Total pages in book: 39
Estimated words: 36665 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 183(@200wpm)___ 147(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36665 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 183(@200wpm)___ 147(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
“You think?!”
“A lot of trusts are done to save money. Taxes and generational wealth. It’s all about staying wealthy and keeping the name strong.” I roll my eyes. It’s all stupid, if you ask me. I’d rather have happiness. I know it’s easy to say when you’ve had money all your life. But I left all that behind and this is truly the happiest I’ve ever been.
“See, you don’t even say rich. You say wealthy.”
“June!” I hiss again, seeing Rose heading our way with Jackson’s card. June slips Tigger a bite of bacon.
“Right.” June sits up straighter but leans forward to whisper, “Money talks, wealth whispers.” I snort a laugh. "Do you think we could get that on one of those boards people hang up like those stupid Live, Love, Laugh ones?"
I shake my head, holding back more laughter as June signs for the check. This is one of the things I love about June. She has a way of making light of things.
“Why can’t we focus on your love life for once?” I ask June as we make our way out of the diner. I pick up Tigger and put him into my oversized tote.
“I already have a love.”
“Horses don’t count.” I spot Jackson's truck at the end of the street at City Hall. I wonder what he’s up to. He said he had some things to handle.
“Horses do too count.” June hooks her arm with mine, guiding me down toward some of the shops.
“What about the vet?”
“What about him?” I nod toward the vet coming out of Mini’s bakery.
“Oh shit.” June tries to pull me between the diner and the optician’s office. For once, she isn’t quick enough. Dr. Baxter spots her, calling out her name.
“Why are you trying to hide?” I say it under my breath. “Oh God!” When I see someone I know, I squeak. “Hide!” We both try to turn and get away, but end up running into each other.
“Paisley!” my brother calls after me.
“Fuck me.” June rubs her chin where I knocked it with my head.
“Sorry.”
“Are you okay?” Dr. Baxter inquires. He tilts June's chin for a closer look. I notice her cheeks start to turn pink. Wait, is June blushing?
“Stop.” June steps back, causing Dr. Baxter's hand to drop. “I’m fine.”
“Paisley.” For a moment, I had forgotten about my brother. I’m not sure if I should still be trying to get away from him or hug him. Instead, I only stand there.
“Who’s the suit?” June cuts in. I swear, my brother is always in a suit. I can’t picture him in anything else. I think he may have been born wearing one.
“My brother.” He looks so out of place, standing here in the center of town. He exudes wealth. No one would ever mistake him for being poor.
“Whoa! Hold on here, Mr. Richie Rich.” June steps protectively in front of me. “She’s not going anywhere.”
“What’s going on?” Dr. Baxter asks. “Woods says he’s been trying to find his sister.”
“Okay, newbie.” June points her finger at Dr. Baxter. “You don’t just tell randoms about the locals.” I think I might be newer around here than the new vet, but I keep that to myself.
“Well, if maybe you let me take you out, I could learn all these rules I should know.”
“That’s enough,” my brother cuts in. I can’t help but stand up a bit straighter at his firm tone. Even Dr. Baxter takes half a step back. June, however, gives no shits. She doesn’t budge.
“Enough of what, city boy?” June has to drop her head all the way back to stare up at my brother. He’s always been tall.
Luka might not be built as big as Jackson, but he has always been athletic. He played baseball throughout school, and I believe he ran track too. My parents proudly display many of his trophies and accomplishments in one of their numerous homes.
Luka stares down at June, his brows pulling together. I can’t tell if he’s annoyed or curious. I’m guessing not many people stand up against Luka. Not even my parents have that privilege anymore. Which makes me wonder why he’s here. He has nothing to do with them. Why the heck would he be helping them look for me?
“Why are you here, Luka?” I ask, not wanting June to get out of hand. Because the look in her eyes tells me she’s about two seconds from letting loose on Luka.
“You’ve gotten yourself into some trouble,” he finally answers, tearing his attention away from June.
“I think you’re the one who has gotten himself into some trouble.” June puts her hands on her hips. Oh crap. I haven’t known her for long, but I’ve seen this side of her a few times when drunk men have tried to get out of hand at the bar.
“Your brother doesn’t intimidate me, Ms. Graysen.” Luka adjusts his tie. “Where is Jackson Graysen? For being the best at his job, he’s done a terrible job of handing her over to our parents. It appears that he had no trouble locating her.”