Page 21 of Tangled Trust

"Don’t be silly, sweetheart. It was the sensible thing to do."

"I can only imagine how angry he was."

"I sneaked a peek at him through the window while he sat in his fancy car, reading the letter. He didn’t look happy. But don’t you dare worry about that thug. Let him stew in it. He’s lucky I didn’t give him an earful."

Sue is such a lady. In all the time I’ve known her, I’ve never heard her say a bad word about anyone. She and my mother were so alike. I can’t imagine what my father would have done to Sebastian had he been alive.

"Thank you so much for doing that," I say, and suddenly I’m feeling teary. "I miss you."

"Oh, goodness, me. Here comes the waterworks," Sue says, and I can hear the telltale sniffles on the other side of the call.

"We’re not being very British, are we? Stiff upper lip and all," I announce, trying my best to change the mood.

"Bloody useless articles," she giggles. "Anyway, enough with that. Tell me about little Jagger. What’s he been up to?"

"Oh, my goodness. He is so adorable, Aunt Sue. You’d eat him up."

"Thank you for the pictures. My goodness, you live in a palace."

"I know. Isn’t it splendid? I still can’t believe how amazing LA is. I’d love for you and Anna to see it."

"I’d love that, too."

"Once I’ve been here for a few months, I’ll arrange it."

"That will be wonderful, sweet girl. I almost didn’t recognize you. You’re as brown as a berry. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you spend your days on the beach."

"I do spend a fair amount of time outdoors. Jagger plays tennis twice a week, and Carter and I take him to their private beach almost every afternoon."

"Ooh, Carter, is it?"

"Yes, alright," I chuckle. "Mr. Moore."

"Is he as dishy as his namesake used to be? You know…Bond, James Bond."

"You mean Roger Moore?"

"The very same."

"Oh, that’s right. I forgot you had a crush on him," I laugh.

"And?"

"Yes. Carter is very handsome. But he’s my boss, and that’s all."

"More handsome than Sebastian?"

"Like chalk and cheese."

"Nice darts."

"You’re an incurable romantic, Aunt Sue."

We talk for another ten minutes or so before it’s time for me to get some shut-eye. Being with Jagger all day is tiring. The weekends are even busier, and tonight I’m feeling it.

"Goodnight, Ella, my love. I’m so proud of you."

"Sleep tight, Aunt Sue. I love you."

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