Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 87538 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 438(@200wpm)___ 350(@250wpm)___ 292(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87538 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 438(@200wpm)___ 350(@250wpm)___ 292(@300wpm)
“What you already paid for tuition,” she corrects me. “Yes. Can you believe it?”
Frankly, no, I can’t believe it. “Where did this scholarship come from? Who’s funding it?”
“The university, I guess,” she says. “They said it was a brand-new scholarship and a letter would follow giving all the details. This is good, Eira. It means you can do something else with all that money.”
It sounds way too good to be true. “Let’s wait until the money’s in your account, shall we?”
“What are you so suspicious of?” she asks.
“I don’t know, this kind of thing doesn’t happen to us, does it? If you had your inheritance and our uncle hadn’t stolen it, you wouldn’t need a scholarship.”
“You’re right, but we have to roll with the punches, not look a gift horse in the mouth. Look on the bright side!”
I laugh at her list of corny phrases. “Are you trying to do an impression of me?”
“Kinda. You’re always good at seeing the positive, so it’s weird that it’s me trying to make you see that this is a good thing.”
I’m not sure I always see the positive side of things. I’ve just tried to put a positive spin on things for the sake of Eddie and Dylan. If I fall apart, who would they rely on? I have to be the one to buoy their spirits, otherwise we’d all drown.
Deep down, I’ve always been able to see the truth of our situation. Partly because I’m older, but also because I’ve never had the option to ignore reality. If I dig for the truth, demand it and refuse to look away, I can fix whatever’s wrong. Being in denial doesn’t serve a purpose. All the same, I try not to consider what that means for me and Dax.
“It’s a wonderful thing,” I say, trying to fit the pieces together in my brain. I can’t see a downside unless Eddie is lying to me about how she got the money. If she’s really won a scholarship, worst-case scenario, it doesn’t pay out and we’re back where we started. “Really wonderful. Congratulations.”
“Thanks.” I can hear her smile through the telephone. “Before long I’ll be completely financially independent from you and you can keep that hard-earned money for yourself. Maybe even get yourself a flat or something. You won’t have to live in where you work.”
Eddie and Dylan understand we are a team. Each of us knows what role we play to make the little machine of our family hum along. I’m older and able to earn money, so that’s what I do. Dylan is working and will climb the corporate ladder. He won’t have to rely on me financially forever. Eddie focuses on her studies. Each of us relies on the others to do their part.
“Living in isn’t the worst thing in the world.”
“You always say that, but I can’t imagine you don’t want your own place. You’ve always been so independent.”
Having my own flat in London is a faraway dream I only allow myself to think about every now and then. Making it a reality will require years working with some really wealthy families, and I’m not prepared to work outside the UK when Eddie and Dylan might need me. They’ve had enough disruption in their lives. We all need stability.
All good reasons not to kiss the boss.
“So how’s it going with your single dad?”
“He’s not my single dad.” I can’t help bristling at her words, even though I’m sure her comment was innocent enough.
“The guy you work for. Is he…hot? I need you to be working for a hot, single guy who’s going to realize how beautiful, caring and wonderful you are.”
My insides clench at the memory of all the things Dax said he liked about me last night.
“Okay,” I say. “I’m going to leave you to go back to your romance novels and change the ending so it reflects real life—the girl loses her job and is blacklisted from every nanny agency on the planet. She turns to prostitution to make ends meet, then dies alone in an alley before rats eat her toes.”
Eddie tuts. “Don’t you know? Romance novels always have a happy ending.”
I roll my eyes. “Exactly! Not like real life.”
“Good things can happen, Eira,” she says softly. “Look at my scholarship. This is a turning point for us. You never know—the solicitors might find a way to get that money back from our uncle.”
“Oh you’ve moved on to fantasy now, have you? Bored with romance?”
She laughs. “I’m hanging up so you can spend more time with your single dad. Don’t forget to wax. I love you.”
“Love you more.”
Maybe Eddie is right. Perhaps the clouds are parting and we’re in for a period of sunshine. Her scholarship buys me some breathing room. If I do get fired for kissing my boss, I won’t be destitute—at least not right away.