“This is where your COO lives?” I ask in awe when we pass the giant security gates, each side of the driveway lined with full evergreen trees. “You must be paying him really well for him to afford a place like this.”
River chuckles at my comment as he drives the narrow road until a historic house comes into view. “Felix has worked for my company for as long as I can remember, and I like to make sure my employees are taken care of.”
I catch sight of a light pink sign withHappy Birthdaywritten on it and a bundle of matching balloons tied to the top of a tree in the middle of the circular driveway.
“And Nancy, his wife, makes me the most awful fruit cake every year on my birthday,” he tells me to lighten the mood, possibly sensing my nerves.
I laugh. “Who eats fruit cake anymore?”
“Apparently, Nancy.” He pulls around to the front of the house and a young valet walks up to us.
“Good afternoon, sir,” the blond in a white and blue suit greets River, opening his door, while another valet comes to open mine.
A crisp, but warm summer afternoon wind whips through my yellow sundress as I step onto the paved driveway.
“We’ll be back in exactly two hours. Make sure my car is ready,” River demands, handing them each a hundred-dollar bill, before sliding his hand into mine.
“Thank you,” I toss over my shoulder as we both ascend the steps to the front door of the home.
“Welcome,” a woman in a matching blue suit greets us as we walk in with glasses of lemonade with freshly crushed strawberries inside. River politely refuses, but I take one, savoring the sweet, cool taste. “Could I get your names?” she asks.
“River Thompson,” he says.
Her eyes widened. “Yes, Mr. Thompson. Right this way.”
The woman leads us through a grand living area with vaulted ceilings and pink party decor everywhere. Guests are scattered throughout, and River introduces me to each one as we pass them.
I smile, repeating each name back to them, trying to remember everyone. This feels more like a whirlwind of people rather than a child’s casual birthday party. Although I am aware at this point about the amount of money and power he holds, seeing the effects in person is another level of intrigue.
River dips his head toward me to whisper in my ear. “I care little for any of these people. They’re part of the elitists who think they have all the money and power to do whatever they like.”
I stifle a chuckle, aware of his two lives. He seems to enjoy one more than the other.
“Good to see you.” His voice rises as he greets another group of people waving him down.
We finally reach the beautiful backyard. The bright green grass looks like it goes on for more than just a few acres. There’s a cotton candy station, women dressed up like animated princesses under a flower laced gazebo, and other kid themed activities, which I have no clue what they are.
“I think I might pay him too much,” River jokes about how lavish the party is. He slows, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. “There’s Felix and his wife.”
I suck in deep breath ready to play the part of a regular couple who didn’t just kill a man in cold blood less than twenty-four hours ago.
“River!” Felix calls out as we walk beside a slip and slide.
“Looks like the perfect party.” River extends his arm for a hand shake as we approach them.
“You came.” Felix’s wife Nancy leans in to hug River and lingers a bit too long.
I don’t like it.
River pulls away, then rests a hand on the small of my back. “This is Lux.”
“Hi.” I smile, making a point of sliding my arm around the River. “You have a beautiful home.”
“Thank you, Lux, It’s great to—” Felix starts but is interrupted by a little girl in a princess dress running full speed toward River.
“Wiverr!” A high-pitched voice attached to a pink flash is suddenly at our side.
“Sophia!” River says her name with excitement, bending to lift her into his arms. “Happy birthday!”
