When We Fall (Take the Fall, #2)(39)

“Fine.”

“Don’t worry about tomorrow, either.”

I shake my head in total disbelief. His change in attitude is out of nowhere. “That’s not something you get to decide on your own.”

“When it comes to my reputation, * isn’t a factor,” he says crudely. A couple of guys and girls snicker.

Holy crud. I forgot we had an audience. My face turns so hot that I’m surprised it doesn’t explode. “This has nothing to do with sex or anything else. You didn’t hire me, so you can’t fire me.”

“Look at all that backbone. Maybe you’ll show that to your daddy tonight, too,” he mocks.

I’ve had enough. Practically running to the office to grab my purse, I then make a beeline for my car. I can hear Emmett taunting me in the background.

“Run away, poor little rich girl.”

Slamming my car door shut is satisfying, but being run out of a place of business in front of customer is mortifying.

I take a sustaining breath and then another before pulling out of the parking lot. Hopefully, the ride over to The Oaks will give me time to calm down. I had so wanted to be calm and collected when I faced my parents this evening, but the way my cheeks are still overheated, that’s not going to happen.

—

When I arrive at the country club, a valet opens my door and helps me out of the car. It’s been months since I used the service and I don’t recognize him, but I do remember to tip him before he drives away.

Other than the new valet, The Oaks Country Club looks the same, with its welcoming oak doors framed in winding ivy and a tastefully lit interior. Plush rugs over hardwood floors muffle the clicks of my heels. An attractive woman stands behind the reception counter with a pleasant smile on her face.

Unsure if I’m to check in before I go upstairs, I walk closer to her.

“Hi. I’m Piper Ross and I’m having—”

“Good evening, Ms. Ross. We were expecting you. I’ll take you upstairs right away.”

Though the restaurant is technically on the second level, it is ground level with the golf course. Sixty years ago, the owners of the neighborhood blasted half a hill away in order to build this place and the houses around it. My parents live in one of the newer sections.

“How was your day?” the woman asks conversationally as we walk up a flight of stairs.

“Busy, and yours?”

“Getting ready for classes to start. I work here at night to pay for them.”

“I hear you. They’re so expensive.”

The woman gives me an odd look, like she can’t believe I would say that or even know the cost. Then again, seven months ago, I did not know the cost.

“They’re waiting for you over there. Louisa will escort you. Have a great evening.”

“You, too,” I say as Louisa shows up. Thankfully, she says nothing more than the usual pleasantries, so I don’t stick my foot in my mouth this time.

As soon as my parents see me, my father rises. He looks the same to me. A very imposing yet debonair man who has the world’s most beautiful woman at his side.

“Piper, we’re so glad you could join us,” he says, smiling warmly as he helps me into my chair.

“Really, sugar, did you have to wear something so casual?” Mother says by way of greeting.

“I’m sorry. I came straight from work.” Oh stupid, Piper. Don’t apologize to her.

“You look lovely,” my father says. I wonder at his good mood and then spy the tumbler of scotch on the rocks near his hand. He’s probably on drink number three by now.

“Thank you.”

“Black really isn’t your color, darling. It makes your skin look sallow. You have the Ross side to thank for that.”

My father gives her a look. “Not everyone has been blessed with your beauty.”

Slumping a little into my seat, I fall right back into my painfully shy and incredibly awkward default mode. My mother is beautiful. She looks like an ice princess with her flawless skin, golden hair, and light green eyes. Even without a touch-up to her face or body, she looks years younger than other women her age.

It’s unfair really, to have a parent so beautiful on the outside while simultaneously hideous on the inside.

You’re beautiful. Gorgeous. I allow Jase’s words to lift me up. A smile curves my lips.

“What are you so happy about?” my mother asks, her voice sharp.

“That I’m here with the two of you.”

Her eyes narrow. “It’s not because you need our help paying bills?”

I shake my head. “I have two jobs.”

“You’re welcome,” she says and takes a dainty sip of wine. “Ginger is very happy with your performance so far. Make sure it stays that way. I won’t go out on a limb like that for you again.”

My eyes lower and I stare at the table until the first course arrives. I don’t bother to order because I know that Mother will make comments and my father will ignore everything but his scotch.

“The strawberry salad is divine, Piper.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I don’t like strawberries. I’ve never liked them. While they eat and talk, I pick at my food and work up the nerve to talk to them. Finally, there is a lull in the conversation and I just go for it.