I see Brendan walking toward the golf carts ahead of me and jog to catch up.
"Are you doing this?" I shove the note at him.
He takes it from me and reads it. "My, you move fast, don't you, Lana."
"What?"
"Looks like a jealous girl warning you off of her man."
"That's stupid. I just got here and have barely spoken with anyone besides you. Do you have any psycho exes I should know about?"
Brendan scoffs. "I don't do girlfriends, exactly for this reason." He hands back the note. "Watch yourself. Whoever she is, she doesn't like you."
"She? You're the only one who knows anything about me--illegally, but still."
"I don't play mind games."
"Liar." He's a master at mind games; that was obvious on day one.
"Not like this." He nods toward the note in my hand. "I'm open to sharing what I know, when you agree to do the same. Ambiguous threats aren't my style."
He walks away, approaching a man with a hideous checkered hat and a bulging stomach. They shake hands and Brendan gets in the driver's seat of the golf cart. I now notice he's dressed in pressed khakis and a navy polo shirt with KCC embroidered on the chest. He pulls on a white baseball hat before pulling away.
He's a caddie. His job is to help members play golf. Bullshitting all day. How appropriate.
I don't know which door is the service entrance to get into The Grille, so I approach the counter where Kaely is handing an ice cream to a dripping wet boy in a bathing suit.
"Hi!" she greets me cheerily. "The staff entrance is on the right side under the stairs." She gestures to the side of the building.
I find the door where she indicated it would be and enter a storage room. Wire shelves are stocked with non-perishable food and drinks. I hear voices coming from the front and follow them. There's a small kitchen and service area where a tall, lanky guy stands at a grill, flipping burgers.
He notices me and gives me a goofy grin. "Hey!" His reddish-brown hair hangs in his eyes under his backward Kingston Country Club baseball hat, and the scruff on his chin looks like the only hair that'll grow on his body.
"Hi," I say, continuing to the service counter where Kaely and another girl are taking orders from more kids in bathing suits.
"Order's up," he calls from the back, tapping a bell.
When Kaely turns around to pick it up, she smiles at me. "Hi! Help me with the order?"
I follow her back to the service counter where she introduces us. "Lana, this is Squirrel. Squirrel, this is Lana."
I've heard a lot of nicknames, but never this one. And I can't even begin to understand how someone can earn the name. He doesn't look like a squirrel. I feel my eyes squinting as I stare at him, trying to figure it out.
"Welcome to KCC, not to be confused with KFC." He tosses a burger into the air so it flips a couple times before landing with a sizzle back on the grill.
Kaely laughs. "Can you grab the hot dog and fries?" She holds out a tray with two burgers wrapped in foil.
We spend the afternoon serving hot dogs, burgers, fries, ice cream and a million other concession stand items to kids and parents who came to spend the day at the pool. I'm told that upstairs is a seated restaurant called The Deck, with a more extensive casual menu and a deck that looks out onto the course. Everyone has to start at The Grille first. Squirrel calls it the right of passage, like we're in some tribe together.
I don't earn any tips working The Grille, which sucks. But it's easy. Except for the screaming toddlers who drop their ice cream on the pavement and the kids who squirt ketchup all over the counter instead of their fries. It still doesn't compare to the drunken customers at Stella's who spill more than they consume, try to grab my ass, and end up in fights.
Kaely is patient, a necessity when dealing with the chaos of orders that come at us all afternoon. I don't talk to the other girl too much--of course, I can't remember her name. And Squirrel is ... entertaining. I'm pretty sure the guy was born high. So his high functioning ability to keep up with orders while singing to whatever song is playing and offering unsolicited philosophical insight is impressive.
"It was cool to meet you. You have a totally stellar aura," Squirrel says to me at the end of my shift as he scrapes off the grill. "See you tomorrow at Stefan's?"
"Uh, maybe," I say, not sure what he means--about my aura or meeting up at Stefan's.
"Oh, you have to come!" Kaely exclaims, carrying her cash drawer with her as the new girl takes over her position at the register.
