Extreme Devotion

by Kay Manis

  Rory glanced at me.

  “Because,” I said, taking my cue, “they saw potential in Rory and made a commitment to work with him, train him, and raise him.” I turned and smiled at Rory. “And they’ve done a great job.”

  Geneva’s face contorted with condescension. “So you, what, just like, left your parents?”

  “Yes,” Rory said, glaring at her.

  Geneva held his gaze but only for a few seconds before dropping her head and staring at her fingernails.

  I’d never seen someone shut Geneva Barton up like Rory just did. It was an amazing moment in my life and I had to fight to keep from smiling.

  “Where are you headed off to next, Rory?” Paul asked.

  “I’ll be in France next weekend, sir.”

  Paul looked at me. “Are you going with him, Hindley?”

  Oh, shit. I didn’t want to bring this up now, not in front of people.

  “I’m not sure yet,” I answered quietly.

  Rory’s eyes narrowed as he stared at me

  “Why not?” he asked.

  “Who wants coffee with dessert?” my mom asked.

  Once again, Caroline Hagen Barton saves the day. Well, at least she saved the moment. I knew I’d have to talk Rory down off this ledge as soon as dinner was over.

  “The magazines say you’ve had a lot of women over the years,” Geneva said, staring at me instead of Rory. Her medically plumped lips were curled in an evil half-smile.

  “I’ve definitely played the field, that’s no lie,” Rory said with no hesitation. “My mom always told my sister she had to kiss a lot of frogs to find her prince. Guess that’s what I was doing. Trying to find my princess.”

  Wait, sister? Rory had never told me he had a sister. Then it struck me, I didn’t really know this man at all.

  “Have you found one yet?” Geneva asked, her voice sensual as if she were auditioning for the part.

  Rory laughed her off. “No, not yet.”

  Part of me was disappointed by his quick answer. God, had I really been dumb enough to think he’d say I was his princess? I understood his answer though. He couldn’t divulge anything about our relationship, least of all to Geneva.

  “Did you go to college in Colorado?” Paul asked.

  My hand fisted around my napkin under the table. God, could this night get anymore stressful?

  “I didn’t go to college, sir,” Rory answered.

  Paul looked as if he’d heard the Federal Stock Exchange had been taken over by the Russian Mafia.

  My stepfather had always been a stickler for education. No matter what the degree, he wanted a college education behind someone. It made absolutely no sense, considering his wife never even graduated high school, and his daughter wasn’t doing a damn thing with her expensive ass diploma in Interior Design except living off her new husband’s wealth.

  “Rory was pro by the age of eighteen,” I said. “It’s quite impressive to be signed that young.”

  “Don’t worry, darling.” My mother reached out and touched Rory’s arm. “I didn’t even graduate high school and I turned out all right.” Her face warmed with motherly affection.

  For the first time in a long time, I truly felt like she was on my side.

  “You’ve got a ton of awards, that’s for sure,” Third piped in. “He’s one of the best skateboarders ever, Paul.”

  “Thanks,” Rory said quietly.

  Oh, shit. I was losing him. I knew this dinner was a mistake. Everyone was badgering him, making him relive things he didn’t want to remember, and things I didn’t even know about.

  “Well, if you ever need any investment advice, feel free to give me a call,” Paul said.

  “From what I’ve read, you’ve pretty much gone through all your money, haven’t you?” Geneva smirked.

  That fucking bitch.

  That was the last straw. I hadn’t even wanted to come tonight, especially when I found out Geneva would be here. But I hadn’t declined because I didn’t want Rory to think I was embarrassed of him.

  The truth was, I was embarrassed by my own family. I was so over Geneva’s bullshit tonight, and I wasn’t going to sit back and take it. It was one thing for her to demean me, but I’d be damned if I would sit here and let her make Rory feel like shit.

