Chapter 26: Chapter 25

NOAH

They’d been at the mansion for two days, and Noah felt a strange sense of calm. He wasn’t itching to leave like he usually did. They’d shown Lillian around the grand house that afternoon, and she’d been genuinely fascinated.

His father had filled her in on the family history, sharing stories Noah had never heard before. When Noah mentioned this, his father simply shrugged.

“I had time to do some research after I retired,” he explained. “Some of it I remembered, but most of it I found out recently.”

Lillian suggested, “Maybe you should compile all the stories together and make an album or a book out of them.”

His father shook his head. “I’m not the artistic type. My wife was. In fact, she’s the reason I found all this information. She had kept it.”

Noah was taken aback. “What?”

His father nodded. “It’s true. She never told me, but she had kept the papers in a small chest at the back of her closet. She had written down stories people told her at parties… I just happened to find it the other day.”

They’d never gone through their mom’s stuff after she died, unable to part with her belongings. It wasn’t surprising his father hadn’t discovered the chest sooner, but it was odd his mom hadn’t told him.

Noah guessed she might have been planning a surprise. That would be just like her.

“Well, you can hire someone to do the job for you and print a few copies of a special edition to keep in your library and pass on to the next generations,” Lillian suggested.

“That’s an excellent idea, Lillian!” his father said enthusiastically.

Noah was surprised at how well his father and Lillian got along. His father, Tyler Ryder, had always been a charismatic businessman and host, but this was something else.

Or maybe it was Lillian who brought out this side of him. Sometimes, Noah felt a bit left out. He wasn’t jealous of his father—that would be ridiculous.

But it made him a little sad that he had never had such conversations with his dad. He had been so focused on emulating him that he never really talked to him. Not even after he decided to leave.

Yet, here his father was, chatting with Lillian as if they were old friends. His father, probably suspecting that he had been sleeping with Lillian, made sure their rooms were as far apart as possible.

Noah was prepared for that and wasn’t truly bothered. He didn’t plan to sleep with her there—not that he didn’t want to. He did, but he wasn’t sure if it was a good idea anymore.

It would be ridiculous to have to sneak around just to talk to her, so their alone time was limited. This didn’t sit well with him.

They hadn’t had the “relationship” talk like most sexually intimate adults did after a few months. With them, nothing needed to be discussed because their intentions were clear.

Neither of them was getting visibly clingy, but he was thinking maybe it was time to end it—to keep their relationship friendly before it got complicated.

The problem was, he liked sleeping with her as much as he liked her company. This was a first for him, and he didn’t dare label the feeling. That would make it seem more serious than he could handle.

“She is a very likable girl,” his father said one afternoon when they were alone.

Lillian had excused herself to go to her room and talk to her parents. They were worried about her leaving a good job, and she reassured them daily that she was fine and enjoying herself.

She had a big, caring family. Noah wondered how it would feel to have one too, but quickly dismissed the thought. He never wanted a big family.

He didn’t even remember asking for a sibling like most kids did. Maybe because the age gap between him and Asher wasn’t that big.

Lillian, whenever she spoke about her family, glowed. She loved them and had photos of them all over her place, but she wasn’t overly sentimental or dependent on them.

She was a bit crazy, really. Most of the time she wasn’t, but sometimes… That morning, she’d caught him off guard by showing up in her office makeup.

He’d teased her about it once, earning a scolding in return, so he didn’t dare bring it up again. Seeing her like this, he guessed she was trying to explain—in her own way—why she hadn’t been considered for a higher position at the company.

His father had mentioned more than once that he found it strange. As he’d anticipated, his father was taken aback when he saw her, and the expected questions followed.

Lillian answered them with a calm demeanor, but Noah knew he’d be grilled later when he and his dad were alone. Lillian kept her makeup on until lunch, claiming she was too bored to wash it off.

His father shot her a few puzzled looks but didn’t say anything else, likely out of politeness. Once she was out of sight, his father spoke up, but his words were unexpected.

“She certainly has a unique way of thinking,” he remarked, a hint of admiration in his voice.

“I figured you’d like her less after seeing her office makeup,” Noah replied with a smirk.

“True, she wouldn’t have landed a job at our company in my time, but you hired her, which is something I didn’t see coming.”

“I was in a tough spot,” Noah admitted. “I told you I had to hire her when her predecessor bailed on me.”

“Maybe you were forced to hire Miss Astaire, but no one made you keep her or arrange for her to stay at the company.”

“How did you find out about that?” Noah asked, frowning.

“Not from Asher, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“Then who?”

“I still have people in the company who report to me occasionally.”

“I thought you trusted Asher.”

“I do trust Asher, and I trusted you before him. But experience has taught me not to trust anyone blindly—not even my own sons.”