I think about the stipulations Niall put into place, that I'll have to go with one of his sons--meaning Lance, since Parker is leaving today and I'm not ready to see Joey, even if he was here.
"If I can," I tell her.
We walk to the fenced-in area behind The Grille. "I have to bring my drawer up to Cary. I'll meet you back here after."
Ashton didn't bring me to the staff meal yesterday, wanting to return to Blackwood to get ready for Lily's party as soon as our shift was over. She also said the food was way better there and she almost never eats at the club. But, Grant is waiting for me--I hope. And the shuttle won't be here for another twenty minutes, so I might as well check it out.
Four picnic tables with umbrellas stuck in their centers are concealed within the fenced-in space. Chafing dishes are laid out on a banquet table in the corner. I explore the options and find chicken fingers, fries, pasta and a garden salad. Now I understand why Ashton doesn't eat here. But I'm not picky, so I scoop some chicken fingers and fries onto my plate, pour a glass of water from the big orange thermos at the end of the table, and search for a seat. Two of the tables are filled with adult and college-age employees. I opt to sit at an empty table in the corner.
Grant slips through the opening behind me and sits to my right.
"Saved a whole table," he notes. "Nice."
I bite my lip, to keep the smile from blossoming. "I'm not great with small talk. And I've already forgotten everyone's names. Sitting alone was safer."
"Do you remember mine?" he teases.
"I do."
He waits for me to say it.
"Grant," I say with a roll of my eyes. "Are you eating?"
"No. I just wanted to see you before you left."
"Why?" My pulse is racing, making my hands sweat.
"To invite you to Stefan's tomorrow. I'm staying with him for the summer. And every Monday, when the club is closed, he invites people over. I wanted to make sure you knew about it."
"What time?"
"People come and go throughout the day and night, so whenever. Bring a suit. Or sleeping bag. Whatever. It's pretty laid back."
"Umm, I'll try."
"Not sure I like that answer, but it's better than no."
The smile has yet to leave my face. My cheeks are going to start aching soon if I don't calm down. "If it were up to me, I'd definitely be there. But ... it's not."
"Oh." He looks confused. "Are you ... seeing someone? Parker?"
"No!" It comes out so loud a few heads turn at the table next to us. I cringe. Grant laughs.
"I guess you don't like him much."
"It's not that, it's just ... no. I'm not seeing anyone. That's not the reason. I'm new at Blackwood, so there are rules about leaving campus. Basically, I need a chaperone."
"That could make dating difficult."
"I don't date." The honesty spills from my mouth whenever he's around. And the most horrifying things spew out. It's like he amplifies my curse.
He hesitates. "You don't date. You're afraid to fall in love. You're killing me." He grins this beautiful, heart-stopping grin. "Are you opposed to guys as friends?"
"Yes," I say, wanting to smash my head on the table. I just friend-zoned myself because of my rapid-fire honesty. Oh, shit. I suddenly realize what I actually said and want to smash my head even harder. "I mean, I'm not opposed to being friends with guys."
"Have you ever?"
"No. But I don't like many pe
ople, so it doesn't mean anything. I only have a couple friends back home."
Grant continues to laugh at the unabated honesty, like it's adorable and not projectile humiliation. Meanwhile, I want to crawl under a rock. "Maybe I can be the first," Grant says, pushing off the table to stand. "Hopefully, I'll see you tomorrow."
I close my eyes as the gate closes behind me. What just happened? And why is my heart beating like crazy right now? Omigod, please make me stop already.
I stand and toss my untouched food in the trash. Kaely enters the gate as I'm about to walk out.
"Sorry, I have to change before the shuttle gets here. I'll see you later."
"Okay," she says with a smile. I think she's always smiling. Can a person genuinely be that nice? And happy? "Hope you can make it to Stefan's tomorrow." Before I can walk away, she leans in and says, "Oh, and I just saw Grant leave. He was smiling. I think he likes you." Her eyes shine like she's excited by the idea of it.
