I sighed because she was right that nothing had changed.And I couldn’t rob her of an opportunity she was fine taking.
“Hustle away.Just keep showing me the purses you get so I can live vicariously through your fashion acquisitions.”
“I promise always to prioritize your best interests.Now, how do you feel about foot massages?Love them or hate them?”
“Are you asking because you have a fetish, or does he?”
She grinned, and I rolled my eyes even as I answered.
“They’re nice after a long shift on my feet, but tell him tacos and a hot bath are better.”
“I see you’re going with the less touching route.Smart.”
She actually pulled out her phone and started texting.
“Tell him I like bath salts, dim lighting, and silence, too.”
“Imported bath salts?Natural fragrances only, right?”
“I’m guessing that’s what you like?”
She shot me another grin while typing.“I’m so glad Wrenly came home when she did.I got amazing friends out of the deal.”
“And jewelry, and clothes, and purses.”
“That’s what I meant.”
I laughed and started eating, grateful for her banter and the lighter mood.
We finished lunch, and as she walked me back to the office, she sent Konni a text with her notes.Less than a minute later, she received a bank deposit notification.
“Hmm.That must have been too generic.He only sent me a grand.”
My phone dinged, and I saw she’d sent me half of it.I wanted to tell her to keep it all, but I knew I couldn’t afford to.
“Thanks,” I said instead.“For splitting and for walking me back.”
“It was your information, and I wasn’t a fan of how your dad was talking to you.”
“Me neither.”
“Why does he want you to marry a rich old guy who kills wives?I know you’re estranged, but I didn’t think he hated you enough to want you dead.”
“He doesn’t hate me.Hate would still require emotion, which he doesn’t have for me or anyone else that I can tell.That’s probably why he doesn’t care about the marital history of Hestian Global’s CEO.All he cares about is getting the contract he needs with Hestian Global.If that means offering up his daughter, he will.He always does what’s best for him.No one else matters.”
“Damn.And he’s still married to the new wife?”
“Technically, she’s not new anymore.But, yeah, he’s with the same one.She has the old money and connections he needs.As long as that doesn’t change, he’ll stay.”
“Sounds like a real winner.Your mom is better off without him.”
“I’d like to think so, too, but the reality is that she was the president of her own company and had no debt back then.Since divorcing, she hasn’t held a job longer than eight months and is barely hanging on to her house.”
“I can see how it seems like she’d be better off with him, but she’s not.That kind of man will always eventually bring down the person he’s with.She got out while the getting was good, and things will turn around for her.You’ll make sure of it.You’re too stubborn for any other result.”
“It’s like you know me.”
“I do.Have a good afternoon, and call me if you need anything.”
