Page 75 of Power
“First.” She looks over her shoulder and leans forward. “Have you had sex with anyone I would know?”
I snort with a chuckle. I lean forward to mimic her posture. “I’ve signed NDAs, but let’s just say...” I smirk and cock a brow.
“Ohhh, if only you could tell me. But, I understand you can’t. Second question. How good is the money?”
I laugh a little too loud. “Even though I didn’t finish school, I’m smart with my money and have invested a lot of it in property. Last year, my tax returns said I earned around three hundred.”
“Thousand?” May shouts a little too loud.
“That’s what my tax returns said.”
“Girl!” she shrieks. “Holy shit, you got it going on.”
“Remember I also have property.”
“And you said that’s what your tax returns said, which means it’s probably significantly higher than that. I’m incredibly impressed by you, Reece. You’ve taken a situation where life could’ve chewed you up and spit you out, and you’ve made it work for you. Well done.”
“Even with what I do?”
“Your job doesn’t define the person you are. Your heart does, and it’s in the right place. Don’t ever let anyone try to slut-shame you. You’re bringing Emily up and doing it with class and pride.”
“Mom!” Emily yells from behind me.
I straighten in my seat and pleadingly look to May not to breathe a word to Emily. “I’m a vault.” She smiles, and for some reason, I really do believe that. I’ve never had an older person take an interest in me the way she has. It’s refreshing and heartwarming.
“Hope didn’t split her pants,” Emily happily says. Her cheeks are pink and she’s sweating from her time in the castle.
“That’s always a plus,” I reply as I turn to see Hope strutting over. “Did you have fun?”
“Did I ever? I love the bouncy castle; it’s one of my favorite things to do.” She turns to Emily and holds her hand out for a high five. “Thanks, kid. Want ice cream?”
Emily immediately turns to me. “Can I?”
“Sure thing.”
“Yay!”
Hope and Emily walk away leaving May and me alone again. “I just wanted to say thank you, May.”
“Hi, Gran,” someone else says as they walk past.
“Does everyone in the town know you?”
“Absolutely every single person. You could say I’m the town matriarch,” she admits proudly. “They all gush over me, and would do anything for me. I pretend it irritates me, but I secretly love it.” She instantly lifts her hand and points her skinny finger at me. “That’s my secret and you’re never allowed to tell anyone.”
“I’m a vault,” I say, repeating her words.
“That I believe,” she replies with sass.
“Mom, Hope bought me a strawberry and lemon swirl ice cream. Want some?” Emily holds it toward me. “It’s so good.”
“Yep, it’s my favorite,” Hope adds as she licks hers. “Honestly, I’m so lucky I live here. It’s the best small town ever. The festivals are nearly always about food, and I love food.”
“Because she can’t cook,” May teases.
“I don’t need to cook, River does that. I just need to be fantastic with my building and design skills.”
“I’ve seen some of the episodes of Restoring Hope, you’re fantastic,” Emily says.