"Um ... he doesn't know me," I say, trying to shake off the remnants of him that still float around me, making my head buzzy and my heart crazy.
"Then make sure you're at Stefan's so we can change that." Her genuine smile is going to force me to smile in return. I walk away before it does.
I'm not a bubbly person. I'm not exactly bitchy and cold either, contradictory to what others might claim. I'm ... cautious. But I'm all for partying. So, now I just have to find Lance and hope he feels the same way.
When I exit the employee entrance after changing, I find Parker waiting for me by his Land Rover.
"Have dinner with me before I drive back to New York?" When I hesitate, he adds, "I already cleared it with Blackwood. And we still need to talk."
I consider what Brendan said earlier about giving information to get it, and maybe Parker can help me. If I locate the girl before the police do, I can explain and keep her from implicating me. I don't know how Parker can help me with Vic. I'm still not convinced he should know what happened in the stairwell. Because that would mean telling him everything about that night. I've learned the hard way that it only takes one person to talk before everyone else finds out. And I don't trust him.
He holds the passenger door open for me. "Thanks."
"Have you spoken to Nina or Tori since you've been here?" He asks when we pull out of the parking lot.
"They're not approved."
"That sucks. Sorry."
"Whatever."
"Do you want to call them now?" He offers me his phone.
I think about it but decide against it. "Calling Nina from your phone probably isn't a good idea. I doubt she'd even answer."
Parker chuckles cockily. "She'd answer." When he notices my glare, he fumbles. "I mean, she and I still get along." I hear him say, "Shit," under his breath.
"Maybe dinner isn't a good idea."
"Lana," he pleads, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said it like that."
"Take me back to the school," I tell him, crossing my arms.
"What is it?" His grip tightens on the steering wheel. "Are you jealous? Is that why you're being like this?"
"Are you kidding me, Parker?" I yell. "You don't care about me. You only think of how everything affects you. That's why I'm being like this."
Parker pulls off into a scenic overlook where one other car is parked above a valley of rolling hills. I don't understand what's so special about it.
He stares out the windshield, a muscle ticking in his jaw. When he finally speaks, his voice is low and controlled. "I can be a jackass sometimes, I know. And say really pompous things." He turns to face me and takes my hand. "But I do care about you, Lana. And I want to help."
"Me or yourself?"
"Why do you say that?"
I try to ignore the hint of hurt in his voice. "I know that you're one of the organizers, and what happened in the stairwell can come back on you if anyone finds out. You need me to keep my mouth shut so you don't get busted."
"But you wouldn't tell anyone, I know that. I trust you."
"Maybe I should say something."
Parker doesn't respond. Instead, he pulls his hand away and adjusts in his seat to face the windshield again.
"A girl is lying in the hospital in a coma. Don't you think that's more important than your illegal business?"
Parker turns his head toward me. "Of course. But neither you or I put her there. And letting the police know about the party won't make a difference. That's not what's going to help her."
"But saying who pushed her, will." It's the obvious conclusion, if only it were that simple.
"Then tell them."
His encouragement takes me by surprise.
"What?"
"Tell them who did it. Don't continue to protect them."
I fall back against the seat, defeated. "I'm not protecting him."
"Then what? Is it the other girl? Are you worried about her saying something to the police? She was wasted. She could barely tell me what she saw that night, forget about now."
"She saw me. Only me."
"But she didn't see what happened. She came in after."
"Right. But I was the only one there. She can identify me. Then I'll either be forced to tell or ..." It'll be the convenience store all over again. "I don't have any proof."
"Who--"
"Don't ask me. I won't tell you."
"Why? Because you don't trust me?"
"Because it won't make a difference if you know," I say, using his words against him. "I'll figure something out. I just want Allie to be okay." I blink back the tears that have invaded my vision. "She didn't deserve what happened to her. She was trying to help me ..."
"Hey," Parker soothes, unbuckling his seatbelt and mine to pull me against his chest. I don't resist. "I want you to be okay. Please let me help you. I really do want to, and not for selfish reasons, I swear."
