by Sarah Peis
He collapsed on top of me, and I welcomed his crushing embrace. “I think you broke me,” he murmured into my ear, making my body break out in goose bumps. “Am I crushing you?”
“Not yet. I like to feel you. All of you,” I said and tightened my legs around him.
“I’ll move in a minute. Hopefully by then I can feel my legs again,” he said, kissing my collarbone.
I giggled and ran my hands up and down his back. “Guess I wasn’t as tired as I thought.”
The statement was followed by a yawn.
Oliver’s head came up, and he studied me. “Let’s get some rest.”
I protested, but he was already getting up and helping me to my feet. I never liked this part because it meant we were no longer as close as we could possibly be.
“Let’s take a shower and go to bed.”
The shower was quick, something that didn’t often happen when we took one together. But I must have been more exhausted than I thought, because as soon as I lay down in bed and Oliver curled around my back, I was out.
“You look gorgeous,” Oliver said for the tenth time, taking my hand in his to stop it from rearranging my top. I opted for a more conservative outfit today, wearing a long black-and-white striped A-line skirt that loosely fell down to around my ankles. My top was a black fitted blouse with small ruffles around the cleavage. I paired it with my black ankle-strap heels with gold clasps. Guess having half my wardrobe with me did come in handy.
I was usually a more colorful dresser, but from what Oliver told me about his family, they were ultraconservative. And I was desperate to make a good impression.
Oliver didn’t wear a suit for once; instead he opted for a casual V-neck long-sleeve blue shirt that he had rolled up to his elbows, showing off his powerful forearms. He had combined it with beige chinos that fit him to perfection, the skinny cut showing off his impressive build. I didn’t think he realized the things those pants did to his rear. But I wasn’t going to complain.
We were on the way to his parents’, and Oliver was driving the rental car to their mansion in the Hollywood Hills. As if meeting your boyfriend’s parents wasn’t bad enough, they also had to be filthy rich and live amongst the Hollywood elite.
“So why did you think it was a good idea to take the girl you love to meet our parents?” Anna chimed in from the back seat. We had picked her up on the way, and she didn’t seem excited to be visiting her family. At all. And it made me rethink this visit. But also grateful that she agreed to come along.
“I want them to tell Maize that the engagement was just a business deal. I told you this already. Now stop making her even more nervous,” Oliver said.
“Can we just talk worst-case scenario here for a minute?” I chimed in, curious to know if his parents would kick me off their property if they felt like it.
“They wouldn’t do anything to tarnish their reputation. And there will be a lot of people at the lunch today, so nothing bad is going to happen. When they say it’s only going to be close family, what they really mean is one hundred of their closest ass kissers. But don’t worry. We have your back. If it gets bad, we’ll just leave,” Anna said, giving me a half-assed smile.
“That’s so not reassuring.” I sighed but decided this might be a case of ignorance being bliss and I should stop asking questions.
“Beautiful, you’ll be fine. I’ll be by your side the whole time. And it might go bad, but at least you’ll be sure that I never intended to marry Lana and that it was never real. That’s all that matters.”
“What if I said I believed you and we didn’t have to go and visit your family?” I tried, hoping against all hope that he might turn the car around.
“We’re almost there. Might as well show you where I grew up.”
He didn’t sound enthusiastic about the visit. Why did I ever agree to this?
“Even though I think Oliver is crazy for bringing you here, I think he’s doing the right thing. And honestly, he’s never brought anyone home. You’re special. Just remember that when my parents get weird. Or bitchy. Or both. Ignore them. You’re here for Oliver. Nobody else.”
Oh, boy, this was getting worse. “Anna, maybe you should stop with the pep talk now,” I said and clutched my damp hands together.
We arrived a few minutes later, not giving me nearly enough time to get my shit together.
When we pulled up to an enormous iron gate, I wondered if this visit would change my relationship with Oliver.
