Shackled Lily Page 21

  “Now I’m definitely not stepping one foot into that church!” I was pouting, which seemed to amuse Grant even more.

  “Awe come on, since when do you care what someone else thinks? Besides, he also gave me the best advice I’d ever been given. He said to pray for you and not to give up on you. He reminded me that God was in control and only He had the power to change your heart. I already see Him doing it, Issy. Every day, you get more and more beautiful because I see your heart softening.”

  I wanted to be mad at him, but the way he was staring into my eyes melted any resolve that might have been there. I leaned up and kissed him, letting my heart and soul pour into his. I would have stayed on that boat forever with him, locked away from the reality of life, but my stomach betrayed me. It let out an obnoxious growl, alerting both of us to fact that it was well past lunchtime.

  Grant laughed and teased, “I guess I should feed you, huh?” I lightly hit his arm and then started to move around him. He kept me trapped in his arms, his eyes suddenly getting very serious. “You realize now that I’ve got you, I’m never letting go. Don’t wake up tomorrow and think you’re going to run away from me again.”

  I smiled warmly at him, my stomach fluttering from the intensity in his eyes. “I never want you to let me go.” My admission brought a smile to Grant’s lips and surprised me too. It was true, though. I had loved him for as long as I could remember, and knew I always would.

  Grant drove us back to the pier and carefully docked the boat. I made my way to the edge and smiled mischievously at him. “Loser makes lunch,” I yelled as I took off running down the pier. I was laughing so hard I almost couldn’t run and had to look at my feet just to stabilize them. I finally looked up and almost ran smack into Robbie and my dad who were standing right in front of me. The beauty of the day immediately disappeared as my stomach knotted at the sight of both of them.

  Seconds later, I felt Grant try to stop himself as he plowed into me, holding me tight to prevent our fall. He got his bearing and immediately stiffened as he looked at my father whose face showed nothing but fury.

  “Mr. Summers. I didn’t expect you until tonight,” Grant stammered.

  My father crossed his arms and glared at the two of us. “So I see,” he responded, his voice sharp and accusatory. “I’ve been trying to contact you for hours. Seems that you were too distracted to remember your phone.”

  I watched as Grant’s hand immediately went to the pocket where he usually kept the phone, realizing with horror that it wasn’t there. “I’m so sorry, sir. I must have set it down.”

  My dad’s voice did not relent, and I was starting to get angry at the way he was talking to him. “Well, I’m not about to repeat my instructions. There is a long voicemail I suggest you go listen to.”

  Grant nodded and then squeezed my elbow before heading back into the house. It was an intimate gesture that wasn’t lost on either my father or Robbie. I folded my arms and stared at them, ready to receive the same tongue lashing Grant got.

  Robbie’s eyes were dark, sending chills down my spine. He kissed my cheek and gave an emotionless smile. “You missed class. I was worried you weren’t feeling well, but I guess you’re all right.” He put his arm around me possessively and addressed me while looking directly at my father. “We couldn’t have you missing the party tonight, now could we?”

  I wiggled out of his hold. His touch was dangerously close to making me scream. “What party?”

  My father finally spoke up, his eyes still challenging mine with fury. “We’re announcing the merger to our senior leadership tonight. A party tends to keep the mood light and gives us the opportunity to dispel any concerns that layoffs might occur.”

  “Well Robbie, thanks for the invite, but I’m afraid I won’t make it tonight,” I said sweetly, leaving no room for negotiation in my tone.

  Robbie shot my father a look and then turned to me. “Well, if you do decide to come, I’ll be sure to save you a dance.” He kissed my hand before I had the opportunity to pull it away and said his goodbyes.

  My father and I continued to stand there in a silent battle while waiting for the other one to speak. I finally broke the silence. “It’s nice to see you, Daddy. How long has it been? Oh yeah, since Monday night when you abandoned me,” I accused, my eyes slanting in hatred.