“Is that a comment on my performance?”

“No, it’s not. You tried to follow my rules for the company. I can’t blame you for that when it’s all you’ve been taught. I share in your failure.”

“Asher hasn’t failed, so there’s no need to keep an eye on him,” Noah reasoned, choosing not to respond to his last comment.

“I’m not keeping tabs. I’m simply admiring his accomplishments.”

Noah couldn’t deny the sting of not receiving his father’s approval. It didn’t matter that he knew he’d messed up or that Asher had proven to be better at this than he was.

“I didn’t mean to upset you,” his father said, noticing his grimace.

“But you knew it would, didn’t you?”

“Noah, I never said or believed you were without talent. You just used it in the wrong way.”

“We all know that, don’t we?”

“Yes. But it’s not an excuse to waste your talents by doing nothing.”

“Are you going to lecture me, Dad?”

“If a lecture is needed, I don’t mind being the one to give it. I’ve been patient for three years.”

“That’s quite an achievement for you.”

“It is. I understood that you needed a break. The life you chose put a lot of pressure on you, and you couldn’t handle it. I respected your need for time away to find your own path.”

“That’s exactly what I need.”

“No, it’s not. You’re just stalling, and I can’t stay quiet any longer. You’ve secured Miss Astaire’s position at the company, and you’re trying to help your ex-wife’s husband get a job. But you’re just wandering around as if you haven’t seen enough of the world.”

“I haven’t seen enough of the world, but I’m not wandering anymore, Dad. I’ve been in Europe since late September, after Ash’s exhibition.”

“Doing what?”

“Nothing at the moment, but I thought you’d be reassured knowing I’ve decided to stay in one place.”

“I’d be reassured if I knew your future was secure, Noah.”

“Then you must have some idea of what I should do with it,” he said, trying to keep the sarcasm out of his voice.

His father shot him a glare. “I don’t expect you to, and you shouldn’t. This is your call. But I want you to know, I’ll stand by you no matter what you choose. Just don’t choose to do nothing.”

“That’s comforting, Dad.”

He could have shared with his father about the building he’d purchased and his uncertainty about what to do with it. But he didn’t. He wasn’t in the mood to stir up expectations. That would only add unnecessary stress.

When the time was right, he’d share his plans.

***

He’d taken Lillian’s advice and asked Asher to invite Dorothy and her husband to the party, even giving him her number. What he hadn’t considered was that he’d also have to put up with Brad Rutherford.

The realization hit him halfway to the party, and he wondered if it was too late to bail. He didn’t share these thoughts with Lillian. He should have warned her about Rutherford, but he didn’t want to bring him up.

“Isn’t it a bit chilly for a barbecue?” Lillian asked as they neared his brother’s house.

His father had left earlier, eager to spend time with his granddaughter. He couldn’t fault him for that. It was his first grandchild, and she bore their mother’s name. His father was so thrilled when Asher and Maggie shared the news that he’d already started calling the baby by her name.

Noah had borrowed one of their cars to drive himself and Lillian, with his father’s blessing. He hadn’t been behind the wheel much lately, and it felt a bit strange.

“It is, but Asher has an indoor grill,” he answered.

“And has your ex-wife RSVP’d?”

“Dorothy isn’t the issue. She’ll try to persuade her husband. Asher’s already texted her the address. It’s up to her husband to make the smart choice.”

As they pulled up to the house, he noticed Lillian admiring it. He had to admit, it was a beautiful place and a smart investment on his brother’s part.

“Would you like to live somewhere like this?” he asked, pulling into the driveway.

“In a perfect world, I’d love to. It’s gorgeous. Large, but not ostentatious, with a lovely yard for kids to play in.”

“Do you want kids?” he teased.

“Nope. But I have nieces and nephews who would love a yard like this—especially if there was a dog.”

“I’m not a big fan of yards.” He shrugged. “And Asher does have a dog. He named her Bitch.”

“Did I mention I like your brother?”

“Everyone likes my brother,” he grumbled.

He then exited the car, and she followed suit. He wasn’t the type to open doors for her, and she seemed to understand that, making no comment. She simply got out and headed toward the house without waiting for him.

He chuckled to himself and followed her. He appreciated their mutual understanding and the absence of unnecessary formalities.

“Why aren’t you knocking?” he smirked as she just stood there.

“They don’t really know me. You’re the familiar face.”

“And the less liked one,” he shot back, but rang the bell anyway.

Asher himself answered the door, grinning at both of them, though his smile seemed more directed at Lillian.

“Great to finally meet you in person, Lillian,” he greeted.

“Likewise, Asher,” she returned with a grin.

“Come on in. Almost everyone’s here, and the meat’s ready to hit the grill.” He winked.