“You’ll be fine. There’s nothing to be nervous about. Just be yourself,” Oliver tried to reassure me again. He leaned out the window to type a code into a keypad, and I swallowed a snort. If I was being myself, they would probably think he had lost his mind and talk him out of ever seeing me again.
The gate opened, and we drove down the paved road that was lined with gigantic trees and manicured lawn on each side.
After finally making it down the long-ass driveway, we pulled up in front of the mansion. And what a mansion it was, complete with pillars, three stories high, and bigger than the Humptulips town hall. Which was the biggest building in my hometown.
I was still staring at the imposing home when my door opened. Oliver must have gotten out while I was busy being intimidated. He helped me out of the car and took my hand. Anna got out behind us.
“Don’t mind me. I’m an independent woman. I can open my own doors.”
“Sorry, sis,” Oliver apologized, shrugging at her.
“All good. I know all you have on your mind is Maisie.”
“Can’t deny it,” he replied and turned to me, a frown marring his gorgeous face. “You look like you’re about to throw up again. When we get home, you’re going to see a doctor.”
“I’m fine. I don’t need to see a doctor. It’s just nerves. A lot has been happening lately.”
“We’ll see,” he said and knocked. I didn’t get a chance to respond because the door opened, and a butler appeared.
“Sam, good to see you. How have you been?” Oliver greeted him and shook his hand.
“I’m good, Mr. Thorpe, how are you? And what lovely creature did you bring into the lion’s den today?” Sam asked, then turned to me.
I stopped midstep and shook my head. I changed my mind. Definitely. He just said lion’s den. I was not prepared. At all.
“This is Maisie,” Oliver introduced me. “How is everyone today?” He pulled me inside.
“Nothing’s been broken yet, so I would say you’re catching them on a good day,” Sam said, looking like he was talking about the weather.
“Excellent,” Oliver said and walked farther into the opulent house, complete with winding staircase and entry hall.
“Miss Thorpe, a pleasure to see you again so soon,” Sam greeted Anna.
“I know I said I would never come back, but I’m here for Oliver.”
“I see,” Sam said and closed the door. “Your parents will be thrilled to have you both here. They were quite upset when you left last time.”
Anna waved him off. “We both know that’s not true. But thank you for saying it anyway. I’ll try and stop by the kitchen before we leave to say hi to everyone.”
“That would be lovely, Miss Thorpe. I hope you enjoy your visit.” And with those parting words, Sam disappeared down the long hallway to our left.
“When did you come back here?” Oliver asked, his voice tight. “I thought you hadn’t spoken to them since you moved?”
“I thought I’d try and make amends. Didn’t go so well though. And I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d react like you are now.”
“We’re not done talking about this,” he promised, then took my hand.
“You said everything would be okay,” I hissed, hoping nobody would overhear us as we were making our way through the house, Anna following silently.
“It will be,” he replied and walked through open bifold doors into a palatial backyard. We stepped onto the marble patio and headed to a sitting area next to an Oly
mpic-sized swimming pool that dropped off into nothing, giving a spectacular view of LA.
I needed a moment. Or twenty. This was incredible. There were a lot of people here for a family gathering, and my throat felt suddenly dry. I glanced around the backyard wide-eyed, wondering if it would look weird if I turned around and went back into the house.
I almost missed the group sitting off to the side, watching our every move. And I meant every move. I put on my best I am a strong and confident woman smile and took a deep breath. Then another. And another.
Oliver walked me toward a couple standing in the middle of the group and gave my hand a light squeeze to let me know he was with me. I could tell they were his parents because he was a younger version of his dad and he had his mom’s piercing blue eyes.
“Oliver, did you get lost?” his mom greeted us.
He leaned in and gave her a small peck on her cheek. “Hi, Mom. Sorry we’re late.”
He turned to his dad and shook his hand. “Dad.”
“Son.”
They both looked stiff and uncomfortable. I should have tried to get more information out of him about his family. Maybe then I’d feel less awkward and out of place.