  My father didn’t say a word, but the vein in his neck was pulsating with exaggerated intensity. He turned and stalked into the house, and I followed him yelling that I wasn’t done talking about it. He found my car keys on the foyer table and picked them up.

  “These are now mine. Since you can’t be trusted to stay in town when I’m gone, you will no longer have the means to leave,” he declared, ice dripping from his words.

  I stared at him in shock. How did he know? The only person who knew I had even left was Grant, and I knew he didn’t tell him. “Are you still spying on me?” I screamed, and my father put up his hand to dismiss me. I was not letting this go. “Where were your spies Monday night, huh Daddy? When Robbie undressed me and bathed me and then did God knows what else while I lay unconscious? Where were they then, or better yet, where were you?” I screamed, tears starting to sting my eyes.

  My father was shaking with fury, but I didn’t stop. Years of pent up aggression flowed out of me in that moment. “You can’t even see it. You are so blinded by their money that you can’t even see how far your head is stuck up their a--” The slap across my face sent me to the floor. I grabbed my cheek, stunned that he had finally done it.

  “You will not speak to me like that,” he hissed before storming off into his office and slamming the door.

  20. DADDY, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?

  I stayed on the floor, my cheek throbbing from the impact and just started laughing. Anyone watching would have thought I was crazy, but I had done it. I had finally broken through his armor and touched a nerve deep inside him. He didn’t have the words to fight me, only his hand, and that was a victory. I pulled myself off the floor and ran up the stairs, still reeling in my accomplishment.

  I threw open my bedroom door and stopped abruptly as yet another dress hung from my armoire, this time with a note attached to it. I stepped toward it and read the note.

  I saw this dress and knew you would look beautiful in it. See you tonight.

  --- Robbie

  I growled and tore up the note until it lay in tiny little pieces on the floor. I then grabbed the dress and threw it into the hall before slamming my door shut. I was NOT going to that party tonight. I went to the bathroom and took off the clothes I had been in since last night and stepped into the shower. My cheek still throbbed when I touched it, and I wondered how bad the bruise was going to be. I’d like to see how Daddy was going to explain that one tomorrow.

  I dried off and wrapped my hair tightly in a towel before putting on my robe. I wondered if Grant was ok, or if my dad was still tormenting him over forgetting the phone. I went back to my bedroom to grab my phone and text him, but stopped when I saw the dress laid carefully across my bed with another note attached. My hand shook as I grabbed the offensive paper, but felt my body relax when I saw my father’s handwriting.

  You will attend the party tonight. Non-negotiable.

  Over my dead body, I vowed as a grabbed the dress once again and stormed to my father’s room, banging on the door. I heard him yell to come in and I did, stalking right up to him and throwing down the dress so he wouldn’t miss my point. He was standing in front of his large tri-fold mirror that captured his entire frame, and continued to put his cuff links into his tuxedo shirt. He looked at me through the mirror and raised his eyebrows. He was in complete control again, and even smiled at me.

  “I’m not going,” I stated, folding my arms. “Threaten me all you want. Take away my car, my apartment, my school. I. DON’T. CARE. I am not going.” I felt like this was my last stand and if I lost this battle, I would inevitably lose the war.

  My father didn’t say anything at first, just finis
hed his sleeves before moving to his bow tie. Finally he spoke. “You still haven’t talked to your mother, have you?” he asked, his face unreadable.

  “What’s your point?”

  “She’s not doing well. In fact, I haven’t seen her this bad since…when was that? Oh yeah, your thirteenth birthday.”

  I gasped as visions of my mother’s lifeless eyes filled my head. My father noted my reaction and continued, “It’s a funny thing, Kaitlyn. When your mom and I divorced, I bought out her half of the house. She claimed she didn’t want it—too many bad memories, I guess. You threw such a fit that she finally conceded and stayed, insisting on paying rent for it. A few months ago, I finally convinced her to stop, which was a good thing since financially, she really couldn’t afford it.”

  “What are you talking about? Mom has plenty of money.”

