Page 99 of Rumor Has It

Chapter 21

Boone

“Walker, how are you?” I offer my hand, frowning. I don’t think there’s been a second I haven’t worried over the last two weeks.

He watches me, taking my hand with a shake. “Good, but you look like you could run though a brick wall.”

“I could.” I grit my teeth, sitting in front of his desk.

His brows shoot up. “Can I assume whatever has you looking like a disgruntled bear is why you’re here?”

“You can,” I grunt. “I feel like we’ll always be fighting the timing of everything.”

“You answered my next question—so it is about Mackenzie.”

I nod. “And Rumor.”

“How can I help?” Walker steeples his fingers like most attorneys, but nothing like an entertainment lawyer. They have a drink in one hand, and a contract in the other.

I lean forward, placing my elbows on my knees. “Mackenzie asked me to get a DNA test, and I’m more than ready.”

“But…” Walker lowers his lids.

I drop my head, breathing through my nose to slow my thundering heart before peering up at him. “Our high school reunion is at the end of this week, and I’m not sure what’s gonna happen or not happen.”

“I see.” He picks up his pen and begins making notes. “What are you thinking might happen?”

“He’ll come, and he’ll want her.” I raise my head, staring at him.

Walker tilts his head. “Are we talking about Rumor or Mackenzie?”

“He’ll come for them both, and he’s not coming for the right reasons.” Anger pulses through me, and I sit up, ready for the fight. “He wants Mackenzie, and he’ll do whatever he can to get her.”

“I’m not a Thorton fan either. I know he doesn’t need a thing to be an asshole, but you’re going to have to give me a little more.” Walker’s hand fists his pen.

“Reed Thorton is my cousin.” My stomach knots, hearing the truth spoken out loud.

Walker’s brows furrow. “Come again? Why have I never heard that you’re family?”

“I didn’t say we’re family; we’re related. My Grandfather Hatcher disavowed his daughter for marrying a Thorton. Honestly, it’s all old world to me, but as the story goes, Reed’s mom was caught up in some kind of shady deal.

“Our grandfather told her the Thortons only wanted her money, while his biggest concern was his business. Reed’s dad spent the greater part of her inheritance before finally striking it rich.” I shake my head, thinking about the way this has affected my life.

“Grandfather had removed her from his will shortly before that. Had his business failed, they would’ve been broke and left with nothing. He had already wasted the better part of it because he set his business up using her money.

“Thorton filed for divorce once he started making money, but as the law would have it, although her money was gone, half of his now belonged to her. They never divorced. Reed and his dad blame us for all of it. Our first few years in school, everyone talked about it.” I shake my head in disbelief.

“Slowly, people moved on. Reed and I have always made it appear that we’re ‘friendly’, but that’s as far as it goes. His father sued us for alienation of affection when his mother was removed from the will. He lost and drove a bigger wedge between our family.

“Dad tries to have a relationship with my aunt, but Thorton won’t allow it. So, Reed hates me, more or less. He’s always one step behind me, hoping I’ll fail or trying to make me.” I wring my hands with the thought of him coming around again.

“I’ve always wondered what hand he had in the problems you and Mackenzie faced. Now it all makes sense.” Walker nods with understanding.

“Yeah, you could say he’s been a thorn in my side for years. No pun intended.” I smirk. “I need to put him in his place, but until this is resolved, I can’t tell Mackenzie.”

“You think he’ll do whatever it takes to prove he’s Rumor’s dad and take them away from you?” Walker frowns.

I drop my head, praying this isn’t the case. “I think he’ll say and do whatever it takes to hurt me, and it doesn’t matter who’s in the path.”