"Head up Riley" My sisters voice boomed at me making me sigh looking up from the table to see her glaring at me while everyone else was knee deep in a conversation
A conversation that didn't concern us
Sat at this table just happened to be our family and the soon to be extended family, this was essentially Emily's auction into married life but she didn't see to care.
My parents sat beside another while they were opposite William's parent's
Will and Emily have basically been married on the day that they were born but this just makes it official.
"Remind me why I had to be here?" I asked making Emily narrow her eyes again
"this will be you in a few years Riley. You should get to know the idea of it" She said making me shake my head
"Dad already knows I'm not up for auction" I said making Emily roll her eyes this time
"This isn't an auction Riley. It's a business deal. Dad might say that to you but heaven knows he's already knee deep in a deal with that Barrett's in regards to you" She said
"No he isn't" I said glancing over at Dad
"We made a deal" I muttered but Emily chuckled to herself
"the deals we make with our father don't mean anything Riley. You should have learn that by now" she said before turning back to the conversation at hand while I did the opposite
I looked back down at my hands beginning to pick at my fingernails, he promised me that I had the choice on who I ended up with, sure things with Spencer and I were amazing. Perfect even
But if and when I decide to marry, it'll be on my terms not some contract situation
As I glanced over at the clock I can't help but know that it was about to be time that I would be meeting Thalia here. We had agreed to study here this evening seeing as we never get it down in our dorm room, plus I think we both need to decompress after last night
"Where is Spencer anyway?" Emily asked pouring herself another glass of water
"He was out last night playing Poker so I don't think I'll hear from him till he's a little more sober" I said making myself laugh a little
"he's drinking already?" She asked and I shrugged
"We're all of age Emily, it's not like we're doing anything illegal" I said
"Your drinking Riley?" She asked but I quickly shook my head
Ladies don't do that..
It wasn't long before the bell to the Café rung making me look over my shoulder to see Thalia walking in with a smile on her face. But what confused me was the fact she was not alone
Everyone from last night were stood by here side. Including James.. The guy who I did not text last night
--
We were sat here for an hour long then we should have been, the fathers catching up on the newest stock development, the mothers talking about their gardening tips. Emily and Will smiling at each other like nobody was watching while I sat there praying this would be over soon
Not just become of my boredom but because I could also feel everyone's gaze on me every now and then
"Well we won't keep you and your family any longer" Will's Dad said standing up making me sigh in relief
"Nonsense, we're all soon to be a big family" Dad said rising to his feet now nodding at all of us to mimic his actions
Which of course we do
"This spring is going to bring the start of something beautiful" Mum said clutching Emily's hand while she smiled happily
"You certainly raised some beautiful girls" Will's Dad said making our father glance over at Emily and I nodding
It wasn't long before they had all left leaving just the four of us in the Café, Mum and Emily gushing about the newest conversation about this wedding
"Dad can I talk to you?" I asked earning his attention away from his phone while he nodded
"Grace, Emily I will meet you in the car" Dad said making the pair of them nod
After a few short goodbyes, they had left us alone and I didn't really know where to start with this
"What's going on Riley?" Dad asked softly, as much as Dad is very full on and set in his ways.. there has always been a certain softness he's had with me
Something mum has with Emily
"The Barrett's" I said instantly peaking his interest
"Have you started a deal with them in regards to me?" I asked, the shift in face only proved Emily's point
"you have" I said my gaze softening
"Riley listen, it's not like that. You and Spencer are golden as it is, what is the problem if the family got something out of it?" he asked making me scoff at him
"Maybe because your daughter has made it clear she isn't going to be sold to help the family" I warned him
"You aren't being sold Riley" He said but I shook my head
"Then what is it? What is the family getting out of it?" I asked
"Riley" he warned
"You don't get involved in the business side of things remember? that's not place for a-" He started
"If you plan to use my life as a pawn Dad. I want to know" I warned him
He looked at me with a slight glare to his gaze, one I mimicked. The only difference is that I may have Dad's glare tactics but I have mum's stubbornness, meaning Dad stood no chance
"We'll talk about this later" He said rising to his feet in defeat
"Correct Dad. We will" I said watching him as he left not even uttering a single word of goodbye
I took a moment to recompose myself before turning to head over to Thalia and her company
"Look at your looking all pretty!" Thalia teased making me roll my eyes, she knew that this was what I had been wearing all day, she in fact was the one to tease me this morning as I tried to leave
"Was everything okay just then?" She said a little more softly
"Of course" I said making her narrow her eyes before I shot her a look
"What was this all for? I mean it looked really serious?" Michelle said making me turn to everyone else
"My sister is being sold" I said offering her a smile while the 5 of them looked at me a little concerned
"Riley you will scare them away!" Thalia warned making me roll my eyes
"My sister is getting married this spring and they were just finalising the deal" I said but their confusion was only growing
"you have to have a deal to marry?" James asked but I shrugged
"Emily has always had it in her head that is what she needed" I answered
"But Riley is a strong independent woman" Thalia cheered making me chuckle
A strong independent woman who fell into her fathers plan without even noticing..
YOU ARE READING
Eyes On The Prize
FanfictionIt's a small town full of two types of people. You have the people who grew up, who know this town inside out Then you have the College kids - They have money to burn and walk around like they own this place James has lived here his entire life, h...
