A Hollywood Deal (Ryder & Paige 1)

He tosses the script aside. “She supposedly didn’t even make it to her car. Not in any condition to drive, don’t you know.”

“Doesn’t she have a driver?”

“Yeah, but apparently he went home early—during the dinner—because of some emergency.”

His tone says he’s too smart to buy that. I don’t blame him.

Geraldine is not the type to let other people inconvenience her. The driver would have to have a stroke in order for her to let him go before she was done with the day’s schedule.

He sighs. “Thought I should warn you.”

“Warn her about what?”

I almost jump at the cheery voice. Geraldine comes in, thick curls cascading down her back and shoulders. I’ve never seen her with her hair loose, but she looks much younger this way.

And she isn’t in the same outfit, but the new blue dress is just as expensive and elegant as yesterday’s. A string of pearls wraps around her slender throat, and her makeup is perfect.

Well, I think. It’s almost like she brought all her things with her.

“What do you want, Mom?” Ryder says.

Geraldine gives me a long-suffering look. “My son. Always the epitome of politeness.” She sighs theatrically. “What I want, Ryder, is to say goodbye. My driver’s going to be here in a few minutes.”

His smile is surprised…and genuine. “Oh. Well, okay… Great.”

“Could I just borrow Paige for a moment before I go?”

“Sure, Ms. Pryce,” I respond in reflex. Old habits die hard, and sure enough, she cocks an eyebrow.

I manage a chagrined expression. “Mother.” One word I never thought would be awkward to speak out loud, but oh lord it is.

“Splendid.” She holds out her hand, and I have no choice but to take it.

Geraldine’s palm is soft, the bones underneath delicate. She probably never had to do any sort of labor while growing up, and if she ever broke a sweat, it was due to her own choice, not necessity.

She wraps an arm around my waist and we make our way down the stairs to the foyer. She tilts her head in my direction. We must make a pretty picture—the bride-to-be and her future mother-in-law spending quality time together.

“I’m so glad you’ve upgraded your wardrobe, my dear. Being my son’s wife will entail maintaining a certain image.”

“Josephine Martinez picked some things out for me.”

“She has good taste. Perhaps she could help your family out as well? We can’t have them showing up in, well…clearance rack clothes. It would be embarrassing for them, and for you, too. And how would it reflect on Ryder?”

Anger and resentment knot in my chest, but I force a smile to avoid making a scene. My family’s wardrobe is perfectly fine by the standards of everyday America, but not people who spend four figures on a pair of jeans.

She continues. “Ryder laid it on quite thickly, didn’t he?” Her voice is so low I have to strain to hear her. “Babies. My goodness.”

My instinct blares caution. “Well, he does love children.”

“Does he now?” Geraldine smiles, her eyes bright with amusement. “I approve of this union only because it will foil Julian’s attempt to control Ryder, not because I think you’re a suitable bride for my son.”

Everything inside me freezes. “How…?” I blink a couple of times. I’m certain Julian didn’t tell her, and Ryder? No way. The only likely person is Elizabeth, but she isn’t that close to her parents either.

Geraldine chuckles. “Don’t be so shocked. I’m not some moronic society matron, frittering her life away in a state of ignorance.” She clasps my hand in hers. “I’m sure there’s a prenup, but still, a child would complicate things. I hope you take care to avoid creating such a complication. A divorce should be clean and swift, don’t you agree?”

Sue appears, smiling at the sight of us. “Your car’s here, ma’am,” she says to Geraldine.