Six Years Ago
“You’re a man now, Hunter,” Gerald Cavendish said, giving Hunter a hearty slap on the back. “You’re also a Cavendish. And being a Cavendish comes with responsibilities. I don’t need to tell you that.”
“There are certain expectations, darling,” his mother added. “This community looks up to us, and we need to set a good example.”
“I get that, but it’s Christmas, and I’m on vacation. Surely I can have fun too.”
“You can have all the fun you like at the dance.”
“But all the guys are meeting at Aaron’s beforehand to hang out for a while before the dance. As you can see, I’m already dressed, so I’d get there on time. I won’t be late. I promise.”
“Stop arguing with your mother,” his father snapped. “You need to step up. No more loitering with the townsfolk—”
“Garrett will be there—”
“I don’t care if Garrett will be there. To be honest, I’m surprised Warren allows his son to have such a close relationship with those boys, but Garrett isn’t my son. You are.”
He drew back his shoulders. “I’m eighteen.”
“That may be, but you’re still part of this family, and as such, you’ll toe the line.”
Hunter pinched his lips together to prevent himself from saying something he’d no doubt regret later. He’d had this same argument countless times but had thought, now he was older, he’d have more leverage, that he’d have more control over his life. However, it felt as if it was the reverse—more pressure and greater expectations.
“You look lovely in your tuxedo, darling.” His mother brushed invisible fluff from his lapel, forever ignoring issues and moving on to mundane subjects to avoid confrontation. “I swear you’ve grown another couple of inches in the last few months.”
Hunter’s jaw ached from clenching his teeth so tight, but he managed to force a smile. “Thanks, Mom.”
“Now off you go.” She ushered him away like a kid. “We’ll let you know when it’s time to leave.”
A couple of hours later, Hunter’s mood was no better—forced to stand between his parents and greet the arriving guests, all he wanted to do was storm off. But like the dutiful son, I’m going to stand here and smile.
“Ah, here’s Richard.” His mom’s voice was bright.
“Good evening, Mrs. Cavendish.” Richard smiled; a smile that rivaled his mother’s equally fake one. He took her hand and bent over it briefly in a choreographed bow-like movement. “It looks like an amazing turnout. You’ve done wonders as usual. Such a credit to your organizational skills.”
What sort of teenager talks like that? Hunter was tempted to make gagging sounds. Instead he pasted on his own smile that he hoped looked somewhat friendly and not a grimace.
“Why, thank you, Richard. That’s very kind of you to say.” She looked to Hunter. “You and Richard have a lot in common. I think it would be lovely if you spent some time together. Weren’t you just saying earlier this evening that you’d like to spend some time with the younger generation? Here’s your opportunity.” She leaned in to speak conspiratorially to Richard. “He’s sick of us ‘oldies’ already.”
She laughed as if she’d said the most amusing joke. Hunter rolled his eyes. God, get me out of here.
He glanced around the community hall. The party was in full swing—music, conversation, drinks flowing—but Hunter wanted to be anywhere else but there. He’d even prefer hanging at home with his pregnant older sister, who was sitting this one out. The only bright spot was the thought of seeing Aaron. As if reading his thoughts, his mother gave her permission for him to leave the receiving line. He smiled at the idea of dumping Richard as soon as he could and seeking out Aaron.
“Here, you’ll need these.” His mom turned to the table behind them and picked up a pile of programs. “Now don’t forget to remind people about the silent auction and to encourage them to put in their bids early.”
Hunter’s shoulders drooped, but Richard looked happy to take on the task, obviously wanting to score points with his mom. “I’m sure Hunter and I can encourage some good bidding, Mrs. Cavendish.” Richard took the programs and passed half to Hunter. “Come on.”
Hunter trailed after Richard. “I can do it myself. You don’t have to help.” The thought of spending time with Richard gave him the creeps.
Richard stopped and turned. “I think it’s better if we stick together. Now, let’s make sure we hit up those people we know will dig deep.”
