Page 133 of Redeeming the Villain

I’m not sure what else to say. It’s not like it was their fault, and I’m sure they’re just as angry as I am.

Carol Backhaus, the third member who’s been waiting in silence, adjusts in her seat. “Alora, you have the makings of being someone truly extraordinary in any path you wish to take. This may be too personal to share”—she swallows hard with a smile on her lips and sadness in her eyes—“but I knew your mom a very long time ago.”

My heart twists. “You did?”

She nods, pressing her lips together. “We attended the same university. I know she graduated with a business degree, but she hadn’t started out in that major. She was originally a music major—for singing.” Her eyes gloss over as she drifts back in time. “Gosh, she wassucha gifted vocalist.”

Memories start firing off in my mind of her singing me to sleep, singing in the car, singing all the time. She really was incredible. I just never knew it was something she had pursued.

“Do you know why she changed her major?” I murmur. I don’t know why she’d ever give that up.

She shakes her head. “I don’t. But I think that she would be so proud of you for being right where you are.”

My eyes burn and well up with tears. “Thank you.”

She leaves me with one more statement. “Don’t confuse your success with your legacy. You earned the spot in the showcase on your own merit.”

* * *

After leaving Martha’s office, Sunny and I spend the afternoon lounging around in our dorm room and watching some of our favorite movies.

Malik is with his team most of today. They have a game tonight and have been watching tape and doing … whatever the hell it is they do before games.

June will be hanging out with Sunny while I go to the game. Blair and Lumi will be going, too, and it’ll be nice to have some company.

My phone rings, and I answer a call from Fauna. “Hello?”

“There’s my angel. How are you doing?” she asks, and my chest warms when I hear her voice.

“Doing well,” I answer, knowing I have a lot to fill my aunts in on, but I also know that this second probably isn’t the right time.

“Glad to hear it! Well, we’ll be flying into town Thursday for the gala this weekend. When can we steal you away for dinner?”

“Thursday will be good.” Butterflies dance in my stomach. “Can I still bring someone with me?”

She gasps in playful shock. “Is this that same boy?”

“Yeah,” I murmur.

“Then of course. And what is their name?” she asks, and I bite my bottom lip.

I can’t exactly say Malik because they’re wellllll aware of what happened between us in high school.

“It’ll be a surprise,” are the only words I can manage to form.

She hums. “So secretive.” But then she agrees instantly. “Fine, you and your secret special someone meet us tomorrow at six. I’ll send you the name of the restaurant.”

“Okay.” I smile.

“I’m excited to squeeze you, my little peanut,” she coos.

My aunts are everything to me, and they deserve the same goodness that they put out into the world.

“I love you.”

“I love you too, Lore.” She blows a kiss into the phone before ending the call.

Well, dinner is going to be interesting. We have a lot to catch up on. And a lot to plan.

---