Ride With Me (Paige and Jace) novel Chapter 31

CHAPTER 20 1

+25 Pointil

CHAPTER 20-1

The invitation sat on my kitchen table all night. Every time I walked past it I found myself reading the elegant gold lettering again as though the words might somehow change if I looked at them often enough.

They never did.

The Lawson family requested my presence for dinner. Requested. That part almost made me

laugh.

Growing up, nothing in our house had ever been a request. Dinner had been an obligation. Conversation had been carefully managed. Opinions had been welcome only if they matched everyone else’s.

On Monday I got up early and I made coffee, burned the first slice of toast because I was staring at the invitation instead of the toaster and finally admitted I wasn’t going to stop thinking about it

until I decided what to do.

The workshop downstairs was already waiting and Ben arrived just after eight carrying a box of

donuts.

“I figured breakfast improves morale.” Ben said.

“It also improves my opinion of you.” I said.

“I was hoping for employee of the month.” He said.

“You’ve been here long enough to stop asking.” I said.

He grinned and disappeared into the service bay while I unlocked the office.

Business stayed steady throughout the morning but my concentration drifted more often than

usual.

I tightened the same bolt twice, nearly poured fresh oil into the waste container and spent five full

minutes looking for the wrench I was already holding.

“You’ve got that thinking face again.” Ben said noticing all my mistakes.

“I have a thinking face?” I asked.

“You look like you’re arguing with yourself.” He said.

“I usually lose.” I said and he laughed before getting back to work.

By lunchtime I accepted that I needed advice. Not from George or from Jace or anyone

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CHAPTER 201

emotionally involved.

+25 Points

needed someone who looked at facts instead of feelings and I picked up the office phone and called Olivia Hart and she answered on the second ring.

“Olivia Hart speaking.” She said.

“It’s Paige Lawson.” I said.

“Good afternoon, Paige. How are things?” She asked.

“They’ve been quieter than my family.” I said.

“I suspect that isn’t saying much.” She said and a smile tugged at my lips.

“I received a dinner invitation.” I said.

“The Lawsons?” She asked.

“Unfortunately.” I said and she was silent for a moment.

“Are you planning to ignore it?” She asked.

“I was.” I said.

“I wouldn’t.” She said and I leaned back in Uncle Will’s old office chair.

“Why not?” I asked.

“Because your father is already contesting the estate.” She said.

“I know.” I said.

“If this matter ever ends up before a judge, the last thing we want is anyone suggesting you’ve intentionally cut yourself off from your family.” She said.

“You think they could use that?” I frowned.

“I think good lawyers use every argument available. If they can point you as the unreasonable daughter who refuses contact, they’ll certainly try.” She said.

“So I should go.” I said.

“I think attending one dinner is the wiser legal decision.” She said and I sighed.

“I hate it when sensible advice ruins perfectly good plans.” I said and Olivia laughed softly.

“I’ll consider that a compliment.” She said.

After hanging up, I stared at the invitation again and I still didn’t want to go.

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CHAPTER 20-1

Unfortunately, wanting and needing weren’t always the same thing.

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