Midnight Diamonds (16 page)

He reached over and took one of her hands. “I asked you once what your dreams are. I’d like to hear your answer.”

She leaned against the headboard. “Like any other girl, I dream of romance, flowers, walks in the moonlight, holding hands, laughter. The marquis-shaped diamond ring.” She smiled. “All those things that make a woman smile before she goes to sleep at night. I want to wake up in the mornings, kiss my husband, and go to a job where I make a tiny bit of difference in my part of this world. It may sound corny, but I wanted to be an example of integrity to a generation that doesn’t seem to value honesty anymore. On the heels of the emotional train I’ve been riding the past couple of weeks, you’re asking me to stand up and lie to America so a group of inconsequential people who don’t know me and couldn’t care less about me will leave us alone. Your life will go on and mine will change forever.”

“Silver, you’ve changed my life, too.”

Shaking her head, she pulled her hand out of his. “You’re the man with a plan. If I remember correctly, I’m not part of your future, only a means to an end.”

His jaw tightened. “None of it is easy for me, either. I’m making this up as I go, trying to figure out what’s best to do. Don’t get me wrong. You’re smart and funny. I care about what happens to you, and I like being around you, but it’s bad timing.”

Timing.

Silver fought with every ounce of strength she had left to keep her tears from spilling over. “I know. This is temporary so things will work out for you.”

“Wait, that’s not what I meant.”

“Justin, I’m really tired. Do you mind?”

He stared at her for a few moments before he stood. “No, I understand. Don’t worry. I’ll be by your side tomorrow.”

She followed him to the door and closed it behind him. A flood of tears spilled onto her cheeks. Oh God, she felt like such a fool. Why hadn’t she seen that Justin’s priority had always been himself? He’d do anything to come out ahead, even if it meant sacrificing her. Or breaking her heart. How could she have been so wrong?

Her knight had turned out to be a knave. Just like Chase.

Without undressing, she sat on the bed, unable to stop crying. Really, why should she feel so devastated about how Justin had treated her? They hadn’t made any sort of commitment to each other and they’d shared only one intimate night together. He’d never said he loved her, only sang a song with pretty, misleading words. She needed to accept the fact that she’d misread Justin and what had been going on between them. Now it was time to grow up and put foolish dreams aside. She had to be strong.

If you show weakness, they will be relentless.

To get through the next few weeks, she had to take control of her heart. Her mother’s voice whispered through her thoughts like tiny knives cutting away frivolous emotions…words from countless discussions over the years.

Get hold of yourself, Silver.

Successful women do not act this way.

What’s done is done, so you move on.

Be a Madison.

The condemning words hammered relentlessly in her head, and tonight Silver chose to listen. Most of her life, she’d criticized her mother’s stern behavior, but Amelia had survived with her aloofness. Right now Silver needed that kind of stability and clarity.

“I’m tired of people telling me what to do and feel and say and be. I don’t want to feel like I’m a disappointment or excess baggage that has to be explained away,” she told herself. “Get hold of yourself, Silver. You don’t need anyone, especially Justin Rivers. The only person you can depend on is yourself. You don’t need to feel anything.”

Wiping her face, she willed herself to feel nothing so she couldn’t be hurt. With each breath, she pictured a wall fortifying itself around her heart, pushing out emotion and sealing in apathy. After tonight, no more tears. No more pain. No more involvement. Only simple, uncluttered, structured life the way she chose to organize it. The way Amelia had taught her.

She stared at the opposite wall for a very long time. Morning’s first light broke over a new Silver Madison.

* * *

When Silver walked down to the living room hours later, Becky stood near the patio doors, giving instructions to someone on her phone. Connie and Hunter sat in the living room, and Justin watched a live news feed on the flat screen television in the kitchen. Standing in the middle of the living room, Silver felt very alone…and oddly calm.

She’d sent Becky to her house earlier to pick up clothing and accessories. Becky protested the choice of attire, but Silver insisted on the cream-colored blouse and tan slacks outfit she'd nearly worn two nights before.

“You’ll look like your mother,” Becky had groaned, but Silver didn’t care.