“Anna. Well, this is a surprise,” his mom said as she looked at Anna, who was standing next to Oliver. Neither woman moved; instead, they stared at each other.
“I hope you’re not here to make another scene,” Oliver’s dad hissed, regarding his daughter with icy disdain.
That was one way to take the attention off me. Well, at least until Oliver just had to go and introduce me.
“This is Maisie.” He pulled me forward, and I shook hands with a sour-faced Mrs. Thorpe and an assessing Mr. Thorpe. We were off to a pleasant start. And I hadn’t even said anything embarrassing yet.
“Guess you just had to bring her,” Mrs. Thorpe said.
“Mom,” Oliver said, his tone low and tight.
“If you want to avoid me making another scene, as you so nicely put it, Daddy dearest, you better treat her with respect,” Anna hissed.
“Please, can’t we just all be civil for one lunch? I really wanted you to meet Maisie,” Oliver said, his tone calm, even though he was anything but.
“Oliver, you made it,” someone called out, and I was pushed out of the way when a body flew into his arms.
He didn’t put his arms around the woman. “What are you doing here?” he asked, his voice even tighter. “I was told this was just going to be family.”
“She is family,” his mom said.
“No she’s not,” Oliver responded and stepped back, out of her embrace.
When I saw who it was, all color drained from my face, and I took an involuntary step back. I thought Lana was out of his life. Guess this trip was more enlightening than I wanted it to be. And definitely not in the way I’d expected.
Oliver didn’t give me a chance to retreat farther and instead pulled me in to his side, his arm like a steel band around me. “Lana, you remember Maisie, my girlfriend?”
I liked that he emphasized the word girlfriend, but I didn’t like the smirk Lana threw my way. I didn’t greet her or offer her my hand, and neither did she. We were on the same page on that count.
I also no longer agreed with his pants choice, because Lana was definitely checking him out. And because I was a jealous idiot, I thought the best thing to do to divert her attention was to put my hand on Oliver’s ass. Right as we were talking to his parents.
There were times in life when I wondered how I even managed to survive in polite society. I could screw things up without even saying anything.
Oliver took it in stride and kissed the top of my head. He really was perfect. I left my hand where it was and sank into him, smiling at his parents. Might as well go with it. His mother narrowed her eyes at me, and if her face wasn’t smothered in Botox, her forehead would have been wrinkled at this stage.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Anna ground out between clenched teeth. Her hands were balled into fists, and she looked ready to punch Lana. I wished she would just give in and do it. That would definitely make me feel better.
“I was invited. Unlike you. Or Oliver’s little friend,” Lana said with a saccharine sweet voice.
If Anna wasn’t going to punch her, I would. She deserved a good ass kicking.
“Haven’t you done enough?” Anna asked. “If you have even an ounce of decency in you, you’ll turn around now and walk away.”
The bitch didn’t move, just stepped closer to Oliver’s parents, who smiled their plastic smiles at her.
“You know what you’re supposed to do, Oliver,” his dad said.
“And you know that’s not going to happen. We officially ended our farce of an engagement. I’m with Maisie. And since I intend to marry her, this is the end of your business deal.”
“This deal has been twenty years in the making,” his father huffed, looking like a steam engine that was ready to burst at the seams.
“I’m not your pawn to be moved around a board. I wish you would just for once act like we’re your children instead of business assets.”
The air was rife with tension, and I took a step back, not sure I wanted to be close when Oliver’s dad finally blew up.
“Excuse us, I need to speak to Uncle Chance,” Oliver said, clearly having had enough. Without another word, he led me off to the side of the property where it was quieter.
“Maisie, I’m so sorry. I knew they’d be difficult, but I didn’t think they’d be so outright hostile.”
Anna followed us again, clearly believing in strength in numbers. And we should stick together while in enemy territory. “I know this is not the time for this, but I told you so,” she said, tilting her head at Oliver.
