Page 25 of Rags to Royals

I snicker and carefully peel open the Oreo package, removing three cookies and offering Henry one.

He sighs and replaces the pretzels on the shelf and takes the cookie.

Ruby keeps talking. “I mean, part of Leah’s problem with you is that Hannah has problems with your mom.”

“But Hannah shouldn’t keep saying Mom is all about fame and fortune!”

I frown as I chew. What is this about? Why does this woman think Scarlett is all about that?

I’m even more interested in the woman I spent a weekend with all those months ago.

She’ll probably hate to hear that.

“Uggggh!” Mariah groans. “Mom doesn’t haveanyphotos with Cian? Really? Who doesn’t take selfies when they’re out?”

Because we weren’t out much,I think.And taking photos of what we were doing wouldn’t have been appropriate.

“I don’t think so,” Ruby says. “But…I think maybe we can fix this. Maybe. Though your mom is going to hate it.”

“What? Why?”

“Um…Henry?” Ruby’s voice calls out.

“Henry? He’s?—”

Henry grins at me and grabs the bag of pretzels again.

Then he steps out into the kitchen. “Hey, kid.”

“Oh my God!”

Mariah’s exclamation is followed by squealing and Henry chuckling.

I don’t know what I’m supposed to do here. Clearly, they’re excited to see Henry. But they’re having a reunion. They don’t know me. And I don’t know how Ruby wants to go about introducing me. But I feel like a jackass standing in the pantry.

“Why were you hiding? “Mariah asks Henry.

“Surprise.”

“I’m so happy you’re back! Have you guys made up? Are you back together?”

“No. He just showed up and surprised me too,” Ruby jumps in.

“But you’re in love!” Mariah protests. “You should be together. She’s been miserable without you,” she says, I assume addressing Henry.

I smile. Mariah could be a great ally…or a frustrating opponent. I wonder which Ruby considers her at the moment.

“Mariah,” Ruby says warningly. “Henry and I…have a lot of things to talk about.”

“Well, can Henry come to school and tell everyone that Cian is real and that he really did date Mom? Because next time I might do something worse than spill tomato juice on Leah. I actually wanted to hit her.”

“You’re not going to hit her,” Ruby says.

“Just don’t hit her with witnesses,” Henry says at the same time.

“Henry!” Ruby protests.

“You have to stand up to bullies,” he says unapologetically.

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