  “Does she?” he asked rhetorically. “Seems that after your Aunt Kathy died, your mom developed a little habit that takes a lot of funds to sustain.” He stopped talking, letting the information sink in. I thought of the multiple bottles of painkillers I found in Jake’s cabinet and brought my hand to my mouth. When he saw I understood, he began talking again. “My real estate agent says the market is finally at a point where we could get a great price on that little piece of property. I’ve been hesitant, knowing it would leave your mother with nothing, but I don’t know. You tell me. What should I do?”

  I stared at him through the mirror, seeing only the monster he had become, and picked up the dress off the floor.

  My father smiled, and I turned to leave before he could see the tears start to fall. “Be in the foyer at six sharp,” he announced before I slammed his door.

  I was shaking when I picked up my phone to call my mom. She finally answered after two attempts, but her voice sounded strange.

  “Hey baby,” she slurred. “How are you?”

  “I’m good Mom. How are you? Daddy says you aren’t feeling well,” I said gently, the tears rolling down my cheeks with force now.

  “Oh, he worries too much. I’m fine. Just tired, baby. I’m going to sleep, but I’ll call you later, ok?” She didn’t wait for me to respond, and I sat there with the phone to my ear, refusing to accept the silence I got when she disconnected.

  Functioning on autopilot, I got myself ready for the party and met my father by the door. I didn’t acknowledge him, nor did we speak in the ride over to Robbie’s house. I watched as the car navigated through both security gates and felt as if they were prison doors shutting behind me.

  Robbie met us at the front door and looked at me in awe when I stepped out of the car. The emerald dress he had picked out was empire cut and strapless. The gown was fancy enough to be seen on the red carpet and even had under garments sewn into it so there were no lines. It was once again a perfect fit, a chilling reminder of the closet full of clothes he had stashed away. I knew the dress brought out my eyes in a way that made them almost seem unnatural, but they exposed only the empty shell I was tonight.

  He pulled me towards him and attempted to kiss me. I turned away before he was successful, and he settled for my cheek, pretending it was his intention. “You look stunning, Isadora. I’ve never seen anyone so beautiful.”

  He offered me his elbow. I had no intention of taking it until I heard my father clear his throat. I conceded and allowed Robbie to guide me into the ballroom that was full of people. I hadn’t seen this side of Robbie’s house before, and the vast space was grand enough to be in the movies. Large chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and the walls were covered in various designs, all carved out of wood and painted to match the walls.

  Robbie led me directly to the dance floor and pulled me close to him. I allowed him to lead me around, still not saying a word. He leaned into me while we danced and commented on my lack of personality. “You’re not yourself tonight.”

  “That’s because I’m here under duress,” I answered icily, staring at him with all the disgust I felt for him.

  “Ah,” he said nodding, tightening his grip on me.

  “Let’s get you a drink then. It always seems to

  lighten your mood.”

  He led us off the dance floor and excused himself to the bar to get our drinks. I wanted the alcohol, could almost taste it in my mouth, but I didn’t trust myself, and I certainly couldn’t trust Robbie or my father. I moved to the corner hoping Robbie would lose sight of me and checked my phone. Jason had texted me a reminder that our monologue was tomorrow. I chuckled when I read the word “slacker” next to it.

  Grant also had texted me.

  Grant: I’m finally done with my list. Where are you?

  Before I could reply, I felt someone staring at me. I glanced up to find Robbie in front of me holding my drink. He handed it to me and took my phone out of my hand. I watched in stunned silence as he scrolled through my texts.

  “Jason?” he asked, looking up.

  “A friend,” I replied sternly, holding out my hand to get my phone back.

  Robbie just nodded and looked down at it again. “Grant?”

  I felt my stomach drop a little, but kept my face unreadable. “Another friend. Now can I have my phone back, please?”

  Robbie eyes darkened a little as he handed back my phone. “Somehow, I doubt that one,” he said calmly, and then put his hand on my elbow to lead me through the room.

