Chapter 60: Chapter LX

No one seems to have noticed my absence, and if they did, they don’t say anything. I grab another glass of champagne on my way inside and spot Spencer raising his own at the audience, speaking a few words of gratitude for everyone present and how happy he is to be able to finally accomplish this dream to open his company in his hometown. My heart swells at his words when he turns to me and briefly mentions how I helped him take that next step, encouraging him to follow his dreams.

I smile at him, truthfully happy that I am somehow responsible for it. It takes my mind off things for a moment, allowing myself to just be happy for him. This is bigger than anything else going on right now. It’s not like Spencer cheated on me or something. Or at least I hope not. Images of Kendal walking into his office last night invade my mind, and I’m momentarily paralyzed.

They couldn’t be doing anything, could they?

Of course not, Hayden. It’s Spencer. You know he would never do that to you.

But no matter how many times I repeat these words in my head, I just can’t seem to make myself believe them.

After the toast, Spencer tries to reach out to me, but I step away from his hand, letting him know I’m not in the mood to talk. I manage to stay away from him as much as possible until I see people starting to say goodbye, congratulating him for his accomplishments, and saying that they expect him to have lots of success in the future. I step to one corner, finding an empty couch to sit on while I watch his guests leave one by one.

Lauren suddenly tosses herself by my side, the couch’s cushion sinking slightly with her weight. Poppy sits on my other side, and I can feel her eyes on my face, but I don’t look at her, choosing to keep my focus ahead, watching as Spencer talks to one of the singers he used to work with back in LA. I don’t remember his name, but I remember seeing his face once or twice on my TV back home, when Mom and Dad were watching some show on a Sunday night. I guess he’s a country singer, but I honestly can’t remember.

The guy pats Spencer on the shoulder, smiling widely at him. I can’t hear what they are saying, but it’s evident from the look on this guy’s face that he’s thrilled to be here and working with Spencer. It fills my heart with pride.

“Is everything okay, pony? You look…weird,” Lauren points out from beside me. I can now feel the other side of my face burning from her stare.

“Yep, everything is fine,” I lie, not wanting to bring my sister into this mess. I know she’ll find out eventually—I might be the one to tell her, even, when we’re back at the ranch—but right now, I don’t want to talk about it.

Poppy shifts uncomfortably by my side, but I ignore her. That’s when I see Kendal heading toward Spencer like she’s walking the fucking runway with her heels and long legs. My fists clench in my lap as I watch her throwing her arms around his neck, saying something in his ear. Spencer’s body tenses immediately under her touch, and even from a distance, I can tell he’s not comfortable. But it’s not like he’s just afraid that someone will see it, but he seems rather…disgusted by her approach.

In your face, Kendal. Try harder.

A grin spreads across my lips as I see Spencer grabbing her by the shoulder and pulling her away from him, creating a safe distance between them.

Poppy snorts by my side, clearly watching the same scene as me.

“Wouldn’t want to be her right now,” she muses in a low voice. Lauren seems distracted by something else, so she doesn’t hear my friend, but it wouldn’t be bad for my ego to hear my sister dissing that woman too.

“Are you ready to go home?” I ask them instead, looking from one side to the other to take in their expressions. Mom, Dad, Ryan, and Alice have left already, so I’m stuck with these two…and Chad, and I have no idea where he is. If I know my brother, he’s probably somewhere getting wasted or trying to find himself a woman to spend the night with.

“Hell yeah,” Lauren replies, leaning back on the couch and closing her eyes. “Why do I feel so tired? I thought I was bored out of my mind inside that house, but now that I’m here, I just want to go back to my bed.” She chuckles, shaking her head.

“Well, staying at home is a point of no return, trust me,” I tell her in a teasing tone. I would know since I love doing exactly that. Give me a night in with wine and a good book any time of the week, and I’m down.

“That’s because you’re boring,” Poppy chimes in. “How can you find hot guys and good food while staying at home?”

“That’s why people invented delivery,” I reply with a sarcastic smile. “And as for hot guys, I’m not looking for one right now.”

My friend rolls her eyes at me. “You selfish bitch. Not everyone is lucky enough to find a Spencer, know that?”

“What about the guy from Glitch? Weren’t you planning on having him fall head over heels in love with you tonight?” I tease, receiving a slap on my arm in return.

“Shut up. I tried to, but you know what? He’s probably gay.”

That has me cackling so loud that people around look at me with judging eyes as if I’m off my face.

Poppy huffs, crossing her arms across her chest angrily.

“Ready to go, girls?” Chad asks, appearing out of nowhere, his hand dangling his car keys. “I’m taking you home.”

I get to my feet, still affected by Poppy’s comment. My sister and my best friend do the same, just about the time I spot Spencer coming toward us from behind Chad.

“You’re coming, too, or are you staying at Spencer’s?” my brother asks, still unaware of his friend behind him.

My eyes meet Spencer’s from over Chad’s shoulder, and the intensity in them leaves me speechless for a moment. But it also reminds me why I am so upset with him. That’s why I look away, back to my brother’s face, and tell him, “Actually, I’m going home tonight.”