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“The most important aspect of life is our relationships with others,” Owen says.
Spencer laughs. “Owen, you’re naïve. We’ll never agree. You’ve made your choice. Just know that if you don’t accept Grandmother’s inheritance, you’ll have nothing that Layla wants. As for me, I’m locking in my inheritance now because with Grandmother’s spending spree, there might be nothing left by the time my father takes what’s left of the estate.”
Too many thoughts bounce around my head. My teeth chatter. I can’t feel my ears and nose. Not only do I not want to hear any more of this conversation, but I need to get inside. I’d rather not enter while they’re talking about me and my love of money. Humiliating myself in front of Spencer isn’t so bad, but I can’t give Owen anymore ammunition to think I’m a garbage human. I’d like to keep some dignity intact at the end of this day.
“If Layla’s only love is money, then she isn’t the person I thought she was.”
There’s so much disgust in Owen’s voice, his words hit my heart. Tears prick my eyes, but I quickly wipe them away before they can freeze my eyelids closed.
“Life isn’t worth living if you don’t have any money at all,” Spencer says. “I’d think you’d learned that by now.”
What a stupid thing to say, and that comes from someone who has no money. Owen must feel the same because his laugh is edged with disbelief.
“Good luck on your case,” Owen says. “I’m glad it’s you and not me.”
A door opens and then closes. I push inside and shut the door behind me. Spencer startles.
“What were you doing outside? It’s cold.”
“Y-yeah it i-is,” I stutter. I immediately go to the gas fire and hold out my hands.
“What happened?”
“I go-got locked ou-outside. Long st-story.”
He comes over immediately and rubs my arms. The friction is delightful, but I’m reminded that I’m not wearing a bra and wrap the cardigan over my chest before crossing my arms
My face and hands tingle as I defrost. My teeth stop chattering.
“Are you okay?” Spencer asks.
I don’t answer his question. Now that I’m inside, there are more important topics to discuss. “Twenty million dollars is the tiny inheritance you’re outraged about?”
He pulls back and looks down at me. “You heard my conversation with Owen?”
“Yes. Did you have to make me sound like a gold digger?”
Maybe it’s an accurate definition, and it rubs me wrong because it’s so right.
Spencer rubs my back. “My goal was to get him to leaveyou alone. He has a puppy-dog crush on you that will prove annoying this week if we don’t stop it now.”
It’s best if Spencer doesn’t find out I reciprocate Owen’s puppy-dog crush. Though after the last ten minutes, I doubt Owen still feels the same. He’ll avoid me from now on, and I hate how much that hurts my heart.
I’m secretly engaged to Spencer!I remind myself.Who cares about Owen?
Spencer gives comforting hugs, even if I can feel him check his watch behind my back. I hold on tighter so he won’t let go.
“I want to go running tomorrow morning,” I say into his collar. “Will you come with me?”
“No, I’ll use the treadmill in the gym to save time.”
I’m assuming that’s an in-home gym. His response is unsurprising, but it was worth a try.
“Do you know a good place to run?” I ask. “All I saw coming in tonight was the main road and I’d rather not get hit by a car.”
“There’s a neighborhood where Owen and I used to jog. I’ll text you the directions.”
“Thanks. That would be great.”
