Page 41 of Lessons in Love

“An investor pulled out and took twenty million with them. They have 72 hours to find a new one otherwise they’ll have all these client projects they can’t finish. And then they’ll get sued to the high heavens.”

“Don’t they have insurance for when stuff like this happens?”

“Unnecessary business expense, as my dad described it,” I laugh, but there’s no joy in the sound. “And he told me it’s my fault.” Suddenly my cup of tea is the most interesting thing in the room.

“How could it possibly be your fault?” Eden’s tone startles me. I look up from my cup and meet her eyes. They glow in anger, and her knuckles are white as they clutch her mug. “That’s not fair!”

“My mum and dad never got legally married. Better for tax, my dad used to say. It’s always about the business with him. She put all this money aside for our education, and when she died Dad did everything he possibly could to access it.” I sigh, the crease in between my eyebrows deepening. “It’s my fault that I have all this money that went towards university instead of the business. They could have used that money for insurance.”

“Why isn’t he mad at your brother then?”

Eden’s question makes me chuckle. “Why do you think? The second he turned eighteen Jason took the money and gave it straight to Dad. I’m the selfish one because I actually wanted to use it the way Mum intended.” I feel exhausted, weary, after telling Eden all this. It’s an uncomfortable experience to bare your soul like this. “I cancelled our study date today because I knew there was trouble coming. I’m sorry. I should have explained.”

“Explained what? That your dad sucks? It’s a bit hard to do it over text,” Eden snorts into her cup of tea.

“Well, I’m glad you find this amusing,” I smile, this time without the heaviness that accompanies it. Something about her no-nonsense nature makes me feel more…seen? Standing in that kitchenette with her, leaning against the counter, it’s exactly where I’m supposed to be. She puts her mug down and crosses her arms.

“What are you doing for the break?”

“Jeez, change of subject much?”

She smiles as she shakes her head. “You can’t possibly spend a week holed up with them. It’s their problem, not yours.” I’d never thought about it like that.

“Studying, reading,” I shrug. “More homework?”

“Wrong.”

“Wrong?”

The smirk she gives me sends a shiver down my spine. But not in a bad way. It’s one of anticipation.

“You’re coming home with me.”

* * *

And that’s how I end up in the driver’s seat of my car, Eden on my left, arguing about the best road trip songs and snacks. It’s weird sometimes. When you feel like you’ve known someone your whole life.

“You’re a stupid bitch.”

Oh yeah. What I would do to know her my whole life.

“What do you mean I’m a stupid bitch?” I laugh and glance at her, and she’s sitting there with her arms crossed, pouting. Pouting.

“You don’t like my music.”

“I do like your music. But two hours of the same four albums? I swear I know every word now!”

“Good,” she smirks. “You’ll be ready for the concert that I’m buying us tickets to.”

I should be nervous. I really should be. Meeting Eden’s entire family is no small thing. But being in this car with her? Well, that’s easy. Easier than breathing.

“So,” I sigh, attempting to change the subject. Trying to gather any information that may be of use to me. “What should I know about your family?”

“They’ll be easier to get along with than yours,” she retorts.

“Hey, come on. You’ve got to give me something.”

Eden rolls her eyes, and smiles. “Fine. Mum and Dad will be obsessed with you.”