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.
“Wonderful. Thank you.” Geraldine turns and gives me air kisses. “I’m sure you’ll make my son happy,” her mouth says, but her eyes say, You better make him happy.
I’m too stunned to react. I stay rooted to the spot as she waggles two fingers good-bye and leaves the house.
When the door closes with a click, it starts me out of my trance.
“Paige?” Sue asks.
“I’m fine.” I force a smile. “Just surprised that she had to spend the night here.”
“I think she just wanted to stay here. Isn’t it sweet? She had coffee with Ryder earlier.”
“How lovely,” I murmur.
Sue doesn’t know the whole stilted situation with Geraldine and Ryder. All the appointments and social calendar stuff are managed at my level. She hears only what Ryder wants her to hear.
As I go upstairs, a shiver of apprehension runs through me. Agreeing to help Ryder by “marrying” him is supposed to be just that: help. I, however, underestimated what the job truly entailed. Julian isn’t stupid, so he probably knows that our union isn’t for real. But Geraldine? Both of them seem eager to toss me into the center of petty squabbles that have been going on for a while.
The last thing I want to be is collateral damage.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Ryder
It’s already time and I don’t see Paige. The stylists arrived as soon as lunch was over. What on earth can they still be doing to her?
Mom told me over breakfast that I should at least buy engagement party outfits for Paige’s family, since they obviously can’t afford anything better than what they had on. I didn’t want to—talk about rude and presumptuous. Trying to dictate how someone else should dress? Plus, their clothes from last night showed that they can dress themselves just fine.
But she said their shabbiness would embarrass Paige, and that she would be too proud to ask for help. And that’s true enough. Paige won’t even take my money, which is nothing compared to what she’s doing for me. I could’ve offered her quadruple that amount, because that’s just how much the painting means to me.
So I sicced Josephine on her family, with specific instructions to buy them something for the party only, provided that they’re okay with it. I don’t want to force them into doing anything they aren’t comfortable with.
From the top of the winding staircase, I can see everything down below.
The guests are already here, everyone in tuxes and suits and fancy gowns. Priceless perfumes fill the air, and exquisitely cut gemstones adorn hands, throats, ears and wrists. I could’ve made it a more casual affair, but I need the party to look as glam as possible because that’s exactly what I’d do if things were real. My invitation informed the guests that I’ve hired a team of photographers. And no one in Hollywood wants to look like shit—unless that’s their brand. My publicists will release a few stills with my approval.
I glance at my watch once again. It’s about time we make a grand entr—
“How do I look?”
I turn around and stare at Paige.
Artful makeup enlarges her beautiful brown eyes and highlights the perfect structure of her facial bones. Raspberry color tints her full lips, which are set in a slightly apprehensive smile. Her hair makes a half-loop around her neck in sleek waves and rests on her left breast. The ivory-colored gown is elegant but sexy with a V-neck that shows off her gorgeous breasts.