Page 105 of Rags to Royals

“So he doesn’t know how to show it off?”

“Right.” Henry pauses. “Seems you two have that in common.”

I frown. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, you seem very happy staying quiet and that you don’t really want to do anything that would get people talking.”

“Yeah, well, when people talk about me in Emerald it usually includes a ‘remember when’? or ‘can you believe her?’” I say dryly.

“And?” Henry asks. “Isn’t the idea to show them that you’vechanged? How better to do that than to have them recall something from the past, while talking about something great you’re doing now?”

I open my mouth, but then close it.

I guess…he has a point. Even if they did say, ‘she’s the one who got knocked up out of wedlock and kicked out of her father’s church’, but then talk about how I’m helping with a foundation that provides resources for single mothers, that really would show that I’m using my circumstances to grow and do something good.

“You and Cian talked about me and the foundation on your drive to Autre today?” I guess.

He smiles. “Of course. It’s the biggest thing on Cian’s mind right now.”

“And you think I should consider his idea to make me president of the foundation and not just help behind the scenes?”

“Yes. I do.”

“I would want to talk about him too. Everyone should know who he is and how he’s involved. He deserves to shine.”

“I agree,” Henry says.

“You should tell him that. You’re his best friend. You should encourage him. Oryoushould tell everyone what he’s been doing.”

“Nah.” Henry lifts his beer. “You’re way prettier to look at and your voice gets this sweet little note to it when you sayCian.”

I laugh and swat his arm. “It does not.”

“Definitely does.”

And I believe him, actually.

“Hi!”

Suddenly a petite brunette pops up between Henry and me.

Henry gives a little eye roll. “Fiona.” He loops an arm around her neck. “It took you a lot longer to come over here than I expected.”

This is Fiona O’Grady, Cian’s sister, up close and personal.

I swallow.

Fiona grins at Henry but then looks at me. “I wanted to watch you talk to her for a little bit.”

“Why’s that?”

“To see how she acted toward you.”

“How she acted toward me?” Henry repeats, glancing at me.

“Like she likes you as a friend, but like she doesn’t want to sleep with you. Sorry.” She sticks out her hand. “Hi, I’m Fiona. Henry’s friend.”

There is so much energy emanating from this woman that I’m still blinking and barely manage a, “Hi,” as she takes my hand and shakes it. “Um, I’m Scarlett.”

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