8. WREN

8

WREN

My creepy one? I don't have a creepy smile. I had braces for two years and wore a retainer at night for years after that. My smile is perfect.

"Wren," my dad says, pulling me into a hug.

"Daddy." I wrap my arms around him and breathe in his familiar scent. It is calming and reassuring, and brings me back home.

"I've missed you." He looks me over. "You're happy?" he questions.

"Yes," I answer, without hesitation. I am happy. I have good friends, albeit one annoying one at times. I've always kept my friend group small. Even back home, there were only a few girls that I spent time with outside of school on occasion.

While I love both my parents equally, I can admit I am my dad's little girl. I chose to spend any free time I had with him. He understands me in a way no one else does because we are similar. He has the same social and mental struggles I do.

He's taught me to use them to my advantage and be the best version of myself. I don't know who I would be without him .

Wyatt calls me strange, but to me, it's how I grew up. I've adopted all of my dad's quirks. We both thrive on order and structure. Although lately it seems Wyatt has been testing my limits and my willingness to bend my rules.

I search the bar for Mr. Abbott and his son, Daniel.

"I sent them ahead to the table. I wanted a moment alone with you. Daniel is a nice guy. He will be an asset to the company once he graduates. But if he isn't the right fit for you or you aren't interested in more, this marriage doesn't happen. Or if there is someone else in your life—"

"There's no one else," I cut him off before that idea can get planted and start to grow. There will never be anyone else. I'm not cut out for intimate relationships.

"Leave it to your mother to make an offhand comment years ago in front of Fred and have it escalate to this. She's under the impression he would be a good match for you."

When I was a teenager I overheard my mom talking on the phone talking to a friend about my dad. She said, "he's hard to love, but I do it anyways." It could have been in jest. The thought wormed itself into my head regardless of its validity. I'm so similar to my dad. I put two and two together and decided I must be hard to love too. The notion has stuck with me ever since.

My mom doesn't think Daniel is a good match for me. She thinks he is the only option for me to find a husband. It's a fair assumption. I've never shown much interest in dating. I know that has always bothered her.

She grew up in a world where a good marriage doubled as a status symbol. Me showing more interest in pursuing a career instead of marrying a man goes against everything she was groomed to do. I know she wants the best for me. However, wanting and knowing what's best are two different things.

"Maybe he is. We already know we are like minded when it comes to work and business. We could match up on other things too." I bet Daniel doesn't have a closet full of costume horrors like Wyatt. His clothes aren't likely to be left in piles on the floor to wrinkle. They are starched and as stiff as his personality.

"That would make things easier. The choice however is yours. This is your life. You get to decide what you want."

"What do you mean it would make things easier?"

"If you had more things in common. It would be easier," he says without looking me in the eye. Why do I get the impression he isn't telling me everything? "Remember none of this is worth sacrificing your happiness, Wren."

"It wouldn't. I never planned on getting married. It makes sense to try with Daniel."

"Let's see how things go tonight before we make any decisions."

My dad leads me to a table near the back of the restaurant. I had zero preparation time for this. It was a last minute invitation. Mr. Abbott, Daniel, and my dad were passing through Montgomery and got delayed overnight .

They felt it would be the ideal time for Daniel and me to mingle. It wasn't. I had to cancel my plans with Wyatt. He seemed fine with it. Probably relieved actually.

I press my hands down the front of my dress. It is a simple black cocktail dress with a cinched waist. It's conservative but accentuates my figure while still being classy.

Both men stand from the table as we approach. Daniel is handsome with his blond hair and boy-next-door appeal. He has filled out since the last time I saw him. Not quite the gangly teenager I remember. He looks refined and polished in his tailored suit and tie. Like a shiny new toy to play with.

"Fred," my dad says. "You remember my daughter, Wren." He gestures toward me.

"Of course. It's been a few years."

"Yes. I believe it was our graduation party." Our parents had thrown us a joint party at the country club. It was as pretentious as it sounds. "Nice to see you again, sir."

"Please, call me Fred," he says, with a gentle smile. I nod. "Daniel," he urges his son forward with a small push on his back.

"Wren." Daniel takes a step toward me and cradles both of my hands in his. "You look beautiful," he says, leaning down to kiss my cheek. His assertiveness surprises me. I recall him being quite shy and maybe even a little awkward.

"Thank you. You too." Heat rushes to my cheeks. He does look handsome. He looks exactly like the trust fund, country club guy I typically hook-up with.

