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My parents were going to be thrilled when I told them.
I smiled just thinking about what their reactions would be. For as long as I could remember, my mom and dad had supported me in everything I did. They had no expectations about who I was supposed to be, giving me the freedom to explore and figure out what things made me happy. Whenever something captured my interest, they put everything they could behind it, behind me.
So, when I told them, many years ago, that it was my dream to become a writer, they assured me they’d be right behind me every step of the way, until I topped the bestseller charts.
By the time I turned off the road and into the driveway, I was bursting at the seams with excitement. This was the best idea for a story that I’d had yet. I couldn’t wait to get started.
As I approached the house, I saw an unfamiliar car sitting outside the garage. I assumed someone had to be visiting, since we were diligent about keeping our cars inside the garages.
Yes, garages.
We had a beautiful home.
My father, Vernon Cross, was a commercial real estate land developer and the owner of Cross Development Group. He had done exceptionally well in his career over the years. I hadn’t wanted for anything as a child, but the truth was that my parents taught me the importance of hard work.
I never expected to have anything handed to me. My mom and dad might have provided us with opportunities, but they expected my younger sister, Ainsley, and me to put in the work to become successful all on our own.
After parking my car in the garage, I gathered up my things and made my way inside.
I had a smile on my face and a bounce in my step as I moved through the house in search of my parents.
“Mom?” I called out. “Dad?”
A moment later, just as I was about to pass by it, the door to my father’s home office opened. My mom stepped out, and I was so caught up in the good vibes I was feeling that I missed the strange look on her face.
“Oh, hey. I was wondering where you guys were,” I said, moving close to hug her. “Is dad in there?”
She nodded. “Yes, but he’s in a meeting.”
Well, that explained the car I hadn’t recognized outside.
For some strange reason, I completely ignored the fact that she said he’d been in a meeting, yet she’d just walked out of his office. My mom never sat in on my father’s meetings.
I folded my arms around my mom, looked into my father’s office, and saw him sitting behind his desk. I held up my hand to wave and smiled brightly at him. That’s when a man I didn’t recognize came into view.
“Is this your daughter, Vernon?” the man asked my father.
My mom loosened her hold on me and stepped back as my dad answered, “Yes.”
Not wanting to be rude, I stepped into the office to greet the man. I didn’t give it a second thought, since I’d met several of my father’s business associates over the years when they’d come by for a meeting.
Once I had moved into the room, my father stood and walked in my direction. He curled an arm around my back and allowed his hand to settle on my opposite shoulder as he kissed the top of my head. “Preston, this is Ellery. She’s my oldest.”
Preston turned his attention to me, extended his hand, and said, “It’s lovely to meet you, dear.”
I shook his hand and smiled. “Likewise.”
My father looked down at me and asked, “All finished?”
I nodded with a huge grin on my face. “I’m so excited, too, because I’ve had an idea brewing for months now, so I want to get started on it right away.”
With a look of pride on his face, my dad returned his attention to Preston and shared, “Ellery just finished her first year at college.”
Preston’s brows shot up. “That’s exciting. And are you planning to take over here at Cross Development Group when your old man is ready to retire?”
I shook my head. “No. No, I’m studying to get my degree in English.”
“Ah, I see.”
