Gilt_ By Invitation Only - Geneva Lee Page 0,53
out, he grabs my hand tightly and leads me toward the edge of a runway. He doesn’t speak as a small speck of a plane comes into view, barreling faster as it descends toward the strip in front of us. My hand is starting to hurt from his grip, but I don’t dare remove it. As soon as the jet is on the ground, he yanks me forward.
Attendants rush over and open the door hovering nearby as a woman in a black wrap dress takes the steps. Her face is obscured by the brim of a large, black hat and a pair of oversized sunglasses. When she reaches the bottom, she takes off the glasses. Even from a few feet away, it’s easy to see the red rimming her eyes. She’s been crying, but when her gaze lands land on Jameson, she lights up. Her arms stretch out and he drags us toward her. “Jamie!”
“Mom,” he greets her in a thick voice.
“Oh, darling.” She crushes him into a hug, but he doesn’t release my hand. I clear my throat awkwardly after a few minutes not wanting to feel like a third wheel.
“Maybe I should give you two a moment,” I begin, but Jameson cuts me off.
“That’s not necessary.”
“I’m so sorry.” Mrs. West opens her purse and pulls out a handkerchief, dabbing at her nose. She forces a smile onto her face. “We haven’t been introduced. I’m Evelyn West.”
I open my mouth to give her my name, but Jameson jumps in. “This is my girlfriend, Mom. Emma Southerly .”
I can almost swear I feel the tarmac vibrate as the bombshells hit. It takes a concerted effort to stay on my feet. Girlfriend?
“Southerly?” His mother repeats in surprise, but she instantly regains her composure. “It’s lovely to meet you. I’m so glad you’ve been able to be here with my Jameson. I just couldn’t leave my father in his condition.”
“It’s okay, Mom,” Jameson promises her. He loops his free arm through hers and guides us both back toward the BMW. “I have everything under control here.”
She tenses when he says this. But if she has an opinion on the situation, she keeps it to herself. Jameson opens the front passenger door and drops my hand to help me in, but I shake my head. “I’m fine back here.” I get into the back seat before he can protest.
“That’s very sweet of you,” Mrs. West says.
On the way to Mt. Charleston, she peppers us with questions. How did we meet? How long have we known each other? Jameson manages to skillfully answer them all without giving anything away. Now doesn’t seem like the best time to mention exactly what party it was we met at or that our relationship was founded on an alibi. When we arrive at the mountain chalet, he carries her bag inside and she takes my arm as we head into the house.
“I’ll admit I was a bit surprised when I heard your last name.” She chooses her words carefully, but I can hear the edge to them. “Does your father know you’re seeing my son?”
I consider lying, but then I shake my head. “No.”
“Word to the wise, tell him sooner rather than later. Parents hate finding out they’re being lied to.” Her tone is gentle and I see now where Jameson gets his softer side as well as his looks.
Her eyes are the same silvery blue as her son’s and her aristocratic features are the feminine equivalent of his brutal beauty. She removes her hat and I see that her hair is light like her daughter’s, nearly white at the temples.
“I believe you know my mother,” I say, looking for a subject of conversation while we wait for Jameson to return.
“How is Vivian?” she asks.
“Remarried living in Palm Springs.”
Evelyn frowns at this revelation. “Do you see her often?”
“I stay with her during the summer. We split holidays. It’s all very scheduled.”
“A daughter’s time with her mother should never be scheduled.” She perks up as Jameson enters the room. “Speaking of, where is my daughter?”
“Probably with her boyfriend,” Jameson informs her. “She’s been shacking up with him all week.”
“Are you two fighting?” she guesses, not at all perturbed by his implications.
“Considering Monroe thinks I did it, you could say that.” A chill creeps into his words and I feel the urge to go to him and reassure him, but I force myself to stay still.
“Your sister is confused. This was traumatic for her and she doesn’t know what to