  I stopped when I saw we were at the ballroom doors, refusing to go any further.

  “I have something I want to show you,” Robbie explained trying to move me forward.

  “I’m not going anywhere alone with you.”

  “Trust me, you will want to see what your father’s been up to. It’s just my office, Isadora.”

  I hesitated a minute, but the need to know trumped my survival instinct, and I followed Robbie to his office. He shut the door behind him after we stepped inside, and I heard a loud click that put my nerves immediately on alert.

  Robbie walked past me to the large window overlooking his garden and began talking. “You know, Isadora, it’s a good thing I’m an only child, because I have never been very good at sharing something that I believe to be mine.” Robbie turned to look at me, his eyes terrifyingly calm.

  I decided it was a bad idea to have come with him and backed up to the door to turn the handle. It didn’t budge. I felt around the handle for a lock but there was nothing.

  “It’s fingerprint activated,” Robbie explained with a smile. “Incredible technology.”

  I could feel myself shaking as I watched Robbie walk over to his large mahogany desk. “Come here,” he directed, holding out his hand. “I promised you information.”

  I slowly walked over to him and looked down at his desk. The first thing I immediately saw was my framed picture sitting there. It was my father’s, and I recognized it immediately because I had given it to him for his birthday last year. The frame was purchased at an antique store in Asheville and I knew it was a one of a kind. “Where did you get this?” I asked, shock registering on my face.

  “Your father gave it to me,” he answered as if surprised I didn’t already know that. He picked it up and looked at it. “It’s truly a masterpiece, Isadora,” he mused before setting it back down and walking back towards the window.

  “I’m still kind of surprised you don’t remember me,” he continued, turning to face the garden again. “It bothered me at first, especially considering I couldn’t get you out of my head. But then I realized it was actually to my advantage that you didn’t.”

  “Robbie, what are you talking about?” I demanded, my voice betraying my fear and rising anger. “Why would I remember you, and when did you get this picture? My father only keeps it at his office in New York.”

  “Your getting emotional, Isadora, and its clouding your usual intuition. Look around. You’re missing a vital piece.”

  I looked around the room, exasperated, and then looked back down at Robbie’s desk. My eyes immediately spotted a piece of paper that had my name on it
. It was my schedule for Western and had been signed by my father at the bottom. “So he gave you my schedule. How does that answer my questions?” I asked, irritation present in my voice.

  “Look closer, Isadora. You’re still missing it.”

  I looked at the paper again and finally saw what he was referring to. I felt the entire room shift, and I clutched the edge of his chair to steady myself. My father’s signature was dated November 10, two months prior to New Year’s and my unfortunate brush with death. I looked back up at Robbie, my eyes wide with horror.

  He smiled at me, knowing I had seen what he wanted me to. I pulled over the chair and sat down, sure I was going to fall if I stood any longer. Robbie seemed pleased with my response and started talking again.

  “You know when I met your father, it was because my dad wanted me to witness their exchange. Your father had approached us with the merger idea last summer and was still waiting to hear what we were going to do. My father decided it wasn’t worth the time and effort it would take, when the profit margin on our side was so small. On your father’s side, now that was another story. So I went with him, willing to learn all I could before I graduated. Your father was very gracious, bringing us into his office, showing us all around the room while he pitched how great the merger would be. I allowed him to go on, feigning interest while I examined the contents of his office. That’s when I saw your picture, and suddenly I realized that there was something worth far more than money that I might gain from this little merger.”

  My ears were ringing as Robbie’s words tore at my heart. I refused to hear what he was telling me. Refused to believe that my father would use me as leverage in a business deal. “But why me?” I whispered, my voice unable to work properly.

  Robbie came over to me and handed me the last envelope on his desk. Inside were hundreds of pictures of me, starting as early as October. Me and Avery dancing, Danny and I kissing outside our apartment complex, Jason and I up against the wall making out in the bar, Grant and I arguing on the beach. The pictures went on and on until the final one was of me last night sitting at the table with Jake’s friends.