Daniel pulls out a velvet blue chair for me. Then takes his seat beside me. With everyone situated at the table and being the center of attention, my heart begins to race.

Linen napkin. I place it on my lap.

Dinner fork. Salad fork. Soup spoon. Knife. I straighten them and space them evenly on either side.

Water glass. Wine glass . I straighten them as well.

The process calms me enough to take a look around the dining room. It's decorated with rich wood tones and moody blues. The lighting is low creating an intimate setting.

The waiter comes and takes our food and drink order, breaking up a little bit of the tension and unease I'm feeling.

"How is school going, Wren?" Mr. Abbott—Fred—asks.

"Great." I smile. Is this the creepy smile Wyatt is talking about? I try a different one, the one that I've practiced and perfected. The one that hides everything.

"What about you, Daniel? Are you looking forward to graduating?" my dad asks, rescuing me. He knows I won't want to elaborate or talk about myself for too long.

"More than ever," he says, with his eyes on me. I reach for my water with shaky hands. His attention is unexpected. I was under the impression he was agreeing to see me, to marry me, because it would be good for business.

My phone chimes in my purse. For once I'm relieved by that annoying noise. It's a welcome interruption.

"I'm sorry. I forgot to turn off the notifications before we sat down," I say when my phone chimes again. I already know it's Wyatt. He's aware I'm having dinner with Daniel. Why is he texting me right now?

WYATT

How's it going?

Did he like your dress?

I fight the urge to roll my eyes and instead send a quick response.

ME

It's fine. He didn't say.

Not about the dress anyways.

He said I looked beautiful.

"Is everything okay?" Daniel asks.

"Yes. It's a friend."

"Maybe you should tell her you're busy," Fred says. His words are sharp—the opposite of his friendly demeanor he was exuding earlier.

" He knows I'm here. He's checking on me because he's worried." I'm not sure why I said that. Wyatt isn't really concerned. He's texting because he likes to get under my skin and annoy me.

"Is this your friend with the farm?" my dad asks. I briefly mentioned Wyatt's situation a few days ago and asked him for advice. This is what we do after all. My dad has been breathing life into failing businesses his entire career. If anyone knew what I can do to help, it would be him.

"Yes." I give him a pleading look to not discuss this topic further. I don't want to bring up Wyatt's situation in front of the Abbotts. They don't need to be involved.

Wyatt didn't give me very much to go on, but his situation isn't far off from other projects my dad has taken on in Georgia. I can't silence the voice inside my head pushing me to get more information and try to help him.

"Very well. Now is not the time. We have other matters to discuss."

"We do," Fred agrees. "Do you plan on coming home right after graduation? Or do you need to tie up loose ends?" he asks me. By loose ends he means ending a relationship.

Another reason why I've always kept feelings out of relationships. In the back of my mind, I knew that getting married to Daniel was always a possibility. Allowing myself to get attached to someone else would only end badly for everyone involved.

I glance briefly at Daniel before answering. "I will be coming home as soon as graduation is over. I'm ready to start working."

Fred gives me a calculating look and continues to question me. "Where do you see yourself fitting in with your father's company?"

I'm not entirely sure why he is so interested, other than I know he's been trying to become business partners with my dad for the last few years. My dad has consulted on several of his projects and ever since then he's been attempting to sink his teeth in deeper and take a bite of the pie .

Is that his motive behind the marriage? If I'm married to Daniel, then he'll automatically have a stake in the company.

"We haven't discussed it in entirety yet. I think my skill set is best served in consulting and focusing on business development." I enjoy finding problems and solutions. It is satisfying work.

"I look forward to having you on board," my dad says with a smile. Then takes a sip of his wine. "We have several new projects starting up I think you will find interesting."

My dad and Fred discuss the new strip mall Fred has acquired. He's brought Ellington Business Solutions on board to consult with the existing businesses that are leasing the retail space. These are exactly the kind of projects I want to drown myself in.

Fred is a greedy man, but he's also smart. He purchases run down pieces of commercial real estate using his development firm. Then hires my dad's company as the consultant. I can see it in his eyes. He is looking forward to double dipping and growing his financial portfolio with this marriage.

He also expects my dad to extend the same courtesy and use his real estate firm when needed. I don't think my dad has that on his agenda, which has been brewing tension in their professional and personal relationship.

Dinner is served and I silently eat my salmon and rice while absorbing every detail of their conversation. I don't miss the hint of hostility in Mr. Abbott's voice when my dad says he is taking one of his projects in a different direction .

