saying idiotic things like that and I’ll kill youslowly myself.”
“I’m sorry, Poppy.” I didn’t want to end up six feet underwhen I finally felt like I was living again. “It won’t happen again.” But onlybecause this would be the last time I’d be seeing her before I had a way out ofthis shit show.
“Good boy.”
How many times was she going to make me throw up in my mouthtonight?
“Shall we get back out there?” she asked.
“Actually…you’re right. I’m completely underdressed. And wealready chatted with your uncle. I should probably just head out.”
She assessed my outfit again. “You’re probably right. You’recertainly not making my ex jealous tonight.”
I’d take that as a compliment.
“But let’s go out again tomorrow night. There’s this new restaurant…”
“I have dinner plans tomorrow with a friend.” I wasn’t goingto put off this dinner with Penny. I’d been putting off telling her aboutBrooklyn for years. Enough was enough.
“You can’t keep blowing me off, Matthew.”
“I’m here tonight, aren’t I?”
She sighed. “But you were late. Who are you having dinnerwith tomorrow?”
“A friend.”
“Be more specific, will you?”
“Penny. Scarlett’s mother.”
“Is there something there I should know about?”
“We’re just friends. And you better add her to the list ofpeople you’re not allowed to hurt. All my friends, actually. And my family.”
“I won’t touch any of them. I promise. I need to get back outthere.”
I caught her arm before she could leave. “I want to be veryclear here. I don’t just mean touch. I mean harm in any way. Including yournewfound love for car bombs.”
She pouted. “You’re no fun.”
“Promise me.”
“I promise.” She pulled her arm away from me. “Make sure toclear your schedule next weekend for only me.”
Nope. I’ll be out of your clutches by then. “Surething, sugar tits.”
“Don’t call me that. It’s your nickname, sugar tits.” Shepushed through the doors, leaving me alone.
I rubbed the back of my neck. All this stress was reallystarting to mess with me. I thought about the bath that was most likely waitingfor me back at Tanner’s place. Honestly? A bath sounded pretty great right now.And I assumed I’d have to have a bath if I wanted any updates from Nigel. Itwas a win-win scenario, minus the whole him ogling me thing. At least he didn’tcall me sugar tits. Yet.
Chapter 43
Saturday
Penny said she had a surprise for me tonight. I had no ideawhat that was about. But it didn’t really matter. All that mattered was what Ineeded to tell her. And I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous.
I handed the valet my keys and walked up to the restaurant. Ithad been a while since I’d been out to dinner with anyone other than Tanner. Andit would be nice to not have to pretend to be gay for a meal.
But there was still a sense of dread in my stomach. All Pennyknew were my lies. For years I’d told
