Page 60 of Old Money

“He’s a lot older than you, Sawyer,” she says. It doesn’t feel judgy. It just feels like she’s going through it all in real time. I nod.

“Fifteen years,” I say. She nods slowly, thinking it all through. We sit in silence for a moment before she finally speaks.

“I knew something was up when I was out there for Thanksgiving. The way he looked at you…it was like…like you belonged to him.”

I smile.

“I guess I did,” I say. She takes in a long breath. “Are you okay, Ma?”

She looks at me again, sliding her hands across the table to mine again.

“Yes, baby,” she says. “You are the most mature twenty-two-year-old in the world. You had to grow up so fast because of our circumstances. I trust your decision-making and your judgment. I’ve seen him be nothing but kind and do nothing but care for you. I just…his family…he comes with some baggage, babe. Are you ready for that?”

I nod.

“I actually went to a party at his family’s estate last night,” I tell her. She squeezes my hand, kicking her feet on the floor.

“Youwhat?!”she squeals. “Oh, mygod!You have to tell me everything.”

I laugh.

“I will, Ma,” I say. “But I just wanted to make sureyouwould be okay with it.”

Her eyebrows knit together.

“Me? Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Well, my being with him could affectyou.Whenever it gets out, it could get a little nutty. Julian said that the press will dig into anyone and everything they can. I just…I want to make sure you’re okay with it before?—”

“Sawyer Jean Willis,” she says, “this isyourlife. I have nothing for them to dig up. Let them. I love you, my girl. But it’s your turn to think aboutyou.”

My eyes fill with tears as I nod.

“Thank you, Ma,” I whisper.

“Well, let me see if Randy minds if?—”

“Get outta here, girl. Go be with your baby!” Randy calls from around the corner, having likely eavesdropped on most of the conversation. We both chuckle and shake our heads. She takes off her apron, and we say our goodbyes as we walk out the door, Russ in tow. We walk to the Escalade, and Julian lowers the window.

“Not every day your daughter tells you she’s dating an Everett,” my mom says. Julian’s eyes are big, like he’s not sure how to respond. But finally, Mom smiles and puts her hand on his through the window. “I have felt so much relief since you came into her life, Julian. I knew she was in good hands when I couldn’t be with her. I’m glad it’s you.”

He smiles and squeezes her hand.

“So am I,” he laughs, “believe me.”

“Follow us back to the apartment,” my mom says. He looks at us.

“Are you sure you don’t just want some time to?—”

“Follow us!” she calls, pulling me to her car.

Back at our apartment,I wait for Tyler to find a spot outside. Russ walks in with my mom, sweeping the building before we’re allowed inside. The average person might not recognize Julian’s face, but regardless, his net worth is still that of a country. When we get the all-clear, we walk inside and up the three flights of stairs. My mom is a neat freak, so I know the apartment will be spotless. And she lives for hosting, so I know she’s in her element.

She’s waving us inside, making Tyler and Russ glasses of iced tea as we get settled.

“Just put your things in Sawyer’s room,” she tells Julian, and we all freeze, staring. When she realizes, she scoffs. “What? You think I don’t know you two have been shacking up in the city. She’s no dummy, and I’m sure the Everetts don’t just go around doing extracurricular activities without protection.”

“Mom!” I choke out, but she just shrugs, and Julian bursts into a fit of laughter.

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