Page 227 of Unhinged

“I don’t have specifics since she couldn’t decide the amount.”

“That’s unexpected and a little scary.”

“Gloria exalted you.”

“No way. She didn’t touch me.” When Amos frowns, I add, “Until last year, she thought I was a custodian.”

Amos laughs, and his frown is less scary. “Not so. Like me, she saw a rising star spinning his wheels. Gloria wanted more for you.”

“Please say she didn’t want to date me.”

Amos scowls but then laughs. “No. You were too old for her.”

“Holy hell, I was the youngest at the firm when I started there.”

Amos nods, biting the inside of his cheek. I guess he knew Gloria trolled high school graduations. “But there’s a catch to the inheritance.”

“Figures.” I roll my eyes and temper any hope I had for good news. “Don’t say I have to be married, or I’ll burn this city to the ground.”

“To receive the full amount she’s bequeathing, you must complete law school and pass the bar.”

I laugh. “Are you fucking kidding me? I’ll do all of that, and my reward will be twenty bucks and her damn car.”

“I would not advise you of this if that were the case. And don’t forget that the firm would pay for your schooling. It’s something to consider.” Amos then leans against the counter behind him and purses his lips like he’s thinking of kissing a woman. “I had a conference call with Brandon and Val this afternoon. Gloria had spoken to them previously about her wishes.”

“Like a magic carpet ride? And I mean that as it sounds.”

Amos sighs, trying to ignore that scenario. “Per Gloria’s wishes, Brandon and Val offered me her stake, and I accepted.”

“I assume not the red meat kind.”

“No. I would be a full-fledged partner, even adding my name to the business.”

“Well, son of a bitch. Congratulations.”

“Thank you. There are still legal hurdles to clear, so it’ll take some time.”

I shake my head. “Hold up. That means—”

“I’m returning to Richmond. I will remain an investor in the bar. I’ll hire someone to handle my duties, and I will still travel here, but I’m uncertain of how often.”

“When do you leave?”

He raises a balding eyebrow. “I have a timeframe in mind, but it depends.”

“On?”

“If I can leave you here alone. Extenuating circumstances may make me stay longer.”

Rolling my eyes, I snatch my coat from the counter. “Get bent. I’m fanfuckingtastic. Be on your merry way.” I laugh, but it’s bitter. Soon, I’ll be an old hermit living in the mountains, raising goats and parakeets.

“Did this breakup pertain to her pregnancy?”

I go for a lie but frown as I mutter, “I told you I didn’t knock her up.”

Amos licks his lip, and I ignore his judgment and his disbelief. “You didn’t want it?”

“Bite one, Amos.”

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