  “Well, Rory made his money the old-fashioned way,” I said through gritted teeth. “He earned it on his own. So I guess it was his money to run through. Unlike some people who piss away money that’s not even theirs while they sit back and don’t do shit.”

  Geneva’s face reddened and I watched as her fake lips puckered with fury.

  I was shaking, seething, and I’d had enough from this pompous bitch to last me a lifetime.

  “Well, wait, Geneva, I guess that’s not entirely true,” I went on. “What is it you do again? Oh, yeah, that’s right, nothing. Nothing except get your hair and nails done and drink Cosmos by the country club pool all day while your husband works his ass off.”

  If she wanted to play this game, I could too. Fuck her.

  “Oh, and if I were you,” I said, nearly reaching across the table to slap her, “I’d go back to that plastic surgeon who botched up your lips and face and get my money back.”

  “Hindley!” my mother shouted.

  “What?” I yelled back.

  Paul hit the table. “That’s enough.”

  The room fell silent, the only sound that of my ragged breathing.

  “You’re right, Geneva,” Rory said in a quiet tone. “I wasted most of my money on booze, drugs, and women.”

  I stared at Paul.

  His eyes were cold and narrowed as he studied Rory. He was not happy with the declaration.

  Shit. This had been a huge mistake to bring him here.

  Rory drew in a breath and continued despite everyone’s stunned expressions.

  “But you see, it’s not about the money, not anymore,” Rory said. “It’s about the feeling I get from doing something I love, every day of my life. Fortunately, I get paid to do what I love and I don’t want to screw that up again. I won’t screw it up.” He stared down at me. “I think I finally have an agent and an attorney who won’t let me screw it up either.”

  God, that was good, poetic even.

  Rory smiled, not the broad one like I was used to, but enough to let me know that my Skater Boy wasn’t completely gone.

  “You’re very lucky, Rory,” Paul said. “Most people don’t get the opportunity to do what they love in life.”

  I knew I didn’t love what I did for a living. Honestly, I didn’t even know what I did love to do in life. But I did know one person I was growing to love more every day.

  “I don’t think it’s luck, sir,” Rory said. “I’ve worked hard for what I’ve earned.”

  Ut oh, what was happening? I didn’t think Paul’s comment was offensive, but somehow Rory had taken it that way.

  “Rory, would you like a slice of my homemade chocolate cake?” My mother intervened.

  “Actually, Mom, it’s late and I think Rory and I need to get going.”

  My mom left the table as if she hadn’t even heard my refusal.

  Being belittled by Geneva wasn’t the only reason I’d had enough of this circus called a family dinner.

  No one tonight had congratulated me on signing Rory as a new client. Not once had they said, ‘Way to go’ for getting him signed with a major sponsor and a commercial deal.

  And now, they were offending Rory.

  I should have known better than to count on my family for support. Tears burned the back of my eyes and I realized I needed to get the hell out of here before I totally broke down.

  Suddenly, the lights went off and a soft glow approached from the kitchen door. As it came closer, I noticed my mother was carrying a cake filled with sparklers. It wasn’t anyone’s birthday, was it?

  I turned and looked at Paul.

  He had the biggest shit-eating grin on his face.

  I turned back to my mom
and watched as she wandered around the table, placing the cake directly in front of me. One simple word was written across the top of my mother’s famous chocolate cake.

  Congratulations.

  Well, hell. What could I say to that? They’d gotten me.

  “It’s for all of you,” my mom said, gazing around the table. “To Stan and Geneva, congratulations on your new lives together.”

  Geneva gave a half-hearted smile that seemed polar opposite for someone who’d just returned from her honeymoon. She never liked sharing the spotlight with anyone, least of all me.

  “To you, Rory,” my mother continued, “for hiring the most amazing attorney in the world.” She reached down and stroked my cheek, gently wiping away a tear rolling down my face. “And for you, my darling Hindley.”

  “For what, Mom?” I whispered.

  “For Rory.”

  “What?” I practically shrieked.