After we finish eating, my dad and Mr. Abbott excuse themselves and head toward the bar. I try my best to look appreciative for the privacy they've offered us.

"You're really interested in this," Daniel says to me, leaning back in his chair. He's assessing me. I don't know how I feel with his sharp eyes on me.

"I am. You aren't?"

Daniel shifts his body closer to me. "I have been working alongside my dad every summer since I graduated high school. He's taught me the benefits of clean slates and starting over."

"You think it's better to force business owners to quit their dreams instead of offering them the tools to succeed?"

"Businesses fail every day. He believes we are doing them a favor by saving them from years of being in debt."

I shake my head. "I disagree. You are letting them drown. Saving them would be throwing them a lifesaver, and showing them where they can improve and stop the bleeding." I take a quick sip of my water. "You said that's what he believes. What about you?"

He glances at his father who is deep in a conversation with my dad at the bar. "I want to throw them a lifesaver."

"Is this why you are agreeing to the marriage?" It would make sense. It's a way for him to work with my dad without insulting his own. It's a dramatic approach instead of simply standing up to his father and telling him he doesn't believe in his business practices .

"Not entirely. Please don't take this the wrong way. I'm sure you're great." His smile seems genuine enough. "My dad is holding my inheritance ransom. If we don't get married, I lose access to my trust. I need that money to start my own venture."

That is a glaring difference between our parents. I had access to my trust the day I turned eighteen. The stipend was small in the beginning and has increased over the years. I have been saving most of the money.

Besides the occasional splurge on office supplies, I don't have the need for much beyond food, gas for my car, and clothing—all of which is budgeted every month.

"Can he do that?" I feel Fred watching me out of the corner of his eye. I move closer to Daniel and stroke the top of his hand with my fingers. Daniel jumps in surprise. "He's watching," I whisper.

Daniel's hand curls around mine. He leans in closer. The scent of his aftershave wafts over me. It's clean and refreshing. It suits him, but I don't feel that same high when I'm lost in a haze of Wyatt's familiar scent. "He can do whatever he wants. It's his money. I can think of worse fates for the two of us."

"Is that a compliment?"

"All I'm saying," his thumb grazes against my wrist, "is we could make it work. At least long enough for me to get my inheritance. I'm sure there is something in this for you too."

"There isn't. It could be good for business." Other than making my mom happy by seeing her little girl get married, I can't think of any personal reason why this is a good idea for me.

"Good for business, but bad for you. My dad is skilled at manipulating people into believing a deal favors others more than it does him. I promise whatever story he has sold to your dad, it isn't at all what it seems."

"They have been working together for years. Friends for longer. Why would he try to pull one over on him?"

"Money," he says with a shrug. "Power. Men have done worse for less. He's been trying to purchase a piece of your family's business for years. If we are married, he can use the family card to get what he wants." I smile. Pretending what he said doesn't send bouts of rage through my body.

"You are not selling yourself very well if you actually want me to walk down the aisle." I refuse to play a part in some rich man's game.

"What I want is my freedom."

"Interesting that you are seeking that while acquiring a ball and chain. Some might say you are trading one jailor for another," I joke.

"I like you. You aren't the same quiet girl I remember. I think I might enjoy this more than I thought I would."

"I haven't agreed to anything. If what you say is true, I should be warning my father against this whole arrangement." I keep my voice low even though I know they can't hear me.

"You might. Or we can beat my father at his own game."

"What are you suggesting?" My instincts are telling me I can trust Daniel. However, he is still the son of a man who may be trying to hurt my family.

"We go forward with the engagement. Give me time to talk to lawyers and find a way to work around my father. If we break this off now, I don't stand a chance."

"This seems very beneficial to you. I would do better cutting my losses and walking away."

"A favor for an old friend?" He flashes a boyish grin. "After graduation, I'll get down on one knee. You say yes and we spend the summer trying to stick it to the man."

I can't think of any reason for me to say no.

Except for the way I felt dancing in the kitchen with Wyatt. And the way his eyes would flicker with delight when he caught me looking at him.

But he's not interested in me. Wyatt likes Charlie. And I'm the one who's going to help him get her. I shake my head in a lousy attempt to erase the memory of his hands against my skin.

"Yes," I say and lift my glass.

"Cheers, fiancée."

A weight lands heavy in my stomach making me feel like I'm making the wrong choice. But that can't be right because there is only one real option.