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I sit back, weighing how to respond. I could tell my father Ellery and I came to a truce. But that would mean admitting we had been at war, and that’s not what Ellery and I were, really. It was more complicated than that.
“War is a bit dramatic don’t you think?” I ask wryly.
“Oh come on,” he laughs. “It’s me, Papito. I know you better than anyone, and I know you had it out for that girl from the moment you two met.”
“I didn’t have it out for her.” I rest my elbow on the arm of the chair and bring my fist to my chin. I had it out for anyone that wanted to be near her. There was a difference.
“Yes,” he laughs, “you did. And I can understand where your hostility was coming from at the time. You lost your mom, then gained a new one and a stepsister in the span of what, two years? It was a lot to deal with at your age.”
A lump forms in my throat at the mention of my mom. Losing her still hurts. Always would. But I was never upset atEllery. I was upset I couldn’t have her.
“Look,” I swallow down the emotion that threatens. “I never had any issues with you marrying Saffron. She made you happy, and as far as stepmoms go, you scored.”
“Mm-hmm.” He rubs his chin and nods. “But?”
“But…” I shake my head. “Ellery and I were from two totally different worlds, and I didn’t expect to have a sibling at this point in my life.”
“The two of youarefrom different worlds,” he agrees. “But she’s always had a good head on her shoulders. In fact, I think you two have more in common than you think.”
I can’t help but smile, knowing well how much Ellery and I have in common. But I don’t say that. In fact, I don’t say a word.
He looks inside and watches for a moment as Saffron wipes the counters down. She’s smiling to herself and humming, and I can only imagine what he is feeling seeing the woman he adores so happy. I think I can imagine, considering how I feel when I see Ellery smile.
“So, tell me.” He turns back around. “How did you two come about this little cease fire?”
I laugh at the uncanny irony of his words, then drop my hand to the arm of the chair and take a deep breath. Knowing he’s not going to give up until I tell him something, I decide to give him a bit of truth.
“The guys and I had a party one of our first nights in town, and she came with a friend, and we talked.”
“You talked,” he repeats and I nod.
“Since then, we’ve run into one another here and there and I don’t know, I guess we’re older and more mature now.”
He sits back, studying me the way he does his students when they’re discussing a point, and when I don’t say anything further, he reaches over and taps my knee.
“Well, I’m glad to hear because with her mom and I inElmhurst this summer, and all that nonsense with her dad’s case being reopened, I know Saff feels better knowing you’re here if Ellery needs anything.”
“Her father’s case?” I sit up, almost forgetting about it altogether. “Is it serious?”
My father draws in a deep breath, then lets it out slowly. “It could be.”
“Well how serious? I mean, he’s gone. What good is a bad reputation when you’re dead?”
“It matters more than you think.”
“To whom? Not that ridiculous group back in Elmhurst,” I scoff. “Who cares what they think?”
“Society is one thing,” he rubs his chin. “But to those who put their trust in you, it can mean another altogether.”
I shake my head, not understanding. “You’re talking in riddles, professor.”
He sits forward and brings the tips of his fingers together. “Ellery’s father was a US Senator and in those circles, a person’s legacy can drive policies and legislation for years. However, if that legacy becomes tainted, reputational damage can become more of a liability than you might think.”
“Politics?” I ask in disbelief. “The case around Ellery’s father being reopened is about politics?”
He pats my knee and sits back, neither confirming nor denying.
As my father grows quiet while looking out into the night, I can’t help but think about the kids at Elmhurst whose parents were close to Ellery’s. The DA, Mayor, publisher of the paper…shit, even the Chief of Staff at the hospital. The Butler’s inner circle was a who’s who of their society. Certainly, they could help ensure the legacy of one of their most beloved friends remained clean.
