Page 92 of Colton
In a blink, jokester Colt disappears and businessman Colton takes his place. “And after the five years, will it be self-sustaining? I don’t want to saddle them with something that will drain them financially.”
Two-hundred-and-seventy-five million. The size of that number staggers me, but Colt and Jonas are talking about it as if it’s no big deal. My parents look dazed, eyes darting back and forth between both men.
Jonas nibbles on Mia’s back, making her shriek, then pushes his glasses up his nose. “Completely. Some units will remain rented at market rates, and others will be used as transitional housing and will incur below-market rents. However, over the five years, they will save those funds to create their own building reserve to handle repairs and maintenance. The rents should keep them running for decades.”
Colt frowns, planting his hands on his hips. “Ok man. But maybe, let’s send them some extra just in case.”
Jonas nods, opening the door. “I already donated another fifty million in my name.”
“Thanks, brother,” Colt says, sincerity ringing in his tone. Jonas says nothing, simply walking out with my laughing little girl. She is so absolutely secure with him. It’s fascinating to watch how he soaks up her touch, how warm he is with her. The more time I spend around him, I realize that behind his reserved facade is this passionate man, completely devoted to those he loves. The rest of the world, though? Apparently, they can fuck right off.
“What was that?” I ask Colt.
He shrugs, smiling. “I thought a lot about that lady and her daughter from that night in the ER. I didn’t like the idea that there wouldn’t be a place for them in a shelter.”
“So you…what?” I prompt.
“I’m buying a block of apartments a developer is selling. About a quarter of them are empty. I’ll lease the whole block to an agency that supports women in crisis, and then I’ll donate the whole thing to them in five years.”
“Dollar lease?” Ransom asks.
“Yep. I don’t want to turn it over to them if it’s not working out.”
“Right, better to hang onto it, and keep funding it ourselves.” He says it like it’s a completely obvious conclusion.
“Exactly.”
I shake my head, amazed again at the generosity of these men. I know Colt had been bothered by the situation that the woman found herself in. Very bothered. Holly told me he’s been talking with her about her experiences, but I didn’t realize he’d gone this far.
“You’re really good men,” I whisper. They smile at me. We stand there, grinning, until my brother’s voice breaks the silence.
“So, if I’m understanding it correctly, your boyfriend there is also rich. And mom just completely insulted him by calling him a drug user.” He can’t contain his glee. It surprises me. Chris seemed to like his role as the golden child, always happy to have our parent’s favor.
“Yep,” Colt says, popping the ‘p’ and giving Chris a shit-eating grin.
“Oh my god,” Chris mutters, moving to the windows, shoulders shaking.
My parents are frozen on the sofa, blinking owlishly.
Ransom breaks the silence. “Evie, it’s a miracle a woman as wonderful as you came from…this,” he says, waving his hand at the couch.
“How dare you,” my father sputters. “You have no idea what kind of people we are. Clearly, your money couldn’t buy you any class.”
“Is that what you call it? Class? Interesting. So it’s class that makes you body shame your daughter? It’s class that makes you reject the most incredible little girl in the world. It’s class that makes you turn away from your daughter when she needs you?” Ransom’s eyes are glacial. “If that’s class, then thank fuck we skipped it. But don’t worry about it. We’ve got it from here. Evie and Mia will never need a thing from you.”
He walks over to me, cupping my cheek and placing a soft kiss on my temple. “Finish them,” he murmurs to Colt, then heads out for his playdate with Mia.
Colt’s grinning like a loon. “So,” he says, rubbing his hands together as he studies my family. “How do you want to play this, Evie? Is there anything else you want to say?”
I should say no and let them walk out of here. Not offer any explanations, not give them any more chances. But I don’t want them to leave here thinking they were in the right.
“I told you this before, but I want to be really clear,” I say. My brother turns, giving me his full attention.
“I didn’t steal from the hospital. I helped a friend escape from her abusive husband. He and his cop friends set me up.”
Colt frowns, but moves to take my hand. I’m sure he doesn’t think my parents deserve any explanations.
Mother waves her hands in exasperation. “This again, really? And where are this woman and her husband now? I thought we had taught you better than this. Honesty really is the best policy.” Her honesty is a mask for her cruelty. She doesn’t care about the truth.
