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“She is beautiful.”
“No, she is not. You’re beautiful.” She points at the screen. “She has makeup and a good surgeon.”
I snort. “I’ve been told I’m pretty and plain. Nice even. But certainly not beautiful.” I point at the screen when the camera lands on her face again. “That woman is beautiful, and she looks great on his arm. I could never pull that dress off. I’m too short.”
“If you ever wear something like that.”
“I have no place to go that would require me to wear anything like that.” I wave down at my diner’s uniform. “This is what I need to wear. I serve coffee, milkshakes, and greasy burgers. Besides, I prefer a hot dog from a hot dog stand down on a street corner than to sit in a stuffy restaurant and eat an overpriced meal that tastes like crap.”
Camila giggles. “You have a point.”
“I’d rather be sitting here eating a cupcake with you and LJ than be caught eating at some uptight place where everyone judges you.”
“Are you ever going to go out on a Saturday? It’s tomorrow, you know.”
“I have no one to go with, and I have no idea where to go.”
“A movie with a friend sounds nice. I can watch LJ for a few hours.”
I watch LJ stuff his mouth with a cupcake full of chocolate, playing with his cars. “I’ll think about it.”
36
KALUM
“Quick question.” Janine strides into my office.
“What is it?”
“I know I’m being nosy, but I was looking over your credit card statements.”
Janine is my personal secretary but also my personal assistant. She handles all my personal bills, which makes my life a lot smoother.
“And? What’s wrong?”
“Who’s paying for the utilities and groceries in the Southampton house?”
I frown. “What do you mean? I am.”
Janine shakes her head. “No, you’re not. The bills are being paid, but nothing has been charged to your card.”
I straighten in my chair. “Since when?”
“Since you bought the place. Nothing has been charged. No food, light, gas, or water.”
I snatch my cell phone and call Mr. Schwartz, Aura’s lawyer, and place it on speaker.
“Hello?”
“Mr. Schwartz, this is Kalum St. Claire.”
“What can I do for you, sir? If this is about Aura and her staying with you,” he rushes out. “I spoke to my wife, and we will gladly have her and LJ stay with us. It is no trouble. You have done enough, Mr. St. Claire.”
“What? No,” I say confused. “What are you talking about? That’s not why I’m calling. Why would you suggest that?”
He sighs. “Then what can I do for you?”
“I’m calling to ask why the utilities and food are being paid. I made it clear that I would cover Aura and LJ’s expenses.”
