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“I’m not making millions,” Jasmine said defensively.
“If your sales trajectory and book releases stay consistent, you should hit that figure within the next three years,” Colette said.
“Will you stop digging into my shit?” she snapped and shook her head. “You’re just like him.”
“Less than ten percent of writers live off their earnings, so your income is impressive. You built something out of nothing, just like grandpa.” Colette rubbed her tummy as she stared at the fire. “I like rules.”
“I know you do,” Jasmine said and shot a bewildered look at Ariana who shrugged.
“I know how the game works. I also know the players and my place in the hierarchy. I’m at the top,” Colette said. “Dad said I won’t go forward if I’m too afraid to make mistakes.”
Jasmine tilted her head to the side as she examined her sister. “Those pregnancy hormones are doing a number on you.”
Colette’s mouth set into a thin line. “Lyle thinks it’s funny.”
“I can see his point. You’re not yourself.”
“No, I’m not. I hate it. I can’t think straight. I’m just reacting without thinking, and it’s so unlike me.”
“It’ll pass,” Ariana soothed, patting her thigh. “Soon, Polara will be here, and it’ll all be worth it.”
“Polara?” Jasmine echoed with raised brows.
“Your second niece.”
“Polara?” she said again.
“What’s wrong with Polara?” Colette asked sharply.
“Polara’s not a common name. I’ve only heard it once in a fantasy book by David Eddings.”
“And is the character a strong woman?” Colette snapped.
“Yes.”
She relaxed. “Of course, she is. Polara’s a badass name.”
While she tried to bite back a smile, Ariana eyed her soberly.
“We really are sorry for the way we acted. You haven’t received anything from Dad, no money or his support with Roth or your career. We should have expected him to do something like this for you.”
“I don’t need the money, though, and I don’t want to manage it,” she said.
“We have people who will monitor it for you. You don’t need to worry about it,” Colette said, sounding much more like herself now that they were talking about business. “If you want to sell one of his properties, let us know first. We may want to buy it from you.”
She let out a long breath. “Ooookay.”
“You forgive us?” Colette asked.
“Yes.”
She didn’t have to think about it. She hadn’t expected an apology or even an acknowledgment of what they’d done. Their family never discussed sensitive subjects, but it seemed their father’s death had affected her sisters as well. The weight she had carried to Colorado and back lightened considerably.
“Are you going back to Tuxedo Park?” Ariana asked
“Yeah.”
Colette sighed as she finally relaxed into the cushions. “Are you going to be okay there by yourself?”
