I smile at the image.
He turns to me. “Is she okay?” His voice shakes, and he clinks the ice around the glass.
I think about my next words. I don’t want to freak him out. “Last night she and I had dinner with her mother.”
He slams the glass on a nearby table and crosses his arms over his chest. “What?”
“We went to Penelope’s house. Met Meg’s little brother.”
His brow furrows, but I can’t assess whether or not he knows about Brendan.
“What happened?”
I shrug. “Honestly, it was very innocent. Penny made us dinner. We played with Brendan. Megan was content. A little emotional, maybe, but happy. She wants to know her family.”
Big Joe starts pacing. “Ben, this is not going to turn out well.”
I follow him through the room. “That’s just it, sir. If you don’t tell me what she’s dealing with here, I can’t protect her. And frankly, I feel like shit for even talking to you about all this.”
“Did the topic of money come up?”
“No. Except she told Meg she lives off investments.”
“Investments, right. Did the topic of me come up?”
“No. Only that Penelope said she met you in college and she lived down the hall from you. And we compared it to us—me and Megan.”
He massages his temples and frowns, and then he starts to pace. “When’s the next meeting?”
I glance out the window and watch the snow cover the city as I debate whether or not to tell him. He must have a reason for being concerned. Whatever she’s holding over him must be big if it’s turning this man before me into a nervous ball of energy. “I think Penelope and Brendan are going to meet Megan for dinner near campus after the blizzard clears.”
He continues to silently pace the room. I think he’s going to tell me what’s going on. But then he asks, “Any way you can get in on that?”
My shoulders drop. “No—not unless you tell me why. Because now, you’re pretty much looking like the bad guy here. Meg thinks you’ve been hiding something from her that could have changed her life. She has a brother. Do you realize how that’s affecting her?”
Finally, Mr. Smith stops moving and sits down, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. I sit next to him and wait. How did I end up here? Meg’s father is Meg’s issue, not mine.
He rubs his forehead. “Penelope has been blackmailing me since the day Amelia was conceived. She never wanted her. I paid her not to have an abortion. The day Amelia was born, I paid her again to not put her up for adoption, and then I paid her to sign over parental rights. All through Megan’s life, Penelope’s been coming to me, threatening to go public about how I knocked her up in college. She said she’d say anything to ruin me, my career, my reputation. I don’t give a damn about myself. All this,” he points around the room, “is for Megan, not me. I didn’t want Penny to ruin Megan’s life and the future I secured for her.”
He looks at me with the same blue eyes as Meg’s. I can tell from the twitch of his lips that it’s not the whole truth. I know Megan wouldn’t care if every dime and every minute of Big Joe’s fame disappeared if it meant she could have her mother and brother. And I can’t imagine Penny, or any mother, doing that to a child. “Are we talking about the same Penelope? Because that sounds nothing like the woman who I met last night.”
He stands again and reaches for his glass. “Since Megan stopped going by Amelia, it was easier to hide her. I wanted to keep her in college in the city to be near her uncle and me, but she insisted on living away. When November happened, Penelope saw her on the news. She tracked me down again.”
I join him at the window but don’t look at the view. “She threatened to go public against you? After what had happened with Frank?”
“She did. She said it would be a prime time to go to press since information about all you kids was circulating. I knew Megan couldn’t handle that. She never wanted to be in the spotlight. She was a mess after what happened to Frank and with you getting shot. She went to visit you in Evander, you know?”
I jerk back. “What?” I had no idea. “When?”
“You had already come back to Jersey.”
November seems like years ago as I try to remember. “I must have been at Rocco’s with Juliet.” I can’t believe Meg came to visit me. Why wouldn’t she tell me that?
“Anyway, I didn’t want her to have to deal with my problems too, so I paid Penelope again.”
“What does she have on you?” I can’t help asking. The question makes me jittery. My gut retches as I hope, for Meg’s sake, that it’s not as bad as he’s making it out to be.
