Page 44 of Fueled Fury

There’s some ease in his demeanor but not enough. His hand remains latched securely to mine as we walk around to the back of the house. The brick patio is lined with tables of food, where people gather, smiling and chatting away. I locate Clyde standing at his prized custom two-story brick fireplace, a beer in one hand and a poker in the other as he talks with a man beside him. He spots us and waves the beer around enthusiastically. Austin remains motionless, not acknowledging his father, who stares at us for a second after I return his greeting. He goes back to chatting with the unfamiliar man, but his eyes flick to us every few seconds.

Glancing around, I don’t recognize very many people. The Hales have hosted their share of parties over the years, but I usually hid out somewhere on the ranch with Eli while his parents entertained their guests.

“Lainey, sweetie. You look gorgeous,” Shirley says, appearing in front of me. Her eyes rake an appraising glance over my body, reminding me of what my mother does to decide if I receive appearance approval. Her eyes stop on my hand which is interlaced with Austin’s, and his grip suddenly feels like more of an anchor for me than him.

She places a hand on each of my shoulders, giving me a half smile before pulling me into a hug, forcing my hand out of Austin’s. “I’m so happy to see you.”

“Me too,” I respond as she leans back, looking to Austin then back to me. “Let’s go get the birthday boy’s cake and set it up over there.” She points at a table lined with cupcakes and cookies, an empty spot in the center.

Birthday boy, not boys. She hasn’t even acknowledged Austin. Why are they always cruel to him? Why would I be ignorant enough to think they’ve changed?

“Lainey,” Eli shouts, holding a red plastic cup up as Hannah waves from beside him.

That’s why. Eli said this was for them both. He knew it wasn’t. Austin was right.

“Follow me.” Shirley grabs my elbow, pulling me away as I look to an extremely uneasy Austin.

“I’ll be right back. Promise.” I’m not sure if I’m trying to settle his nerves or mine.

I begrudgingly follow Shirley as I see Eli headed in the opposite direction of Austin. At least that is comforting. Keeping them apart will probably be the only way to get out of this intact. Or maybe we should leave. We don’t have to stay the entire time. I hatch a plan to escape as I help Shirley set up the cake that reads Happy Birthday, Eli (and it totally has enough room for another name).

“So, how’s school going Lainey?” Shirley asks, fumbling with the cardboard box surrounding the cake, then points one of the housekeepers to the cake, instructing her on which table to place the cake.

“Good.”

Shirley gives me a disapproving look as she glances over my shoulder towards the patio. “I’m concerned about you.”

“Why?”

“Austin was only staying there because he was too much trouble to deal with here.”

My intent was to be friendly, but she’s making it hard. Pinning this woman with a stare as she speaks of her own child with such disregard, I say, “It’s been nice having him there.”

Okay. That was not the response she wanted. Her scowl grows into anger as her hand props on her hip. “Did he take advantage of you? I should’ve known this would happen. Anything that Eli has, Austin always wants. He’s incapable of leaving his brother in peace.” She places her fingers at her temples, shaking her head.

“No. Austin didn’t do anything wrong. I wanted to talk to you about him and Eli.”

“Just give him time. I’m sure he’ll take care of it soon enough. No wonder Eli has been out of sorts lately.” Her eye scans down me and back up. “You should be ashamed of yourself.”

“What?” Shock. Pure and utter shock engulf me, but it shouldn’t. Austin warned me. Why had I taken note of Eli’s warnings but discounted Austin’s?

“Eli’s your best friend and you’re whoring around with that miserable bastard.”

“That’s enough.” I jump at the sound of Austin’s harsh tone.

Shirley ignores Austin as she keeps her glower on me. “I expect this from him, but not from you.”

“I said that’s enough.” Austin keeps a flat but stern tone as he moves between us. “Say whatever the fuck you want to me, but leave her out of it.”

Shirley’s face morphs into a look of shock, glancing to me then back to Austin. “You’re going to talk back to me, in my home?”

Gripping Austin’s elbow, I attempt to tug him away but he’s not budging. “Please, Austin. It’s okay. Let’s go back to the party.”

He reluctantly steps away, allowing me to lead him outside. I’d witnessed Shirley and Clyde’s harsh treatment of their son a time or two but nothing like the hatred I just saw directed at me only because I’m dating Austin. How much did he endure that I’ve never seen or heard of?

“Are you okay?” I ask. He keeps quiet, the muscle in his jaw tensing as he clenches his teeth. “Let’s just go.”

“You can’t leave now. You just got here,” Hannah says as she throws an arm over my shoulder, unaware of the tense moment she’s stepping into.