Page 147 of Emergence and Ascendance

I barked a laugh. Christian wouldn’t fire him if I helped but he wouldn't be happy. The only reason Miles was moving boxes was so I wouldn't do it before Christian got home. When he came back down the stairs, I smiled sweetly.

"I don't hate you."

He narrowed his eyes and headed back outside. I heard him muttering something about women and their shit on the way out.

"I'm glad you’re happy, Scot." Val brought my attention back to our conversation.

"Me too."

"And I could makehimhappy if…"

"No."

She laughed, then sighed. "I guess life is good for all of us. Alex is stressed about taking over but I honestly think he's in a better place. He went on a date."

"A date?"

"Crazy right. Mr. Work, work, work. I only know because Elaine snitched. Things feel different. I feel like I can be me, like I can breathe. Does that make me a terrible daughter?"

"If it does, then it makes me one too. He was terrible for all of us and I get that he had his good moments, but more bad than good, especially after Mom died. I don't feel bad, Val. Not even a little."

"Me either, and Alex isn't the only one dating…"

I grinned when I walked into the living room and dropped down on the sofa.

"Spill."

"I might have seen a few people."

"Oh shit, seriously?"

"Yeah but nothing long-term. I'm kinda just hanging out but there's this guy named Daven and we've been doing our thing. He's a chef and owns a restaurant in Chicago."

"Oh, I like," I teased.

"He fucks like a YN so I like it too. And what's even better is Dad would have never approved of him."

"Because he fucks like a YN?"

She laughed hard. "No, hoe. Because he's not wealthy or from the right family. He's pretty much self-made. Dad would have had a damn stroke."

"Well I made him have a heart attack instead; so you're safe," I mumbled.

"Scot, stop."

"Okay, okay… focus on the good stuff, so this Daven…"

"Is just a thing. I'm exploring my options until I can find my Christian."

"He's one of one and I'm not sharing, sis, sorry."

"Damn that good?"

"That good."

"Let me find out my big sis is in love."

"I am."

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