He takes a long sip of his liquor and looks blankly out of the window. “Nothing I care to reveal right now.”
So there is something.
“Well, you should consider revealing it to Megan. If you’re serious that all the money and fame is for her, then her knowing your skeletons ends Penny’s supposed control over you.”
I watch the snow fall, waiting for his response. “It’s not that simple, Ben. I know it’s hard for you to believe, but this is not going to end well for Megan. I don’t see how it can. If you can’t keep her away from Penelope, then I will.”
When the elevator dings behind us, we turn around to a confused Megan, bundled up with an overnight bag over her shoulder.
Her eyes meet mine, and then she looks to her father. Then back to me. “What’s going on here?”
Megan
Ben and Dad look cozy standing near the window talking about me. My voice is shaky, and my face heats.
“Amelia?” Dad walks toward me. “I wasn’t expecting you.”
I’m staring, still trying to figure out the scene I’d walked into. “I thought we could talk, and since there was a blizzard and all… I didn’t want you to be snowed in alone. But I see you’re not.”
I focus on Ben, who starts toward me too. “Meg—”
“I texted you. I thought maybe you’d want to come to the city with me for the night, but… you’re here.” Why is he here? “You didn’t tell me you were coming here.”
“Meg—” His eyes are on mine as he reaches for my bag. I jerk away and throw it on the floor.
I put my hand over my mouth and gasp. “You came here to tell him about last night, didn’t you?” My voice is soft as the reality of the situation hits me, and I’m not sure he hears. “I wondered why my dad wasn’t having me watched. It’s been you all along, hasn’t it? You’re the one watching me for him. How long have you been doing this, Ben?”
My father pipes in, “Amelia, I asked him—”
I raise my hand to my father without taking my eyes off Ben. “I’m asking Ben a question.”
Ben shifts nervously. “I can explain—”
“How long?” I ask. When he doesn’t answer, I ask again, even louder. “How. Long.”
Ben cringes. “I called him the day after you showed me the letter.”
I drop my hand to the side. I showed him the letter, and he told my dad. It’s just like it always is. It’s just like Henry.
He reaches for me, and I pull away. His face drops as he starts to ramble. “I thought you were in trouble. I had to do something.”
I shake my head and start to walk. I don’t know where, but I need to move. I pace as the men follow me. I can’t believe I didn’t see this coming. I did see this coming. I should have trusted my instincts. Stupid, stupid girl. “All this talk about wanting to be with me, all the times you told me I could trust you. You were just feeding my life to him.”
“No.” Ben draws out the word. “That’s not true.”
I spin to face him. “You found out that my dad is Big Joe Smith, your childhood hero. You couldn’t keep a secret from him. You said I wouldn’t lose you, but you chose him.”
“I… I was scared for you! After Frank, I worry about everything. I don’t trust myself—”
My head spins, and I want to scream. Instead I lower my voice
. “Don’t you dare bring Frank into this. You use Frank as an excuse for everything.”
Ben’s face drops, and I will myself not to apologize, not to feel bad. I’m not sure if my claim is true. Does he use Frank as an excuse?
“Meg, I’m here to tell your dad that I won’t do it anymore. I can’t go behind your back.”
Dad pipes in. “It’s true, Amelia. It’s my fault. I knew I had influence over him, and I used it.”
I ignore my dad because no matter what he claims, Ben made the choice. Somewhere, in some blurry corner of my mind, I hear Ben and my dad talking at me. All I can think is: It’s happening again. Ben’s no different than Henry or any of the others who put my father’s celebrity before my heart.
I move toward the elevator to my escape. “I almost wish you’d chosen Juliet again, instead of my dad.”
Ben shakes his head violently. “Stop, Meg. I chose you. I choose you over everything. That’s why I’m here.”
“This is why I don’t tell people who I am. This is why I don’t open up. You made me,” I focus on him and point to his chest, fighting to hold back the tears that well in my eyes. “You made me open up, and you took all the trust I gave you and gave it away. You’ve been lying to me the whole time.”