  Did she know Rory and I were together?

  “For starting this new section in your law firm,” she smiled, “and for getting Rory two major deals. You’re amazing, darling.”

  “Thank you, Mom,” I whispered against her palm, covering her hand with mine.

  The lights came back on and Paul stood beside my mother. “You didn’t think we’d forget, did you, Hinny Bin?”

  I shrugged, laughing at Paul’s nickname for me.

  My mother cut the cake and passed around the pieces. I was still in shock from the unusual display of affection, and pride from my mom.

  Then I realized that Rory had been quiet during this exchange. I watched as he ate the last bit of cake on his plate.

  “Hey,” I said, gently touching his arm. “Are you all right?”

  His eyes met mine and he smiled, but it wasn’t a real one. He was only pacifying me. Somewhere during the evening I’d lost my Skater Boy. Fear gripped me hard as I realized how desperate my need for him was becoming.

  “You about ready to go?” I whispered.

  He nodded once and I knew. I just knew. As hard as I would try, tonight, I may not get him back.

  Chapter 9

  -HINDLEY-

  Sitting at a stoplight in Leif’s convertible 1966 Mustang, I gazed up at the stars littering the night sky. Rory had insisted we take the car instead of his motorcycle, claiming helmet hair wouldn’t look good. I’d warned him that convertible hair wouldn’t look much better. And it didn’t.

  “Thanks for going to dinner with me tonight,” I said. “I’m sorry about my family.”

  He turned and stared at me, his expression void of emotion. Rory was lost to me, and that realization scared me the most.

  “Why are you sorry?” he finally asked.

  “For my family. They pretty much raked you over the coals back there.”

  “You’re their daughter, Hindley. Of course they’re going to protect you.” He turned his attention back to the light and sped off as soon as it turned green.

  “Come back to me,” I whispered, placing my hand lightly on his thigh. It was the comment he always used with me when I was absorbed in my own dark thoughts. I prayed my words would bring him back as well.

  He glanced down at my hand for the briefest second before staring out at the road again. He didn’t acknowledge my plea or my touch.

  I slid my hand away as if I’d been burned.

  We sat in silence the rest of the way to my house, and with every passing mile, I knew he was moving further and further away from me.

  Slowly he pulled up to the curb in front of my house, and I wondered if he’d follow me in. When he didn’t turn off the engine, I had my answer.

  I reached for the door handle, turning my back on him. “Thanks again for coming.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  I glanced over my shoulder but found he wasn’t looking at me at all.

  Something in my heart broke and I fought to hold back tears.

  This thing between us had come to an end, like I always knew it would. I only hoped I could still work with Rory in the future without completely breaking down every time I saw him.

  I stepped out of the car, never looking back. I couldn’t.

  “I’ll see you later, Rory,” I said quietly, trying to control my shaky voice. If I could just make it inside then I could break down.

  I closed the car door, not surprised when he didn’t say anything or come after me. Why would a man like Rory want a broken girl like me?

  “Are you coming to France with me?” he asked.

  I turned and stared at him. “No. I can’t.”

  His head snapped up and his narrowed eyes met mine. “Why not?”

  “I’ll be in Miami.”

  “Miami?” He sounded disgusted by my revelation. “What for?”

  “The Baltimore Ravens are starting their summer training camp in a few weeks.”

  He arched his brows and glared. “And?”

  “And,” I said, mocking him, “they have a quarterback who may be looking for a new agent. I’m going down to talk with his manager.”

  “When were you going to tell me?”

  “I only found out today so stop being all,” I waved my hand in the air, “whatever it is you’re being right now.”

  “I thought Stedwick wanted you with me, touring with me all the time.”

  “Our contract doesn’t bind me to you exclusively, Rory.” There, I’d said it, and as soon as I did, I was sorry I had.

  His expression morphed into pure anger.

  I straightened and glared right back. “What’s wrong with you tonight?”