"You can't," I murmur, my face pressed against his shoulder.
"Tell me this and we can drop it, for now." Parker tilts my head up to look into his delving blue eyes. "I heard what Allie said at the hospital. Whoever he is, are you afraid he's going to hurt you?"
The concern in his eyes is authentic, and I feel like a bitch for believing he was that selfish. His question is too complicated for a simple truth. Because honestly, Vic might try to hurt me. He's capable of anything, I'm aware of that.
My eyes are unwavering; I want to be sure he can see my conviction. "I'm not afraid."
"I've decided to sing for you," he told Thaylina once they entered her home.
Thaylina squealed delightedly, wishing for nothing more.
"But first, you must do something for me." He unfastened his satin cloak and wrapped it around her shoulders. It was heavy on her delicate frame.
"What is it you want?" Thaylina asked, more curious than frightened.
It's strange walking into the Great Hall and finding people sitting at the tables for dinner. I'd somehow gotten used to the stillness on campus the past couple of days. Although I can't say the same for its eeriness.
I find Lance seated with Ashton and Brendan at the table in the corner that I always gravitate to.
"How was The Grille?" Ashton asks when I sit.
"Messy," I answer, making her laugh. "What did you do today?"
"Went shopping ... online. I was granted internet privileges so I could try to find something to wear for the Ever After Ball."
"Right. The Ball," I say with a pained expression. "It feels weird saying that. Can't I just call it a dance?"
"If you want. But you might offend the social committee."
"I don't know who they are, so I won't be saying it to them. When is the first dance?"
"August nineteenth." Ashton scoops up a mound of chocolate mousse and then turns the spoon upside down to stick in her mouth, savoring it like a lollipop.
"Are you going as a princess?" Brendan taunts, leaning back in his chair with an ankle propped on his knee. He looks so smug; I want to kick the chair out from under him ju
st to watch him fall on his ass. I return his smartass remark with a flip of my finger. He shouldn't be surprised by my hostility every time he calls me by that nickname. I'm pretty sure he says it just to piss me off.
"Maybe you should go as the angry pixie," Lance chuckles. "You kinda already have that down."
"You might want to start searching soon," Ashton adds.
"We have two months," I gape, not comprehending the importance of finding the right costume for a stupid dance.
"It'll be here before you know it."
"Not eating?" Brendan asks with a smirk. I never know what he knows, or what he pretends he doesn't, for whatever twisted reason. It drives me crazy. I'm convinced he's determined to press every single button I have until I'm forced to murder him.
"I already ate."
"Please don't tell me you had the staff meal?" Ashton remarks with a horrified expression.
"No. I went out to eat."
Lance's attention flashes to me. He knows. Before either Ashton or Brendan can ask who I went out with--I see the question dancing in Ashton's eyes--Lance asks, "Did you open the present from your mother?"
"Uh," I eye him suspiciously. "Not yet. But I will when I get back to my room."
Ashton and Brendan glance between us, picking up on the not-so-subtle private message Lance is trying to convey about the gift I received from Niall this morning. Now I'm pretty sure we all know it isn't from my mother.
"So," I say loudly, to redirect the conversation. "What's everyone doing tomorrow? Are you going to Stefan's?"
"That's right!" Ashton exclaims, her eyes lighting. "It's the first party of the summer! His parties are always so amazing." Then she flops back in the chair, deflating just as quickly. "But I don't know how we can get there. I usually secure a ride from someone at the club."
"I can ask Lily," Lance offers. I bite my cheek to keep from smiling like an idiot now that I know I'll get to see Grant tomorrow. Seriously, what is happening to me?
"Let us know what time," Brendan chimes in, my excitement evaporates a little with the realization he'll be coming too.
"Lance, can I ... talk to you?" I ask.
"Sure," Lance replies, a hint of curiosity in his voice. He stands and I follow him outside. "What's up?"
"You know about my off-campus conditions, right? That I have to be with you or one of your brothers?"