“I haven’t, Meg!” Ben’s eyes are wild. “I just want you safe.”
I look to the ceiling in an attempt to dry my tears. Then I look to Ben. His face is red, his eyes are big and focused on me. I sigh and purse my lips, hoping to hold back my emotion. “I thought you were different.” I pick up my bag and throw it over my shoulder. “Fuck,” I groan to the ground, shaking my head. I’m so stupid.
“Amelia.” My dad’s voice is soft. “You can’t leave. The weather. Please stay.”
“I’ll drive you back.” Ben holds his hands over the elevator button in an attempt to block me.
I turn to face Ben and cross my arms. “Let me go.”
“No. Look outside. Stay here and we can talk this out.”
“Let go of the fucking button, Ben, or I’m going to start throwing things.” I say it calmly but firmly. “Both of you. Stop treating me like something you need to fix. Like I’m some sort of problem that needs to be managed. I am a grown up. I can make my own decisions and I do not,” I look between them, “do not need to be protected by the two of you. I’ll get back to campus on my own.”
Ben drops his hand and backs off, but Dad steps forward. “Amelia Megan Smith, you are not leaving this house.” His voice is harsh, deep, angry.
I walk past Ben to Dad and wish I was taller, but I look up and point to his face. “Oh yes, I am. You just watch me.”
As the elevator doors open, I bolt for it.
“Penny’s not who you think she is,” Dad calls behind me.
In the elevator I spin around. Ben’s eyes don’t leave mine as the doors start to close, framing his face. “Wait, Meg. Please.”
Then when the elevator shuts and starts to move, I cry.
***
Outside, I take a deep breath and cover my head. Now I have a problem. A big problem. I’m in the middle of a blizzard with no transportation. The snow falls in sheets of white, and the wind whistles as it blows past my ears. I have trouble seeing where I am as I make my way to the train station. I’m freezing and wet by the time I see the signs—train service has been suspended. Great.
I pull out my phone and text Chase.
Do you happen to be in the city?
Luckily, cell service seems fine.
He texts back.
Yep. What’s up?
I call him with the news that I’m stuck on the Upper West Side. He tells me to find somewhere warm and he’ll be there as soon as he can. I can’t be still though, so I start walking down Columbus, my cheeks freezing, my thighs numb as the cold starts to slowly kill me. Today started out so nicely too. Where did it take that horrible turn to me ending up stranded in the city?
I make it to Columbus Circle by the time Chase’s old clunker finds me and honks.
I hop into the warm car and thank him. He drives at a snail’s pace while I defrost. He doesn’t ask, and I don’t offer.
At his apartment, Juliet pulls me inside and hands me a hot cup of coffee. “Oh, Meg,” she says. “What are you doing here?”
Although Chase didn’t pry, I know better than to think that Juliet will let it go. “I was at my dad’s penthouse. Ben was there. We got in a fight.”
“You and your dad, or you and Ben?” Juliet asks.
“Both. I stormed out determined to get back to campus on the train, but there are no trains. Thanks for saving me.” I squeeze Chase’s arm.
He tugs my hair. “I’m glad I could help.”
“I was going to check into a hotel if you weren’t around. I had to get out of there.”
Juliet picks up her phone. “I’m texting Ben to tell him you’re okay.”
I don’t trust her. She’ll probably invite him over. “I don’t want to talk to him,” I warn. “I’m serious, Juliet. I swear I’ll leave. Blizzard or no blizzard.”
“Okay. Got it. Jeez.” She taps and then shows me her text.
Megan’s here with us. Don’t come. She’s made it clear that you aren’t welcome. Call you later.
I shrug, and she hits send.
I peel off my wet outer layers. “Can you text Maggie and make sure she’s okay?”
Juliet taps out another text.
“Can I get you anything?” Chase asks. “Are you hungry?”