It was comfortable, stylish…safe.

Silver had pulled her long hair away from her face and had used very little makeup with only a hint of lip gloss.

“Almost time,” she heard Becky announce loudly.

Silver lifted her chin as she stared at a painting over the fireplace. The sooner she finished associating with Justin, the better. Last night he’d made it clear the two of them had no future. She refused to entertain any more dreams of him—or of any man.

She’d buried the pain and other emotions threatening to suffocate her last night. They were walled up and secure, imprisoned behind a fortified Madison barrier, and she breathed steadily, in control of herself. She’d get through this press conference and move on with her life.

Actually, she liked being in complete control. No surprises, no worries.

Reaching into the pocket of her slacks, she pulled out Connie’s ring. She stared at it and felt nothing.

“It’s better if you wear it on your finger for the interview,” she heard Justin say. She gave him a brisk nod, slipped the ring on, and walked over to Becky, leaving him standing alone.

“How long do you think the press conference will take?” she asked her friend.

“About thirty minutes, give or take.”

“Good. I have lesson plans to do and papers to grade.”

“Sil, do you feel all right? You’re sort of pale,” Becky said in a soft voice.

Silver stood up straighter. “Everything’s fine, but I want to get this over with.”

Becky took her hand and pulled her aside. “What’s with the Amelia act today?”

“There’s no Amelia act, as you put it. I’m perfectly in control.”

* * *

Justin noticed Silver seemed overly quiet and detached. She must be nervous, he thought. Well, she’d better get used to living in a glass house if she’s with me, even if it’s only for a few weeks, he thought.

Silver took a sip of tea, then daintily dried her lips with a napkin.

She made him laugh with her big words and intrigued him with her simple approach to everything. Her gentle elegance always caught his attention. Too bad he hadn’t met her a few months later, after things with his career had calmed down. Part of him wanted to keep what they had, but this whole situation had become too hard. Who knew what other surprises were going to pop up?

When it came to relationships, he could only deal with right now, not what might be down the road. Why couldn’t the two of them keep things the way they were? Friendly, sexy. At least, for a while.

The doorbell rang and one of the security guards answered it. Justin couldn’t believe who walked into the room.

“Grandpa and Grandma?”

Slade Rivers frowned at him. “That’s quite the hornet’s nest you have out front.”

“Hush, Slade. I’m sure the lad knows what’s going on. Hello, love.” Ginny Rivers reached up to pull him down and kiss his cheek.

Justin accepted the older man’s hug, the strong hands slapping him on the back. “I’m glad you’re here, Grandpa.”

“A united front can overcome a lot.”

“Slade and Ginny! You’re both a sight for sore eyes.” Connie hugged them, as did Hunter who took his grandmother’s hand and led her to a chair.

Justin ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m sorry about all this, Grandpa. You sure picked the wrong day to visit.”

Slade held up one hand. “This is the perfect day and I didn’t happen to visit. Now introduce me to your little woman.”

Justin led the way to the kitchen where Silver stared out the window. “Silver, this is my Grandpa Slade. Grandpa, this is Silver Madison.”

Silver extended her hand and gave the man a cool smile. “I’m pleased to meet you, sir.”

Frowning, Slade looked at his grandson. “Did she call me sir?” Leaning forward, he wrapped Silver in a hug. “Call me Grandpa Slade, darlin’. You’re family now.”

Justin waited for Silver’s usual response to the endearment, but instead she shook her head. “I’m afraid you don’t have the whole story. Perhaps Justin should fill you in.”

“Tell you what, Silver. You and I are going to take a walk while you tell me what’s going on.” Slade took Silver’s arm before she had a chance to refuse.

“Grandpa, we’re supposed to be outside in ten minutes.”

Giving his grandson a “who cares,” Slade waved the others away while he and Silver walked out the patio doors.

Connie stood beside Justin. “He’s not here to say howdy. Grandpa Slade knows exactly what’s going on, and now he’s getting her side of things. I wouldn’t want to be you today, son.”

Becky’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “Time to go, Justin.”