“No, not the time, Anna. And I didn’t think they’d be this bad.”
“You never think they’d be the horror show that they always are. You still believe they have our best interests at heart. But even you should be able to tell by now that they don’t.” Anna sighed, looking years older than her twenty-five. “I need a drink. Find me when you’re leaving.”
She walked back inside the house, not once looking back, her steps hurried but sure.
“Son, you always keep your visits interesting. I’m glad I came today,” a guy who was even taller than Oliver and had a big beard greeted him. I would guess his age to be around Oliver’s parents’, but it was hard to tell with all the hair covering his face. Oliver was forced to let go of me when he was crushed into an embrace. The backslapping commenced until it was deemed backbreaking enough, and the guy let go again.
“Chance, this is my girlfriend, Maisie,” Oliver introduced me, not looking the least ruffled by the greeting.
“Maisie, you are as beautiful as Oliver described you,” Chance said and pulled me in for a hug. Thankfully, this one was much shorter and there was no backslapping.
“Maisie, this is my uncle Chance.”
“It’s lovely to meet you,” I said.
“Guess this guy hasn’t told you much about his family yet?” Chance asked, nodding at Oliver. “You look like you just met his parents. Didn’t you warn her before you brought her here?”
He didn’t need an answer, as the look on my face seemed to be enough. I couldn’t help that my face showed my every emotion.
Oliver took my hand and brushed his thumb across my knuckles. I held on tight, his touch a lifeline.
“Don’t let them intimidate you. And remember, Oliver might be their son, but he’s nothing like them. I made sure of it,” Chance said and winked at me.
The question of how he accomplished that was on the tip of my tongue, but I said nothing, still sticking to my vow of silence.
“Not that I’m not glad to see you, but what are you doing here? I thought after all that went down with your mom’s little protégé you would avoid them for a while.”
Oliver went stiff. “I wanted to bring Maisie and explain the Lana situation. But I’m not so sure if that wa
s a good idea. I should have just tried to explain it without making her go through this. I just didn’t think they’d treat someone who was important to me like that.”
Chance groaned. “I love you like you were my son, but you need to wake up, Oliver. They’ll never change.” He took a sip of his drink. “But I’m glad you’re here, things haven’t been the same without you.
“You getting sentimental, old man?”
Chance ignored Oliver and turned to me and smiled—or what I guessed was a smile, as I couldn’t be too sure with all that beard—then took my hand. “Why don’t I protect your girlfriend while you say hi to everyone?”
Oliver looked like he would object, but Chance continued. “You don’t want her to have to meet everyone. She’ll dump your ass quicker than you can say crazy. Bringing her here wasn’t the smartest idea you’ve ever had, but it’s the only way she’ll believe you about the Lana thing. One has to experience the madness to fully understand its effects.”
Oliver looked from his uncle to me and nodded, his lips in a tight line. “Fine. But don’t leave her alone. And if you don’t bring her back in ten minutes, I’m coming to find you.”
Chance chuckled and led me to one of the couches off to the side, facing the stunning view. “Let’s sit over there. He won’t be long.”
I was more than a little confused. Didn’t sound like this trip would do Oliver any favors. Why did he bring me here? I appreciated the statement he was making to his family and Lana, but I wasn’t sure I would get out of this visit unscathed.
We took a seat, and Chance turned to me. “How long have you been with Oliver?”
I frowned. Small talk? Now? I decided to just go for it and ask. Because I still wasn’t entirely sure what happened with the engagement.
“No offense, but if Oliver told you about me already, then I’m sure you’ll know the basics. And since he still hasn’t told me much about Lana, it’s your moment to shine.”
“Right to the point. I like it. You are good for Oliver, you know. He’s been around this lifestyle his whole life. He’s never been happy. All the backstabbing and superficial friendships were never for him. He’d always been looking for more. When he called me six months ago to tell me he’d met the girl of his dreams, I could hear that he was truly happy for the first time in his life.”