He didn’t give Hunter a chance to respond, and Hunter found himself standing beside him as he spoke to an elderly couple who owned a vacation home in the area. Talk about being born with a silver tongue! Richard was definitely going to make a great lawyer one day. They moved on to the next couple, then the next, each time, Richard using a combination of false compliments, sweet talk, guilt, and competitive pressure about winning to encourage bids. It was for a good cause, but Richard’s style was grating—however, Hunter could hardly get a word in edgewise against someone as slick as Richard.
Finally, he saw Aaron and a bunch of the other guys over by the buffet table. It was the first year they’d all attended the dance, and Hunter wondered what they thought of all the hoopla. They sure looked like they were having fun, laughing and joking with a gaggle of prettily dressed girls and loading up plates of food. He tamped down the flare of jealousy that they’d all been hanging at Aaron’s beforehand and didn’t share his stupid responsibilities. Even Garrett looked like he was having a great time. Hunter watched wistfully, wishing his parents were more relaxed like Garrett’s.
Aaron looked his way. Their eyes met. Hunter raised a hand in greeting. Aaron’s brows lowered, and his lips pursed. He stared a moment longer, then turned away, rejoining the conversation with his friends. What? That was strange. Aaron glanced back just as Richard threw an arm around Hunter’s shoulders.
“Come on.” Richard tugged Hunter in the opposite direction he wanted to go. “We’ve still got a few people to get through.”
“I’d rather go hang with my friends. Can’t you do the rest by yourself? You seem to like it.”
Richard frowned. “We have an obligation. But anyway, they’re not your friends.”
“What do you mean? Of course they are.”
“Jesus, Hunter! Don’t be so dense. They’re not real friends. Locals stick together, and you’ll never be part of that crowd. Plus, haven’t you noticed how close Aaron is with Garrett now? You were nothing more than a holiday fling, someone to fill the gap until a proper relationship came along. Anyway, you can do a lot better than those guys.”
Hunter’s stomach dropped. His vision blurred.
“Hunter, Aaron didn’t even want you there at his house. He told me so. You’re an outsider.”
“An outsider…” He couldn’t think, focused on the ache in his chest. Didn’t want me there?
“C’mon, toughen up, man. Do you want them to see you like this?” Richard squeezed his arm. “You’re so much better than this, better than them.”
Hunter let himself be dragged away. He put on his game face; fairly easy, given he was used to putting it on regularly for his parents. But every smile, every hello, felt like it was being torn from his body, and he couldn’t wait until the whole torturous episode was over. It was a relief when he managed to get rid of Richard.
He escaped to the men’s room and splashed some water on his face, but it didn’t help. He felt so betrayed, so used. He’d thought he and Aaron had something special. Sure, they might not see each other all year, but what they had meant something. Or at least it had to Hunter. Aaron was his friend, for fuck’s sake, and what they had was even more than simple friendship.
He pulled himself together and headed to the entrance, intent on escaping. Unfortunately, he ran into Aaron and Garrett on the way, unable to avoid them. He stopped, but he sure wasn’t going to let Aaron see how much he’d hurt him. He stood tall and narrowed his eyes.
Garrett spoke the first words. His tone was harsh. “You are such an asshole.”
“I never would have thought you’d be such a stuck-up snob,” Aaron said, his words stinging like barbs. “You think you can play with people’s emotions? Well, not anymore. Just stay away from me.”
Huh? What the hell is he talking about? Garrett wrapped an arm around Aaron’s waist in a move that cut Hunter to the core. It spoke of closeness and comfort, and in Hunter’s mind, pitted the two of them against him. Just like the outsider Richard said I was.
“I’m playing with people’s emotions?” Hunter was aware of his voice rising, his control slipping. He took a deep breath. “Come off it. I’ve always been straight with you. If you didn’t want to see me anymore, you should have just said so. It’s no skin off my nose.” Complete lies, but his father would have been proud of him keeping a stiff upper lip. “Thank god I’m leaving here tomorrow and don’t have to spend another minute in this stupid town.”
Tomorrow was Christmas Day, and there’d be no escaping until the day after, but Aaron didn’t have to know that. Hunter didn’t give him time to respond anyway. He lifted his chin and glared before spinning on his heel and leaving.
Leaving both Aaron and his heart behind.