  He turned his attention back to the road, shaking his head.

  “Rory, please,” I begged. “Just, just look at me.” I leaned over the door. It was taking everything I had not to climb over it, crawl into his lap and force him to talk to me.

  “Your parents are right,” he said, never meeting my gaze.

  “Right about what?”

  “You deserve better.”

  “What the hell are you talking about? My parents never said that.”

  “They didn’t have to.”

  “Are we really starting this bullshit again, Rory, because it’s getting kind of old.”

  He whipped his head to stare at me, his eyes narrowed. “What bullshit?”

  “This whole, ‘I’m not good enough for Hindley’, bullshit you like to sling at me.”

  “It’s not bullshit, it’s true.”

  “Says who?”

  He remained silent.

  “Don’t pin this on my parents,” I said. “This is your bullshit drama and you need to deal with it, not them.”

  “I think you deserve better,” he said so quietly, I almost didn’t hear him. “Someone better than me.”

  Now I was pissed. Even if I did want a relationship with this man, I couldn’t carry both of our insecurities.

  Fisting my hands on my hips, I stared down at him. “You know what, Rory, maybe you’re right. Nothing in my past would lead me to believe that I deserve a man who’s kind, caring, compassionate, funny, smart, talented, and gorgeous. And yet here he sits, right in front of me, casting me off. So why would I be surprised that he doesn’t want me? According to you, that’s exactly what I deserve.”

  “That’s not what I meant, Hindley.”

  “Then, please, tell me what the fuck you mean because I am about to lose my shit out here.”

  He stared up at me, his eyes wide. “You deserve someone better suited for you and your family. Someone like Matt.”

  And finally, there it was. Everything we’d done together, everything we’d been through, everything we’d fought for, slowly slipped away, all because of his inability to believe in me, to believe in himself, to believe in us.

  As much as I loved Rory Gregor, I realized in that moment that I would never be able to make a difference in his life, in the way he thought about himself.

  His self-deprecating thoughts had been ingrained in his mind for far too long. There was nothing more I could d
o to convince him otherwise. I’d been foolish to even try.

  “You’re right, Rory,” I said, backing away. “I do deserve someone like Matt. But not for the reasons you think.” I bit back my tears, knowing I couldn’t break down in front of him. “Good night,” I whispered before turning and walking toward my front door.

  I fumbled with the keys, pissed that I’d let him talk me into locking my door tonight.

  Suddenly I felt his body behind me. Drawing in a deep breath to steady my fingers, I slid the key in the lock and opened the door, walking inside. Never turning, I pushed on the door but it caught on something. Glancing down I noticed it was Rory’s foot.

  I turned and stared up at him. His eyes were huge, frightened, frantic, like a wild animal fighting for his life. He raked his hands through his hair several times, his mouth opening and closing but no words came out.

  I waited, praying he’d talk, hoping we could move forward. Instead, he remained silent.

  I studied his face, committing every detail to memory—his blue eyes, his slightly crooked nose, his well-defined cheekbones, his mouth. Oh, God, that mouth. This was the last time I’d probably see him as anything more than his agent.

  “Goodbye, Rory,” I said through choked tears.

  He finally moved his foot, and I shut the door, locking it behind me before dropping to the floor. Clutching my knees to my chest, I sat in silence as hot tears streamed down my face.

  I laid on the floor on my side, curling into a tight ball to protect myself like I always did. The tears continued to fall, and I allowed the pain of my broken heart to permeate every part of my body. The pain was a reminder of all the choices that had been taken away from me in life.

  Slowly I drifted off to oblivion, drowning in a sea of sorrow that I feared would swallow me whole.

  Chapter 10

  -HINDLEY-

  I glanced at my phone as the coffee brewed, willing it to ring with some type of call or message from Rory, but it remained silent.

  I was surprised I hadn’t spent half the night crying. Instead, I’d been seething mad, and that one emotion had kept me up half the night, not tears.