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“If you need a refill, let me know.” I smile and get to work, hoping the day goes by quickly so I can snuggle with my boyfriend and steal a few kisses.
I never thought taking a job as a barista would be so life-changing. When Tristan walked into the coffee shop, I thought he was a handsome charmer who meant trouble. Turns out I was wrong. I’ve never been so happy to have a theory proven incorrect in my life.
When it’s time for lunch, I sit beside Tristan and eat my sandwich. He wanted to bring me real food, but I refused.
“I’m going to meet with Toby next week to talk about this lump-sum donation.” Toby is an accountant, so he’ll be able to help Tristan navigate how to deal with that amount of money.
“Good idea.”
“I love you so much.”
“Love you, too.” I smile and rest my head on his shoulder.
Tristan
I leave the coffee shop after Sage finishes lunch and make a visit. I knock on the heavy wooden door I swore I’d never knock on again, but I need answers.
I lean back in surprise when my mom opens the door instead of the housekeeper.
“Tristan . . .” She eyes me suspiciously.
“I’d like to talk.” I haven’t seen or spoken to them since I stormed off last month.
Considering I’ve been living away from Hartville for years, it’s a short amount of time, but the way I left their house, denying the family name, was unlike any other time.
“Of course.” She nods and steps to the side so I can enter.
She calls for my father as we walk into the living room.
“What can we do for you?” She sits on the sofa and crosses her leg while staring at me impassively.
My dad walks in at the same time, his eyebrows shooting up. He remains standing, like me, with his hands in his pockets.
“Why’d you make the donation?” I look between them.
“What donation?” My mom tilts her head, acting as if she has no idea what I’m talking about.
My father, on the other hand, is turning red. I narrow my eyes at him.
“Dad?”
“It’s your money. If you want it to build a non-profit, then you should be able to do that.”
“It wasn’t just to build my organization. I mean, yes, most of it was going to be for that, but I did want some for my personal life so I could stop sleeping in Hudson’s spare bedroom and buy a house. Why couldn’t you talk to me instead of sending an anonymous transfer? Two million dollars. I can’t even process that properly through my website.” I throw my hands in the air, pacing.
I don’t understand why they can’t put their pride aside and talk to me like normal people. I guess it’s too much to ask for them to be normal.
“You’ll have to go to the bank with me to sign off the amount. They need valid proof,” I tell him.
“What is he talking about?” My mom turns around and faces my dad. “What money, Alexander?”
I turn my head and look between them before my eyes land on my father.
“She doesn’t know?”
“Know what?” My mom jumps to her feet, her voice rising.
“That money is his, Nicole. We set those funds up for Tristan and Hudson when they were babies. He’s proven to have matured. I’m tired of having my family split up. Clearly, manipulating like you love to do isn’t the answer. Look where that got us! Do you want to hear about both of your sons’ weddings through town gossip? Hear that you have grandchildren because you ran into them on the street, and they’re pushing strollers?” His voice gets more agitated with each question he throws at her.
