Page 124 of The Trouble with Flings

“There are dozens of golden eggs to be found, but only one holds the winning gold key, unlocking an all-expense paid, two-week vacation to the destination of the winner’s choice, anywhere in the world, and it includes a private villa, private chef, private flight, luxury car services, the whole shebang.”

“Holy shit,” Archer calls out. “This one’s mine.”

“You wish,” Fitz says. “It’s got my name all over it.”

“You guys are dreaming,” Bellamy chimes in. “Everyone knows I’m going to win. Think of how many followers it’ll get me!”

Suddenly they’re all taking over one another.

Steve holds up his hands and says, “All right, settle down. Before you get too excited, you know the rules. You’ve got to pay to play. This year’s donation is five thousand dollars and is to be made to the Silver Island Emergency Fund, which as you know, helps local families with storm repairs, unexpected medical bills, heating bills, and the like.”

Holy cow. Five thousand dollars? My brain scrambles to make sense of that.

Fitz must see my confusion, because he leans down and whispers, “The hunt is fun, but the donations are the point. Our parents worked hard to teach us that privilege without responsibility turns people into assholes. We’ve been doing this since we were kids. Back then we donated half of our allowance. This is their way of making sure we never lose track of what’s really important: taking care of the people who make this island what it is.”

And to think I warned him about raising our child to be too entitled. “That’s amazing.”

“The link is being sent to you now,” Alexander announces, and nods to Margot.

She focuses on her phone, and seconds later, everyone’s phones are chiming.

Phones come out across the group like it was choreographed, and they all start making donations, sounds of excitement, punctuated by an occasional groan.

“Done!” Fitz and Wells say in unison.

“Me too!” Jules calls out.

“It won’t load,” Bellamy says.

“Guess you can’t compete,” Wells says.

“Like hell I can’t,” Bellamy exclaims.

“I’ll donate for you, Belly,” Jules chimes in.

“It’s up! I got it!” Bellamy shouts.

One by one confirmations are called out, until only Rowan’s donation remains. Roddy is peering over Rowan’s shoulder, directing him.

“I can help, Dad,” Joni says. “I know how to use Grandpa’s phone.”

“I’ve got it, Jojo, thanks,” Rowan says.

Fitz leans closer to me and says, “Rowan doesn’t own a cell phone.”

“Really? I can’t imagine life without one.”

“He manages to make it work.”

“Get a move on, bro,” Brant urges. “I’ve got a prize to win.”

“Hold your horses.” Rowan pokes around on the phone. “Okay, it’s done.”

Cheers ring out.

Roddy throws his hands up and says, “Hold on! No one’s going anywhere yet!” All eyes turn to him. “This year we’re doing things a little differently. Before you start the hunt, you need to come with us into the office.”

“Why?” Jock asks.