He lets out a long sigh. "Yeah, that's what I told myself when I fired him."
"And that's not the real reason?"
"I just couldn't stand that he was, can't stand that he is, his friend."
Ben and Caleb have been friends for many years. Somehow I always knew that was the reason River acted like he did toward Caleb. The only thing I can think to do is just tell him what he already knows. "River, even though I don't want to ever talk to Ben again, we can't avoid everybody he knows. That's not fair to our friends or family."
River nods his head. Striding over to me, he lifts my chin and cradles it. "Dahlia, I did hire Caleb back, but there is something else . . ."
The sound of the twisting of the lock abruptly stops our conversation. We both snap our heads toward the front door when it swings open.
Xander enters the foyer with his key in hand and signals hello with a single nod. Nix struts in right behind him and heads over to the sofa. He gives us an obligatory wave, and then does a double take. "What the fuck?" he says, pointing to River's eye.
River shrugs his shoulders and responds, "Not now, man."
Stepping in after Nix, a woman I've never seen before comes through the door. She has long dark hair and olive skin. About average height, she has the shiniest hair, and the most flawless complexion. She would give Aerie a run for her money. She's truly stunning.
She smiles at us and Garrett comes in right on her heels, practically walking into her. His blond hair is tidier than I'm used to seeing and he apologizes to the woman before looking over to us. "Hey River, Dahlia. What's up?" He, too, does a double take and also points to River's eye. "Ouch, hope you did some damage to the opposite end of the fist that nailed you!"
River stiffens, but just grins at him and for the first time I wonder what the extent of Ben's injuries were.
Garrett nods, grins back, and heads into the living room to turn the stereo on. River promptly redirects his attention to his brother who ushers the exotic beauty our way.
"Xander, just because you have a key doesn't mean you don't have to knock."
"Shut up, River. I've been calling you since seven this morning. If you'd answer your goddamn phone I wouldn't have had to bring everyone here."
Nix makes himself at home and flops his feet up on the table. "Got any coffee?"
Ignoring Nix, Xander says, "Ellie Bryce, meet my brother, River, in the flesh. At least now you can see he actually does exist."
She extends her finely manicured hand over the bar and River moves beside me to shake it. When she speaks, her voice is confident and strong, "Sorry for the intrusion, but I do need your input and Xander insisted we come over."
River responds as he releases her hand, "Nice to meet you. I'm sorry I haven't made any of your meetings, but now actually isn't the best time."
Xander shoots River a look. "No time seems to be the best time for you, so let's say we do it now."
River tenses. I wrap my arm around his waist and look up at him. "Hey, I've got stuff I can do, we can finish talking later."
Ellie reaches over to me and her silver bangles jingle as we shake hands. "You must be Dahlia. It's a pleasure."
"Hi. Nice to meet you." Then I become aware as I look at her that I have no underwear on under River's T-shirt. River is also only half dressed, which is evident when her eyes seem to linger a little too long on him.
He leans over and whispers in my ear, "You sure?"
I nod and tuck my hand in the waistband of his jeans.
River looks at Ellie and says, "Since Xander is insisting, what's so urgent?"
"Everything has to be marked urgent with you, otherwise we can't get your attention," Xander retorts.
"We need to firm up some details for each tour stop and make arrangements for the venues," Ellie responds cheerfully, ignoring Xander's comment.
Xander takes a step toward the bar and pulls a stool out for Ellie. His eyes flash toward us and hastily away when he notices my clothing, or lack thereof. Smirking, he mumbles, "Guess we caught you at a bad time."
Unresponsive, River moves to stand in front of me as Garrett walks into the kitchen behind us. River twists his head and shoots him a look.
Garrett averts his eyes immediately. "Oh, sorry man. I didn't realize . . ." Cutting himself off he points to the pot on the counter and says, "Nix wants coffee, but I can make it later. Right now I'll make like a busboy and get the fork out of here." With that he promptly turns and leaves the kitchen and I start laughing at him.