“Hungry?” Chase’s Uncle Rob walks through the kitchen door. “Did someone say hungry? Because I got the last pizza at Santino’s.” He puts the pie on the table and points to me. “Megan, right?”
I nod.
“Are you joining us for the blizzard of the century?”
“I guess so, if you don’t mind.”
“The more the merrier.” Rob reaches in a cabinet and pulls out a stack of paper plates. “You can have Chase’s room. Juliet and Chase can have mine. We’ll ration the pizza.”
Chase opens the box and the smell of pizza fills the air. “Thanks, Pop.”
Pop? I must make a face because Chase says, “Oh. Um, Rob is actually my dad. I just discovered it.”
“Wow.”
Chase points at Rob. “That’s what he said.”
Rob beams at Chase. “Best surprise ever. When he’s not driving me insane.”
Juliet rolls her eyes. “You both drive me insane. Save us some pizza. I’m going to show Megan where she can shower and get her some warm clothes.”
I thank Rob and follow Juliet down the hallway to a small bedroom. I assume it’s Chase’s from the décor, the art supplies, and the picture of Chase and Juliet on the nightstand. She shuts the door and turns to me.
I knew this was coming. With her arms crossed over her chest, she towers over me. “What’s going on?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
She huffs and moves around the room then throws a sweatshirt at me.
She means well, but I’m not in the mood. “Can I at least have that shower first?”
“Fine. But if you don’t tell me, I’m asking Ben.”
I hope the shower will deter her from interrogating me. Instead, she leads me to the bathroom and turns on the water and parks herself on the toilet lid. I strip and step into the warm steaminess and my insides defrost. “Ah,” I can’t help saying.
She ignores my obvious pleasure. “Spill, Smith.”
From behind the shower curtain, I stick my tongue out at her. “I don’t want to talk about it, Juliet. I know you’re used to getting your way, but I really don’t have the energy to explain anything to you. So ask Ben if you want, or maybe be my friend and let me relax.” I don’t care if I hurt her feelings.
Her voice is strong and determined. “Alright, Meg. You win. For now. But I’m not letting you and Ben break up.”
“We were never really together.”
“Right.” She emphasizes the “t.”
> “It’s no big deal. I thought it could work. It can’t.” My tears mix with the water as I say the words.
“It can. Take your shower. I’m going to have some pizza.”
The door shuts and I exhale.
After the longest shower in the history of the world, I put on the sweatshirt and sweatpants Juliet left for me. I have to roll up the pants, and the sweatshirt is more like a dress, but they’re so warm and soft that I don’t care how I look.
I follow the voices and find Juliet and Rob in the living room, watching the weather report.
Chase carries a piece of pizza into the living room. “Your phone’s going mad.” I hear it beeping from the kitchen. “Get some pizza too,” he calls after me as I follow the ringtone.
I tap my screen and prepare myself for the barrage of calls I’m sure I missed from the men in my life. Dad had texted and called six times. I text him that I’m fine and at Chase’s house. Penny had texted to see how I’m making out in the storm. Pooja, Maggie, and Rodrigo had sent a group message that the power in Sheridan is out. They’re all worried about Ben.
Ben had texted me five times in a few minutes, and then suddenly he stopped. Where the hell is he?
“Juliet?” I call from the kitchen. “Did Ben text you?”
She joins me in the kitchen with her phone. “No. Why? What are all these group messages?”
“Nobody knows where Ben is.” I grab her arms so I can see her screen. “Where is he, Juliet?”
Chase joins us. “What’s going on?”
Juliet taps out a message. “Ben’s missing. His car is gone and everyone’s freaking out.”
I call him and get no answer. I know he’d pick up if he saw I was calling. “Nothing.” Where could he be? “Do you think he’s stuck somewhere? Why wouldn’t he answer?” I look at my phone again, checking my texts, my emails, my missed calls. He always has his phone on him, and I’ve never known him to run out of battery. “Maybe he lost his phone?”
She Runs Away (The Sheridan Hall Series Book 2) Page 22