“Uh, tell them we need a few minutes.” When Becky started to protest, Justin shook his head. “Trust me, you don’t interrupt Slade Rivers when he’s on a mission.”

* * *

After Slade and Silver sat down on two patio chairs, she told him the whole story in a very brief, succinct manner. When she finished, he reached over and put one hand over hers.

“I’m really sorry for all this foolishness. My grandson knows better than to treat a woman this way.”

Silver cleared her throat. “Evidence to the contrary. He wants fame more than anything else. He made his choice. Trust me, I’m used to dealing with other people’s actions. Time for us to be back inside.” She moved to stand, but he held up a hand to stop her.

“No, it’s not fine, young lady,” he said forcefully as he leaned back against his chair. “You don’t have to go along with this nonsense. And if I know my grandson at all, he is aware of your rare beauty, inside and out.” He softened his tone. “Walk with him a little further, Silver.”

Silver stood. “I can tell you love your family very much, Mr. Rivers, so I’m sorry. I want to get this over with and go back home.” She bent down and kissed his weathered cheek.

Slade raised a hand to her face. “Remember what I said. You don’t have to keep up this charade. Sometimes these young boys don’t know sic ’em from come here.”

“I understand what you’re saying, sir. But I won’t be with someone who doesn’t want me.”

Emotion pounded at the walls of her heart, but she forced it back as Justin joined them.

* * *

“Ready?” Justin asked.

“Of course,” she replied in a controlled tone, then walked into the house.

Justin frowned. Why was she acting like she couldn’t bear to be around him?

Slade tapped his arm. “A little help here. The old hip injury is howling today.”

Justin helped him into the house. Becky led everyone onto the front veranda where they were immediately assaulted with a barrage of questions from the reporters. After helping his grandfather to one of the chairs next to Ginny on the porch, Justin moved to his spot beside Silver. Her green eyes were like glass, razor sharp and brittle. Leaning close to her, he asked, “Are you OK?”

“Perfect,” she responded in a clipped tone without looking at him.

Justin clenched his jaw. No, not perfect and more than nerves, but he didn’t have time to think about it. Putting on his best smile, Justin slid his arm around Silver’s waist, and she stiffened against his touch. What the hell was her problem? Annoyance knifed through him as Becky began reading the short speech. Had Silver forgotten how important it was for them to look like a real couple?

“Thank you all for coming today,” Becky said. “Please hold your questions until I’m finished, then we’ll be happy to answer them.”

Justin smiled. His new manager handled the press like a pro.

“As some of you have heard by now, Justin Rivers is formally announcing his engagement to Miss Silver Madison. We’re all aware of the private photos obtained by a photographer and printed without Justin and Silver’s permission. This reporter gained unlawful entry to Miss Madison’s private residence to obtain those pictures. This is now a legal matter, and Mr. Rivers is talking with counsel about how to proceed, so that topic is off limits. Any legal questions can be directed to Robert Sullivan, attorney for the Rivers family.” She paused while Robert lifted a hand to wave.

“Justin and Silver met two weeks ago after he appeared as a judge at Tulsa’s Search for the Stars contest. The two of them realized very quickly they had something special. On a personal note, I’ve known Silver Madison most of my life, and I can honestly say there is no finer person on God’s green earth than this woman.” She paused while a few of the reporters clapped. “The couple has not set a definite date, but as soon as they can clear some time in Justin’s schedule, he will make sure everyone knows when the happy event will be held. Now, Justin and Silver will take your questions.”

When Becky moved to one side, Justin eased a very rigid Silver forward. Becky pointed to one of the reporters, motioning for him to start the questioning.

“Justin, how can you be sure this is the real deal after only knowing each other a short time?”

“Well, my daddy always said when it’s right, a man knows.”

“Justin, is this simply a cute publicity stunt to help your career?”

“I don’t know about it being a stunt, but she sure is cute!” he replied with a grin and was rewarded with laughter from the press. Silver maintained the same impersonal, polite smile pasted on her face.

“Silver, do you plan to leave your teaching job after marrying this up and coming country music star?”

“I have no intention of leaving my job. I’m sure it won’t be a problem for me to continue doing what I enjoy.”