Page 38

Fair.

I sit on the edge of the ottoman in front of her chair. For a moment, neither of us says anything.

“So I’m going to a black-tie gala tonight,” I say.

Mom’s eyes widen. If she had eyebrows, they’d be sky high. “Did I hear you right?”

“Yeah. It’s the Vexley Foundation gala. Someone canceled last minute, and they needed to fill a seat.”

“A seat.”

“Yes.”

“At a black-tie gala.”

“Yes.”

She leans in. “And they chose you?”

I lift one shoulder, aiming for casual. “I guess.”

“Why?”

“Because I was available.”

“You’re a maid for them.”

The words shouldn’t sting. They’re true, after all.

“I know what I am,” I say.

Her face softens. “Oh, baby. That’s not what I meant.”

“I know.”

She reaches for my hand. Her fingers are too thin. “I just mean… Rich men don’t invite women like us into their world unless they want something.”

The words slide cold down my spine. I think of Arthur Vexley’s bust. The burner phone hidden behind it.

Delaney Cross didn’t listen. Finish it tonight.

“I’ll be fine,” I say.

Mom nods, but I can tell she doesn’t believe me.

I almost tell her about Nathaniel.

Not all of it.

Not the phone. Not Audrey. Not the way his mouth touched my hand and rewired something in my body.

Just enough. That he was kind. That he isn’t what she thinks. Except I’m not sure what he is.

I reach into my purse instead. “I brought something.”

She frowns as I pull out the folded bills. “No.”

“Mom—”