Page 107 of Loaded

I laugh.

“Brilliant?”

“Mom.”

“Super, duper rich?”

“I was going to say he’s amazing. I think it kind of encompasses all of that.”

“I’m happy for you,” Seren says. “I’m not a huge fan of Elizabeth’s parents, all cards on the table, but if she came from them, there’s hope for Easton too.”

“Yeah, what are the odds that two such greedy, selfish people would wind up with two amazing children?”

“Luck plays a role, but I imagine those two kids helped one another to be good,” Seren says. “Synergy works like that sometimes.”

“I guess.”

“And how long has this been going on?”

“Not long,” I say. “But I think it’s real.”

“Sometimes you know pretty fast,” Seren says. “And sometimes people know each other twenty years and are too stupid to see it.”

“Uncle Bentley and Aunt Barbara.”

“If we’re laying blame, I put it on him,” Seren says.

“I’m sure you do.” I pull into the work parking lot. “But, Mom.”

“Your grandfather’s coming,” she says. “I just wanted to warn you. We put him clear on the other side of the ballroom, but he takes up a lot of space.”

“Why did Bentley have to invite him?”

“Well, back when we were planning this, we didn’t realize it was a problem, and he’s been helpful to Bentley in a few business deals.”

“It’s fine,” I say. “It’ll be just fine.”

“If it’s not, let us know. We’ll figure out a way to keep him out.”

Grandfather? I really doubt it. I feel like he could break into Fort Knox if he had to. “I appreciate it.”

“I’ll see you soon, beautiful Bea.”

“And hey, Mom?” I inhale and exhale slowly. Even saying it out loud is daunting for some reason. “I entered a song contest today with a friend. If we make the final round, I’ll have to perform the song live.”

“Oh, that’s amazing. When will you hear back?”

“Not sure,” I say. “They didn’t have that posted.”

“Well, win or lose, I’m so proud of you for trying.” Seren would be proud of me for dancing terribly in a flash mob while wearing a trash bag, but it’s still nice to hear.

“Thanks.”

“You’re one in a billion,” Seren says. “Never forget it.”

I’m certainly not one in a billion, but I do feel pretty good as I walk into work, like I’m on top of the world for once.

It’s a nice feeling, which is why it probably can’t last.

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