“Just promise me you’re not the one grilling, brother,” Noah joked.

“If you want me to lie, brother, then no, I won’t be grilling,” Asher retorted.

“God help us.”

***

The first person he saw, as luck would have it, was Brad Rutherford. He was with his husband Leo, a designer at their company, and their two kids. He had no intention of engaging with the man, but his brother’s dog started barking at his scent.

That little monster never did like him. To be fair, he wasn’t an animal person. He didn’t care for dogs or cats. Maybe the dog could sense his indifference and was simply returning the sentiment.

Lillian whispered in his ear, “I don’t think that dog is a fan of yours.”

He rolled his eyes. “You think?” he retorted before shouting at his brother. “Get a leash on your mutt before it devours me!”

The dog was charging toward him, barking its head off. He wasn’t scared, but the idea of being chased by a dog while Rutherford looked on, grinning at his predicament, wasn’t appealing.

“Noah, Bitch won’t bite,” his brother called out, not bothering to move from his spot.

Meanwhile, the dog was closing in, but instead of focusing on Noah, she turned her attention to Lillian. He saw Lillian crouch down and open her arms, and he wanted to warn her, but there wasn’t time.

“Come here, sweet girl,” Lillian cooed, and the dog obeyed.

Noah watched, stunned, as the dog approached Lillian, sniffed her, and then growled softly in approval, nuzzling her head into Lillian’s lap for a scratch behind the ears.

“You like dogs?” he asked, disbelief coloring his tone.

“Yes, I’ve always wanted one, but my mom can’t stand animals in the house.”

“I’m not a fan either, whether they’re inside or outside the house.”

“And you wonder why this dog doesn’t like you? Animals have a keen sense of character.”

“That’s true,” Brad Rutherford chimed in, joining them. “That’s why Bitch knows Noah is a jerk and has been barking at him since she first laid eyes on him.”

“Fuck off, Rutherford,” he spat.

“I’m sure I’m getting more action than you, Noah, if your annoyance is any indication,” Brad replied with a smirk.

“Brad,” Leo warned.

Noah was about to smirk until he caught Lillian’s gaze. She was still petting the dog, who was now practically attached to her, but her eyes were on him.

“No,” she said softly.

“Why not?”

“Because you’re going to ruin the mood, and that’s not why we’re here.”

“I can’t stand that guy,” he grumbled.

“And it seems the feeling is mutual,” she shot back.

“Exactly,” Brad said cheerfully, having snuck up on them. He stood next to Lillian and began petting the dog. “By the way, I’m Brad Rutherford, Asher’s best friend.”

“I’m Lillian Astaire and…”

“Don’t tell me you’re Noah’s friend because I’d rather believe you two arriving together was a coincidence.”

She laughed at his joke, and Noah felt his blood boil. This was exactly why he couldn’t stand Brad.

“I hate to break it to you, but it wasn’t a coincidence,” she finally said. “Noah invited me on this trip with him.”

“What’s he got on you?” Brad asked bluntly.

“Nothing,” she grinned. “I just don’t find him as repulsive as you do.”

“I find that hard to believe. No sane person likes him.”

“Well, I’ve never claimed to be sane,” she winked.

“Damn, and you’re so gorgeous! I never would’ve guessed you were so flawed!”

To Noah’s dismay, they both laughed at Brad’s lame joke. It only added to his irritation. Brad always got under his skin with his easy charm and constant flirting, and now he was sinking his claws into Lillian.

This party was already suffocating him. “Don’t you have enough balls in the air?” he asked, his tone as mocking as he intended. He’d been quiet long enough.

“Balls?” Brad chuckled. “I’m not sure what you’re getting at.”

“You’re in love with my brother, with Maggie, and with your husband. How big is your heart, Rutherford?”

“Bigger than yours, you jerk,” Brad sneered. “You might want to try it sometime.”

He laughed sarcastically, but the comment struck a chord. The first person who came to mind was Lillian, which was odd. He didn’t think of his mom, his dad, or even his ex-wife, whom he’d spent several years with.

Maybe because it wasn’t the kind of love that was implied. Vanessa was out of the question; she was just a fling. Lillian was more than just his former assistant, and he was more than just her ex-boss.

They were summer lovers, but who was he trying to fool? Certainly not himself. Ever since he’d returned to Europe, he’d been as attached to her as the dog currently nuzzling her leg. He’d even brought her here, to his home.

She’d met his father, a feat no other girl had accomplished—not even during his rebellious teenage years. She meant something to him.

Maggie’s voice cut through his thoughts. “Quit the squabbling, boys.”

He glanced over to see her approaching them, a warm smile on her face. “We’re here to enjoy ourselves.”