Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95816 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95816 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“Well, this is awkward.”
“Your idea,” both Heather and I said at the same time. Then we all laughed and sighed.
“Listen, ladies, I have zero experience with this.”
Grace lifted one eyebrow. “Neither do we.”
I wasn’t sure how to respond.
“Reed tells me Luc is moving in with you,” Heather said. “How exciting.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” I replied.
“That’s quick, isn’t it?” Grace asked
Heather huffed. “Says the woman who married her boss a few months after she met him.” She looked at me with a droll wink. “Drunk and in Vegas. How clichéd is that?”
“That’s private,” Grace barked. “Shut up, Heather.”
“Don’t snap at her,” I demanded, hating the hurt look on Heather’s face. “She was trying to make a point. I already knew the story anyway.”
Grace sniffed, and I glared at her.
“What is it you want from me?” I asked bluntly.
Grace pursed her lips and sat back, swinging her crossed leg. “Since you started this, I assume you want something from us.”
“Nothing. I want nothing.”
“Yet, here you are.”
“I didn’t ask to get a viewing,” I protested.
“Hmm,” was her reply.
“Your sister offered.”
“She’s your sister too,” Grace snapped.
We all froze.
Heather held up her hands. “Listen, you two. If you’d stop snipping at each other for a moment, I’d appreciate that.” She shook her head, running her hand through her hair. “You know I’m in an awkward position here.”
We looked at her in confusion.
“I like you a lot, Ashley. We had started to become good friends. And Grace, you know I love you. You’re my friend and my big sister. Nothing will ever change that. And now, so are you, Ashley. The fact that the two of you seem to dislike each other puts me in the middle. Can we not try to get along? Find some common ground?”
“I’m not sure we have anything in common,” I replied.
“Sure we do. We have our father.”
“No,” I retorted. “You have your father. I’m not part of that equation.”
“Well, if you’d stop being such a bitch, you could be,” Grace snapped.
“Gracie!” Heather gasped.
I ignored her, focusing on Grace. “Excuse me, you’re not exactly Ms. Congeniality yourself.”
“At least I’m trying.”
“I’d hardly call this trying.”
“I’d hardly call the way you’re acting warm and friendly either.”
“Stop it,” Heather hissed. “Both of you. Are you listening to yourselves? Jesus, you sound like Dad arguing with himself.”
Heather and I glared at each other, and my phone rang, interrupting our silent standoff. I glanced down, frowning.
“Sorry, I have to take this.”
I walked away, answering the phone. Ten minutes later, I returned to the table, furious and barely able to speak.
“I have to go.”
“Are you okay?” Heather asked.
“Your father—” I began, then stopped.
Grace narrowed her eyes. “He’s your father too. You can’t move forward if you don’t accept it. Are you always this stubborn?”
“Yeah,” I snarled. “I get it from Daddy.”
I grabbed my purse and walked away.
Moments later, I flung open my car door and marched up to Richard’s house. I rapped on the door, waiting until it was opened. Katy looked surprised to see me but smiled in welcome.
“Ashley. How lovely to see you, dear.”
I barely returned her smile. “Is Richard home?”
“He is. Come inside.”
I stepped in, my anger boiling.
“Would you like coffee?”
“No,” I said between tight lips. “I would like to speak to him.”
“Of course. I think he’s on the phone with Gavin, but I’ll get him. Make yourself comfortable.”
She left, and I looked around. The main floor was a large, open space. There was a massive stone fireplace, whitewashed walls, and wide planks on the floor covered with cozy rugs. Simple furniture and a bright kitchen made it homey and warm. I wandered over to the fireplace, studying the groupings of family photos. My ire burned a little hotter as I looked at the images, Richard so often in the middle of his kids, his arms around them, his smile wide.
Bastard.
The house reeked of love. Pictures, memories, little mementos of the lives my siblings had lived without me.
Richard walked into the room, dressed casually, his smile in place, but I saw the wariness in his eyes.
“Ashley,” he said. “What a great—”
I interrupted him. “Don’t act surprised to see me.”
His smile fell. “You’re upset.”
“How dare you?” I hissed.
“I take it you’re displeased.”
“How did you think I’d react?”
He scrubbed the back of his neck. “Grateful?”
Katy came into the room, glancing between us. “Is there an issue I should know about?”
“There is,” I snapped. “Your husband somehow gained access to my records, paid off my student loans, and deposited money in my bank account.”
Katy looked surprised, her mouth forming a small O.
“It’s a gift.” Richard defended himself. “I paid for all my kids’ educations. Since I wasn’t able to do so on your behalf, I corrected that. I wanted to make your life easier, and I paid off your loan. Since you’d already been making payments, I replaced that amount in your account.” He crossed his arms. “It’s basically the same amount as your brothers and sisters. I wanted to be fair.”