“No!” I hiss. West has already texted me. Crap. No good is going to come of this. West doesn’t look like he’s the type of guy who likes the word no. He’s obviously set his sights on me for reasons unknown. I’ve flown under the radar this entire time, minding my own business and keeping to myself. The end of the school year can’t come quickly enough.

“You’re very defensive.”

“What the heck, Grant?” I laugh. He chuckles along with me. I might find it weird to have a driver, but Grant is pretty cool. Actually, I get along with all of the staff at the house. “Is Asher nice?” I finally ask. My anxiety is starting to grow the closer we get to the house.

Mom has been so happy. I’d hate for this Asher guy to mess that up. I’d hope Tomas wouldn’t let that happen. That said, everything he always says about Asher is in praise. Grant has been with the family for over twenty years, he once told me. So, if anyone knows it’s him.

“Asher is Asher,” Grant says after a long moment.

“Oh gosh.” His response doesn’t put me at ease, it only makes my anxiety grow. I’m not even sure I want to know what the heck that means.

“He loves his family, but his mother Heidi did a number on not only Tomas but Ash too.” Emily never speaks of her mother. Not once has she ever mentioned her. I only know some about her from the searches I’ve done online. It had been a bit surprising to learn about a marriage falling apart because it was the wife who had a handful of lovers on the side. That’s what the gossip columns had claimed.

“So, he’s going to hate my mom and me?”

“I think he’ll have preconceived notions. Once he gets to know you both, that will change.” I don’t point out that he’d have to take the time to do that.

I’m starting to think we’re the reason Asher hasn’t come home. There is no reason he couldn’t come home here or there to see his family he supposedly loves so much. Unless he was actively avoiding us.

“I hope you’re right.” I give Grant the same smile I give everyone so they don’t worry about me. My stomach turns as we pull up the driveway. Grant goes around the back.

“You want to practice tomorrow?” Grant asks when I undo my seat belt.

“Yeah, that works for me,” I respond before getting out of the car. I take the side entrance into the main house which leads into the kitchen, where I snag a candy bar from the pantry before heading to my bedroom upstairs to change.