Between the news of the psychology offer and the Olympic tryouts coming up, Tate was in a great mood. I enjoyed being around him even more than usual and felt his absence almost too much as I pulled up in my parents’ driveway. I sat there for a minute, taking in the beauty of their mansion. A soft huff left me at the fact that my almost run-down car was a punishment for not being or doing enough in their eyes. It was sad, and for the first time ever I didn't feel sorry for myself, but for them.
They could control Allison and me until she was married and I was graduated. Then we were free women, and then what? I wasn't ever looking back when I was done with school. I'd been spewing the same nonsense my dad had pumped into my head when I told Tate that I would probably end up at Scott Enterprises.
"No way in hell." I got out of the car and let out a long sigh before grabbing my bag and greeting the latest bellman at the door. I had no clue who he was or any of the people working at the house and on the grounds. My mother’s lack of patience and ill temperament meant that employment at the Scott mansion was a revolving door.
"Afternoon, Miss." The older gentlemen at the door nodded and smiled at me.
"Hi, there." I extended my hand, surprising him a little from what I could tell. "I'm the black-sheep of the family, Valentine."
"Ah..." He smirked. "I'm the outcast of my own family, as well. It's nice to meet you."
"How is everyone? Crazy?" I walked in and looked around, wishing that I had the same warm welcomed feeling standing in my own house that I did at Tate's mom's place.
"The wedding frenzy has taken a hold of just about everyone, but I didn't say anything." He pursed his lips.
I laughed, liking him already. "Mums the word."
"Valentine?" My mother's voice caused my muscles to lock and a cold chill to run down my spine. There was no other person in the world that could make me feel as small as she could, and she hadn't even done anything yet. It was the promise of the berating to come.
"Yes, Mother?" I picked up my bag as she walked into the foyer.
"Don't carry your own bag." She turned her attention to the bellman. "James, this is your job. Do it or you'll be packing and looking for another one."
"Mom, I got it. Seriously." I lifted the small suitcase and wagged it in front of her. "It's one-"
"Now!" She ripped the bag from my hand and half threw it at the guy. "And you, don't teach these people around here that they don't have to do their jobs. I can't stand your generation and their willingness to bend the rules for anyone or anything. I swear."
"Nice to see you." I smiled. "You look pretty."
"Don't chastise me, young woman." She poked me in the chest. "Your sister is going to have a beautiful event tomorrow and you're not going to ruin it or you will pay for it for the rest of your life. Understood?"
"Is Val here?" My sister bounded down the stairs, and I was grateful for a reason to turn away from the witch in front of me.
It hurt that I didn't have tears in my eyes from the way she spoke to me. I was too calloused by it.
"Hey, you." I moved to return the warm hug Allison gave me. "Are you excited?"
"Very, but I'm nervous, too." She giggled. "We're doing the run through in an hour, so get changed into something nice. After that we'll have the dinner, and then Bart and I are going out for a drink. Mother said that-"
"That I have a boy I want you to meet. He's a great choice for you, Valentine." She cleared her throat. "You do remember me mentioning him, right?"
"Yes, Mom, but I'm seeing someone. I'm not-"
"Surely not that biker trash that your father had to warn off." She laughed, and my blood ran cold. "Please tell me that you didn't disobey us to that extent."
I kept my eyes on my sister. "Am I going with you and Bart for drinks? Is that part of the blind date?"
"Yes, and your date is a great guy, but we'll talk later. Go get ready." My sister pressed her forehead to mine and whispered, "Before she eats you alive."
"Amen." I turned and jogged up the stairs as my sister moved in to interfere on my behalf. I couldn't thank her enough for being good to me. It was nice to know that I didn't stand alone as the only decent Scott in Minnesota.
I would go on the stupid after-party date and be nice to the poor guy, but I wasn't interested and nothing would become of us. I was falling in love with Tate, and nothing was going to change that.
*
"Well? What did you think?" Allison stopped in front of me as we wrapped up the rehearsal dinner. My mother and father were busy saying goodbye to various guests who had come to be part of the event. My mother had showed her ass three or four times during the evening, and I needed more than one stiff drink to get through much more with her.
"It was perfect. The wedding is going to be great." I looped my arm into my sister's. "It's about time for my mail-order groom to show up, right?"