Page 229 of Champagne Nights

“I wouldn’t put it past them.”

Suddenly, my phone rang, and when I pulled it from my pocket, I saw my mother was calling. Holding it up to Addison, she rolled her eyes.

“Hello,” I answered and put it on speaker.

“Henry, you are to come over tonight. We need to talk. I will expect you around seven o’clock.”

“Sorry, Mom. I can’t. I have plans tonight.”

“Cancel them.”

“No. I’m not canceling them. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” I abruptly ended the call.

“You’re really going to get it now.” Addison laughed.

“I don’t care. She can wait. I have plans with Ellie tonight.”

A bright smile crossed Addison’s face. “What are you two doing?”

“I’m having her over. Delilah is cooking dinner for us.”

“That’s great. I love Delilah, and I know she’s going to love Ellie. Can you sign something to me?”

“Why?” I cocked my head.

“Just do it. Sign anything.”

I did what she asked, and she stared at me with a blank expression.

“It means get to work.” I smirked.

“Very funny. I’ll talk to you later.”

“If you need any help with that project, let me know,” I said before she walked out of my office.

I sighed as I turned my chair around and stared out at the busy city. My mother calling and demanding I come over tonight meant she was going to lecture me about Kirsten. I already knew things wouldn’t ever be the same with my parents, and I needed to put a plan into action. Once my father fully recovered, he’d be demoting me to God knows what, and I wasn’t going to accept it.

Chapter Fifteen

Ellie

I made my mom a cup of tea and took a seat at the table. Opening the box of donuts she picked up from my favorite bakery; I pulled out a vanilla-iced one with sprinkles. They were my favorite, and I was still a kid at heart.

“How are things going with Henry?” she signed.

“Great.” I grinned. “He’s picking me up tonight and taking me to his place. His housekeeper is cooking dinner for us.”

“Wow. You’ve practically seen him every day since you met. Don’t you think things are moving a little too fast?”

“No. I don’t. I like him, and I want to spend time with him.”

“Are you getting any painting done?”

“Sort of.” I took a bite of my donut.

“Need I remind you that your paintings are part of your income?”

“I know, and I’m fine.”

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