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“But look how well it all turned out. She got rid of the loser and met a hot guy while pretending to be his fake lady and the rest is history.”
I point my fork at Stella. “Don’t think for a second that’s going to happen with me and Callan. It was a one-off. That’s it.”
She shrugs. “I’m just saying… never underestimate the unexpected.”
“What is it that has you standing over here in the corner smiling?” Octavia Abbot-Fritz, a.k.a my stepgrandmother, asks, and the smile I didn’t realize I was sporting springs into full action. I take a sip of my martini—clearly, it’s a drinking sort of weekend—to cover it a bit, but it’s too late. Octavia’s caught a scent and that’s all the bloodhound needed.
“Nothing,” I lie, not ready to tell her about Friday night with Callan. I had a lot of fun with him and felt a pang of guilt and remorse when I snuck out in the wee hours. Part of me wanted to stay. Part of me wanted to see what could happen next and that’s why I had to go.
After what my ex put me through, I decided to focus all my time and energy on becoming a doctor and that’s what I’m doing. I don’t have the mental or emotional capacity for anything else, and Callan is the sort of guy a girl could easily fall for.
No thanks.
“I’m just having a good time watching all the kids play in the pool.” That part isn’t a lie. I am having a good time doing that.
Today is my nieces Keegan and Kenna’s sixth birthday and Octavia, ever the grandma supreme, went all out for it as she does with every birthday. We’re talking full pool party for all the cousins—there are at least fourteen Fritz children running around—along with a magician, a bouncy house, a princess photo booth, and a cake that puts Amelia’s and Oliver’s wedding cake to shame.
The storm that tore through Boston as well as my apartment Friday night is gone, leaving hot sunshine in its wake. It is a Fritz party after all, and nothing else would do. I wouldn’t be shocked if Octavia called God herself and demanded perfect weather for today. Naturally, God would listen.
“That’s not why you’re smiling like you have a secret you’re reluctant to share,” Octavia comments dryly, taking a sip of her own drink and staring out at the massive grounds of the back of the Fritz compound. “Besides, I happen to know you don’t have a lot to smile about right now.”
It’s unfortunately true.
After dealing with it all morning yesterday, then day drinking it all away after, Amelia took me home and we talked with Oliver, who got all father-figure on me and demanded I allow him to drop way too much money on a new place for me. I love him, but I told him I’d simply stay with them until I figured my stuff out.
He wasn’t happy about that.
Oliver has a giant heart and is a fixer.
Amelia finally, sorta, talked him down. After doing three loads of laundry, I have enough clothes and a few pairs of shoes to be okay. That’s it though. That’s all I have left. My renter’s insurance and my landlord’s insurance will financially cover my losses, but there are some things money can’t replace.
That’s why Rina made me this cocktail, and I have to say it’s doing wonders for my mood.
“At least my computer wasn’t there. I have all my school stuff on it, so that was a break.”
Octavia touches my arm, calling my attention away from the screaming, laughing children over to her. “Our offer still stands, Layla.”
Just like that, I’m choked up once more. I swallow and clear my throat and nod. And when I’m able to form words that won’t squeak, I utter, “I know. Thank you. But I can’t accept.”
She called me this morning to tell me she wanted to get me a new place. I died a bit. I never thought I’d be so lucky to have a family like this.
Fuck their money. Their love is priceless.
“What does Oliver have to say about that?” Her green eyes sparkle against the sunshine, her blonde bob kicking up a little in the wind. “I know he offered the same and I know it’s not the first time he has.”
“No, it’s not, and yes, he offered again. But I can’t let anyone buy me an apartment. Especially not the type of apartment you’d all want to buy me. You’re already too generous with paying for medical school, and Oliver bought me a carandpaid for college. I can’t accept anything else. I just can’t. It already sits heavy on my chest that I’ve accepted so much. I’m twenty-three and I’ll get some money back from insurance. I’ll be fine.”
She squeezes my arm. “You’re family, Layla. Ours. You’re a Fritz and this is what we do for each other. What good is having all this money if I can’t spoil my grandchildren with it?”
I laugh and I’m not the only one. Stella joins us, rubbing her elbow against mine. “I’m sorry, Grandma, but are you suggesting that’s not what you’re doing now?” Stella pans her hand around the backyard.
“I make no apologies. Look at all those smiles.”
“Oh, we’re looking,” I deadpan. “Those are some very happy faces. But a birthday party isn’t quite the same as an apartment.”
“Oh, boy.” Stella gives me a grim look. “Is she trying to talk you into letting her buy you a condo again?”
“Yup,” I reply, humor light in my voice. Not that Stella is one to talk. She’s every bit the billionaire the rest of the Fritzes are and that’s just with her trust fund.
