Ride With Me (Paige and Jace) novel Chapter 34

CHAPTER 21-2

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CHAPTER 21-2

Every vase remained perfectly centered and the house looked untouched by time.

Unfortunately, I knew the people inside it far better than the decorating.

Voices drifted through the partially open dining room doors and Edgar announced my arrival

causing every conversation to stop and Charles stood first.

“There you are.” He said with a practiced and effortless smile.

“I was beginning to wonder whether traffic had delayed you.” He added.

“It didn’t.” I said.

Victoria crossed the room and kissed my cheek lightly.

“You look beautiful sweetheart.” She said.

“Thank you.” I said.

She stepped back as though we’d spoken only yesterday instead of months ago.

“I’m so glad you came.” Victoria said.

Charlotte rose from her chair with the same graceful smile she’d perfected years earlier.

“Paige. You look wonderful.” Charlotte said and I smiled politely.

“You’ve always been generous with compliments that have hidden price tags.” I said and she laughed softly.

“I see your sense of humor survived.” She said.

“It had to. Dinner conversations at home were excellent training.” I said.

A flicker crossed her face before disappearing behind another perfect smile and Charles gestured toward the empty chair waiting halfway down the table.

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“Come and sit.” Charles said.

I thanked Edgar as he pulled out the chair and then I looked around the table.

Everything had been arranged exactly as it used to be. Father at one end, mother at the other and Charlotte beside out father.

My place was halfway down the table and almost as thought I’d never left at all.

That illusion lasted precisely three seconds and another chair scraped gently across the polished

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CHAPTER 21 2

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Hooked toward the doorway and Tyler walked into the dining room carrying a bottle of wine.

Charlotte smiled as he took the empty sat beside her and she rested her hand lightly against his

arm without a second thought.

In that moment, I understood exactly why I’d really been united. –

The rest of dinner unfolded exactly as I expected.

Charlotte and Tyler played the part of the perfect couple while my parents pretending the arrangement had happened naturally. And Tyler glanced across the table at me.

“I have to admit, Charlotte understands this world a lot better.” Tyler said as I buttered a dinner

rolled without looking up.

“I’m sure she’s delighted to hear that.” I said.

“She’s sophisticated.” Tyler said and I smiled politely.

“And yet she still chose you.” I said.

Charlotte shot him an amused look while my mother quickly changed the subject before anyone

could respond. But it didn’t last.

Dad placed his knife and fork nearly beside his plate before looking directly at me.

“So, Paige. Still fixing motorcycles?” Charles asked.

“I am.” I said.

“You must be getting tired of that little garage.” He said.

“Not even slightly.” I said and he nodded as though he hadn’t heard me.

“If you sell Lawson Custons you could move back home until you decide what comes next.”

Charles said and I folded my napkin onto the table.

“I’ve already decided.” I said.

“You don’t have to struggle.” He said.

“I’m not struggling.” I said.

“The garage isn’t your future.” He said.

“It was Uncle Will’s. So it can be mine too.” I said.

His expression hardened just enough for me to notice.

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CHAPTER 21 2

“You’re wasting your potential.” He said.

“think I’m finally using it.” I said.

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Silence settled over the table and Charlotte picked up her wineglass, although I noticed the tiny

smile she tried to hide.

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