Chapter 0140

At eleven, I walk through the door to the garages, a sigh on my lips. I see Jerome immediately, waiting by one of the black cars.He gives me a big smile, which I return unenthusiastically. It’s not him — I just...really don’t want to go to lunch at my father’shouse.

Jerome gives me an understanding little grimace as he opens the back door for me and I climb in.“You doing all right?” he calls over his shoulder as opens the driver’s door and sits down in the front seat, genuinely curious.

“Just ready for this to be over,” I say back to him, leaning my head back and closing my eyes. Jerome makes a little grunt ofunderstanding and begins to pull out of the garage and down the driveway.

When we're on the road, I pull out my burner phone to send some long-delayed texts. I feel safe using it in my room, but notreally anywhere else in the house. Not that my room is really safe anyway — Kent is very likely to have it checked daily, after thenote from Fiona.

Still, better safe than sorry.

I'm pleased when I see that a text from Ivan is waiting.

Ivan: Good morning, beautiful. I hope you slept well. Any chance I get to see you tonight?

I sigh, really wanting to say yes, but knowing it’s impossible.

Fay: Sorry, already have plans. Send me a pic so I know how desperately sad this news makes you.

I laugh, a few seconds later, when Ivan sends me a picture of him with an exaggerated frown, tracing a finger down his cheeklike a tear. Jerome looks curiously at me in the rearview mirror so I do my best to wipe my face clean, not wanting him to knowwhat I’m up to. Then, I reply to Ivan.

Fay: You're pretty even when you’re sad. Check in with me later.

Then, I’m pleased to see a text from Janeen pop onto the screen. I’m eager to see it — she never texts first unless she has agood reason for it.

Janeen: Lawyer came by this morning — gave us the deed to the house! Dad was so thrilled he cried. Wish you were here to seeit. Lawyer also gave us a list of potential beach properties — insane!

Apicture of a gigantic white and blue beach house pops up next, along with her assessment.Janeen: This one is my fav, though I’m really looking for one with a hot tub.

I stifle my laugh by biting my lip, but I can’t help the smile that bursts out on my face. A bad lunch with my dad is definitely worthit, if I can make my sister and my dad this happy. Quickly, I type a reply.

Fay: Pick whichever one you want. But the biggest bedroom is for me. Don’t forget who got you that beach house.

Janeen’s reply is prompt.Janeen: Or how you got it! Proud of you sis. Make that $$$.

She ends the text with the emojis of acat with heart eyes, a pee ciclo kRatt in combination, makerho bles .I tuck my phone away,newly bolstered for the afternoonahead of me. Please read the originalcontent at .

We pull up to my father’s house notlong after and I see my stepmotherTristin waiting by the daar, herathigcragsert itile Romhblus stands nextto her, waving enthusiastically. Ismile at him, grateful that at leastsomeone is happy to see me. Pleaseread the original content at.

When I step out of the car, Romulusdashes to me, wra jag dis ar

ynd mivdeglh'gréeting, Pleaseread the original content at.

“Hey kid!” I say, laughing and ruffling his hair.

“Hi, sister!” he exclaims, grinning up at me. “I missed you! Why did you stay away?”

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