Page 30 of Hard to Judge

“Pops liked Arlo when he met him.” She adjusts the layered gold chains around her neck. “Is this going to change that?”

“Only for a couple of days, then he’ll love us that much more.” I scoop up my bag and hand Astor hers.

“That’s why you’re not coming to the diner. You’re going to make me take the brunt of his irritation.” She slips the small clutch’s leather strap over her head and one arm. “He’s a proud man, you know.”

“I know.” I grin. “I love you.”

“Sure you do.” She grabs the card and a bottle wrapped in a brown paper bag, shoos me out the door, and locks it. We take the stairs down because it’s only three flights and much faster than waiting for the elevator. When we reach the ground level and push out onto the sidewalk, we both gasp.

Her cousin’s Range Rover idles in the loading space.

“Has she ever been on time for anything?” I gawk.

“Not even her dad’s funeral.”

I remember and wince. I’d never seen Astor’s aunt, her uncle’s ex-wife, so pissed.

“I love you. Even if you are a pain in my ass.” Astor kisses my cheek.

“I love you too. You owe me details.”

She waves me off. “The way I see it, you owe me big time for today.”

“Bye.” I grin.

“Where’s your ride?”

Leonard steps out of the Maybach and circles to the rear passenger door. I was given a stern talking-to by Karris when I called it a Town Car. How the hell was I supposed to know or care what it was called?

She sees him and waves. “Merry Christmas. Tell these stuck-up people you work for to give you the holiday off.”

“I get six weeks paid vacation.” The large man chuckles. “I’m happy to work on the holidays.”

“Damn.” Astor’s spoiled cousin pipes up from the driver’s seat. “You need another driver?”

“To get me late everywhere I go?” I wave her off. “No thank you, Geneva.”

“You haven’t worked a day in your pampered life.” Astor closes the door on her tirade that’s sure to last at least until the bridge. Her cousin is spoiled by her finance-genius momma. I hope she’s learned to save because Astor’s auntie won’t be around forever.

“Thank you, Leonard,” I say as he opens the door for me. I’ve had car service for years, thanks to my aunt, but never the same, reliable, personable driver. It made me feel spoiled even though work is in my blood, taken with me from the farm to the fancy city.

“My pleasure, Hailey.” I grin at him and slide into the car. “I’ve called ahead and confirmed. Hotaru will be awaiting our arrival.”

“Perfect.”

He closes the door, and a thrill shoots straight through me. I shed my coat and purse and grab my phone. A text from Arlo awaits me.

Our feast is on schedule.

Along with several kissy-face emoji.

My smile hurts my cheeks. I reply with a kissy face selfie with a plump of cleavage and a note.

I love you! Headed to Hota’s now, and then we’re on the way to you.

He answers rather immediately.

Feel free to indulge on the way. I might, with this picture.

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