“Absolutely. We’re big supporters of literacy programs. I love the idea of the kids getting to choose their own books.”
Dad meets the gaze of a server clearing away our dishes and thanks him, picking up plates to pass to him.
“We can cut out the middleman and run it ourselves, though,” he says, the wheels inside his head in motion as always. “If we buy the books at cost and hire our own people, we can make the money go a lot further.”
“Oh!” Mom’s face lights up. “What about a mobile book fair? We get a huge bus and have it remodeled and it goes from schoolto school. The kids could each get vouchers so they could learn about money management and budgeting.”
Hannah turns to me, dropping her jaw as she squeezes my hand under the table. I can tell she’s about to burst with happiness.
I grin at her. “I went to book fairs for the cool posters and erasers.”
She rolls her eyes at me with affection and turns back to my mom, saying, “That’s an incredible idea. If there’s anything I can do to help, just say so.”
“Let’s get together for lunch with Aldous’s assistant, Trinity, and get the ball rolling,” Mom says.
Dad beams at Mom. “She’s more than just a beautiful face. I’ve never made big decisions of any kind without getting Kate’s opinion.”
My parents have always made it known that they’re deeply in love, and they’re partners in every way. They both came from wealthy families, but service and generosity were emphasized. My dad’s father was the Illinois governor for eight years, and his uncle served a term as a US senator.
I’ve always wanted what my parents have. That’s why I didn’t plan to settle down in a committed relationship until I was in my thirties, so I could just have fun for a while. But then I met Hannah, and my definition of fun has completely changed in the past ten months.
“So what’s new with work, Dad?” I ask.
“Oh, just the usual.”
If not for Hannah, I know he’d list off what kinds of companies he’s been acquiring and investing in, and I appreciate that he’s not getting too specific. I don’t want Hannah to feel overwhelmed by the realities of having almost unlimited money.
“I’m actually part of something I’m really excited about,” Dad says, looking over at the dessert cart our server is approachingwith. “Innovative scientific research. I got to visit the labs a few days ago, and I was stunned by what’s being accomplished.”
“Oh, I love science,” Hannah says. “What kind of research is it?”
“I wish I could talk about it, but I’m bound by some legal stuff.” Dad eyes the desserts. “Is that lemon berry cheesecake?”
“Yes, sir.” The server passes him a plate, and Dad passes it to Mom, grinning. “It’s her favorite.”
I study the many desserts on the two-tiered cart, then glance at Hannah. “The chocolate brownie-looking thing, right?”
Her cheeks flush a pretty pale-pink shade and she smiles. “That’s right.”
“Two of those, please,” I tell the server.
“Make that three,” Dad says.
We’re all focused on our desserts for a minute, and then Dad says, “I hope I can share more details about this project with you guys soon. It’s groundbreaking stuff that we hope will help people around the world.”
“Yeah, I’d love to hear more,” I say.
It’s not really true. My intelligence is above average, but my dad is a literal genius who comprehends math and science in ways most people can’t even imagine. My mom always helped me with homework growing up because Dad’s mind works so fast and in such intricate ways that he had trouble explaining things in ways I understood. But I always show interest in what my parents are doing, just like they pretend accounting is interesting when I talk about it.
“Hannah, if there’s any way you could join us in Aspen for Thanksgiving, we’d be so thrilled,” Mom says. “Invite any family or friends you like. We always have a big get-together and there’s something for everyone. Some people ski every day, and some people don’t ski at all.”
“Oh.”
Hannah looks at me, and my breath stills in my throat. My mom might have overstepped. My girlfriend has been hit with a lot of new information about me lately, and a holiday at our ten-bedroom Aspen lodge isn’t exactly a soft introduction to my extended family.
“If Pax is okay with it,” Hannah says slowly.
I scoff. “Are you kidding? Nothing would make me happier.”
