The not knowing is driving me insane.
I’m merely moving through the motions now, but I realized what I wanted most when Carter made his veiled threat. I want to go back and be with Connor; I just can’t see how that’s even possible at this point.
I could graduate today with all the credits I have and go be with him. I would love to explore what Connor and I have, but I have no idea where I’d be if it didn’t work out. Carter could throw a fit and make sure Madison Prep said the worst things about me to any college I applied to, and I’d be screwed.
My stomach sours when I see the dress Carter left for me on the bed, and I loathe that he can walk right into my room. It’s a sliver shiny little thing that I’d never want to wear. Does he really think I’m going to wear this and did his mom actually get this for me? I suppose she does wear these kinds of dresses, but she can’t be serious.
A knock sounds at the door before it starts to open, but whoever it is isn’t waiting for me to answer. “Evie? I brought you some shoes.” Carter’s mom Marilyn stands in the doorway.
“Oh, thank you.” I walk over to where she’s standing and take the heels from her. When I see how high they are, I want to cry. I’ll break my freaking neck in them.
Marilyn is always nice to me, not that we really talk much. “You’re coming. right? Carter said you wanted to and you would need a dress.” Marilyn’s already had her hair and makeup done. She’s normally polished, but tonight it’s more than usual. She reminds me of Barbie or one of those Stepford wives.
“You didn’t have to do all this.”
“Carter seems to really like you and wants you there, so I’m happy to help.”
“Thanks.” I give her a smile because what else am I supposed to do? Tell her that her son is blackmailing me? I’m guessing she’s not going to believe it. Or maybe she would believe it but wouldn’t care.
“See you down there.” She closes the door behind her, and I know I have no choice at this point.
I’m going to the stupid party.
Chapter Fourteen
CONNOR
Three days. It’s taken me three damn days to get off that mountain and find Evie. The storm that came through not only knocked out our power and phones, but it blocked our main road.
Normally that wouldn’t be a problem because we’ve got generators and are well stocked on food and supplies. Hell, last winter I would have welcomed being snowed in for a week or so just to have the peace and quiet. But of course the storm hit the second I wanted to get out of there and run after Evie.
Once we finally radioed down for the snowplows, it took about a day to get the road clear. During that time, it was hell trying to even locate where she was. The paperwork we had was all signed by the parents, but nothing had her information on it. Once I tracked down the town she was in, it wasn’t too hard from there. She’d told me about her foster family, and I found the guy that she was living with on the register.
Wilder and I packed a bag and chartered a plane. He said he was coming with me, and even though I didn’t need the backup, it’s been good having him by my side. We made our way to the place Evie has as her address only to find the house completely empty and no Evie in sight. Luckily, the housekeeping staff told us where she was staying, and as soon as I heard the last name, I knew it was with that little fucker Carter.
It’s been a long twenty-four hours since I left the mountain, but I’m closer to Evie than I’ve been in days. I can feel it.
When Wilder pulls up in front of the posh mansion, I’m surprised by all the cars in the driveway.
“What the hell?” I say as I look out the window.
“Looks like some kind of party.”
“No shit.” I don’t look back at him as he pulls to a stop in front of the valet.
“Too bad we didn’t bring our tuxedos.” Wilder gets out and tosses the valet the keys without blinking an eye.
“I don’t give a shit what I’m wearing, I’m going in there to get my woman and taking her home.”
“Lead the way,” Wilder agrees, and we walk up the front steps to the entrance.
“Welcome,” a well-dressed man says at the front door as he looks Wilder and me up and down. His face doesn’t look welcoming at all. “Do you have an invitation?”
Wilder glances at me and smiles as he tucks his hands in his pockets and waits for me to talk my way through this one.