“Of course. Drake tells me you’re doing so well. Your research, your new relationship...” She pauses delicately. “I can’t wait to meet her properly when we visit.”
Fuck. So, Drake’s already told them.
“Listen, about that?—”
“It’s going to be wonderful. All of us at Mountain Springs.Sucha cute little town. For the donor dinner, darling. The trustees are so looking forward to seeing you. And of course, they’ll want to meet your girlfriend. Drake says she sounds like a great woman.”
I grip my desk, papers crinkling under my fingers. “Mother?—”
“You know how things are, darling. The Whitehalls were just saying at the club howconcerningit is to see a future foundation trustee still... unattached. And the Blackwoods - you remember their donation last year?Theyspecifically asked about your... situation.” Her voice turns sharp. “Do you have any idea what it does to our reputation? The whispers at the club, the concerned questions about why my son can’t seem to maintain a proper relationship? Drake managed it. The Whitehalls’ son managed it. Even your grandfather understood the importance of appearances.” She pauses deliberately. “Speaking of your grandfather’s legacy - the foundation’s grants are up for renewal. Including the one funding your little project.”
My stomach drops. “What do you mean?”
“Professor Hammond’s research grant,” she says it casually, like she hasn’t been orchestrating this all along. “Quite substantial, isn’t it? Would be a shame if budget constraints forced us to be more... selective.”
“You’ve been watching me.” The realization hits like ice water. “All this time, you’ve been?—”
“Of course, I have, darling. A mother needs to look after her children’s interests.” Her smile doesn’t reach her eyes. “The research has potential, I’ll give you that. Butpotential only opens so many doors without the right support.”
I grit my teeth. “The work stands on its own merit.”
“Merit?” She laughs softly. “Your grandfather understood better than anyone - merit means nothing without proper backing. Why do you think he left the foundation in my care?” Her voice hardens. “Someone has to maintain certain standards. Someone has to ensure the Spencer name continues to open the right doors.”
My jaw clenches. “Are you threatening to pull funding?”
“Threatening? Never. I’m simply reminding you how many worthy projects depend on the foundation’s support. Professor Hammond’s summer research program, for instance. All those brilliant young minds who might never get their chance without proper backing. We support at least fifteen science projects around your grandfather’s interests.”
Bile rises in my throat. She knows exactly where to press - not my ambitions, but my need to protect others’ opportunities. Grandpa’s legacy twisted into another weapon. I imagine all those people working on those projects that they probably worked their whole lives to specialize enough to work on.
“Anyway, I can’t wait to meet yourgirlfriend,” Mother continues. “I’m sure with proper guidance, she could learn to fit in.”
Of course, she’s already assuming whoever I’ve picked won’t live up to her standards.
I think about calling her bluff. About telling her there is no relationship, that I won’t play her games anymore. But I see Professor Hammond’s face, imagine having totell those students their funding’s been cut. Because of me. Because I couldn’t maintain the precious Spencer image for one more year.
“Yeah, fine. It’ll be great,” I say finally, the words tasting like ash. “See you then.”
“Wonderful. We’ll be up next weekend then.” The warmth returns to her voice. “I really am proud of you, darling. You’re finally starting to understand how things work.”
The line goes dead, leaving me alone with the knowledge that I understand exactly how things work in my family. And I hate myself for still playing along. But it’s not like a have a choice.
9
TARA
Alfie and I are taking a break from painting a second coat over the graffiti, sitting on the grass with drinks from CC’s. We’ve already clocked in 12 hours of our community service and I’m stoked. The weekend passed easily, and I’m settling into working at Luzia.
Becky has turned out to be a great co-worker and we’re usually on the same shifts, and James is always offering to help me out if I’m stuck with anything.
I found myself looking forward to Tuesday, to seeing Alfie again. I’m rambling about fossils again, but he doesn’t seem to mind. He’s sketching something in a small notebook, though he closes it quickly when I try to peek.
I sigh and my stomach rumbles. I should have got a muffin from CC’s. They lookedso good.
“You know what’s funny?” I say, picking at the grass. “Everyone assumes because I’m good at environmental science, I should want to be a researcher or go into academia.”
He looks up, catching something in my tone. “But you don’t?”
“I mean, I love the science. But...” I trail off, suddenly self-conscious. “It’s stupid.”
