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“I want to explain what you saw. We were going to tell you.”
“Yes, I overheard that part. No explanation needed; I had a good look.”
Boone’s in a cold rage. They’re rare nowadays, especially since Maddie came into his life, and now I’m the target of one. We’ve had a few crew members quit because they find him intimidating. Unfortunately for Boone, I’m a Rivers, too, and he doesn’t frighten me.
“You saw us seconds before we were coming to talk to you.” He doesn’t react, so I try again. “It’s serious. We aren’t casual.” Still no reaction. “We plan to get married,” I say, finally raisingmy voice.
Boone shrugs. “Let’s see it then.”
“See what?” I’m confused.
“Your engagement ring. If Jake Knowles is serious about marrying you, let me see your engagement ring. Surely, he could do that much to show his undying love.” Boone opens his palm as if I trust him enough to hand it over.
“I don’t have one.”
“When’s the wedding?”
“I don’t know the exact date.”
“Where is it?”
I’m wise enough to know it won’t go over well if I tell him it’s at the courthouse. “Making different decisions than the two of you doesn’t mean our commitment is any less.”
Boone stands, and I feel like the foolish little sister again. “He’s using you, Sarah. I promised to destroy his career, and Jake Knowles did the same with me.”
“He’s not doing that, I promise,” I say, knowing it’s useless.
“He is, Sarah.” Boone’s voice softens. “He’s using you for his gain, and you’re going to get hurt.”
That strikes home. I once accused Jake of nearly the same thing. “I can see why you might think so. You’ve trusted my judgment many times before, big brother; I hoped you’d do so again.”
“Then let’s try another question. Where is he? If Jake Knowles is the hero you say he is, why isn’t he confronting me instead of you?”
Jake and I argued over this exact topic before I came to work. He believes he should confront Boone, while I want to take the first step. “He has a scheduled interview and an event with one of his sponsors.” It’s true, and it sounds lame.
“That’s a convenient excuse. He gets you to fight his battles while he can sit back and watch.” Boone’s expression softens, and some of the coldness fades away. “I’m not trying to ruin your happiness; I’m trying to protect it. If he doesn’t sign soon, he’s out of a job next year and out of the Cup Series. He absolutely would go after you to save his career. He will do that, believe me. You’re the ticket that will get to me.”
This conversation is veering eerily close to another. I’m not ready to face this. “That’s unfair, and I hoped you’d respect my judgment. I guess I was wrong.”
Behind him, Maddie raises her hand, signaling me to stop. She’s right. Boone isn’t going to hear anything I say.
“Time has a way of working miracles,” she says, telling us both that the conversation is over. “Sarah, are we still meeting about the museum later today?”
Relieved, I say, “Everything is ready when you are.”
I leave them in their office.
∞∞∞
“You like that movie?” Julian asks.
“It’s good. You weren’t paying enough attention,” Lily answers.
They are deep in conversation, like a pair of old friends, and I’m the intruder.
My presence is noticed, and they both shut up. “Sorry to bother you.”
“How did the armed stand-off go?” Julian asks, which means everyone at headquarters knows.
