Page 113 of The Sounds of Her

“They didn’t ask for my help,” I fire back.

“What help do you think you could have provided had they asked?”

Archer’s words fill my head.

“They aren’t going to be left with nothing, or homeless. There are plenty of other ways they can deal with what dad did. They won’t have the life mom is accustomed to, but millions of people get by every day without an obscene level of wealth. My mother can’t stand the thought of not having money, and her reputation being sullied. If she sold half of the handbags she has in her collection, a normal family could live of that money for a year,” I add with a scoff.

“Eloise would never stand for that.”

“That is not my problem. I wouldn’t see them on the streets, so of course I would help them, had they asked.” The rest of that unspoken sentence sits between us. Now I won’t.

“Roman can offer you a good life once he has his inheritance.”

“I don’t want or need his money. I have more respect for myself. And it might surprise you to hear this, but so does Roman.”

“You’ve discussed this with my son?”

“Of course I have. We’re the two people whose lives are going to be ruined with this deal. Neither one of us wants it. I underestimated Roman. I think you might be doing the same.”

“All due respect, Brooke, you know nothing about my relationship with my son.”

“And I don’t want to. He’s your only child,” I wait for him to speak but he stares at me in silence. “I have no intention of marrying your son. You can help my parents or not. I don’t care. If you push this you’ll lose your son, like my parents have already lost me.”

“Roman will marry anyone I tell him to and still be the person he is now.”

“Are you really sure about that?”

I follow where his attention goes as he looks away. A photograph of his wife and Roman when he was around fifteen sits on his desk.

“Perhaps there is some misguided fatherly hope involved,” he says sadly. “Forgive me for saying it and don’t take any offence, but you’re a smart, beautiful, and very talented woman, Brooke. I’d hoped some of your influence may rub off on my son.”

I hold back an eye roll at that. “Like I said, you’re underestimating him and believe me, I’m the last person who ever thought they would defend Roman Campbell. You’ve known my father for a long time,” I change topics, he’s thinking about his son now. I want this back on track. “With the marriage off the table, will you still bail him out?”

“Now, that is a question to consider, isn’t it?”

In other words, he won’t tell me. It’s not like I didn’t try. It’s more than they deserve.

“My understanding of the situation was naïve. Had I known your circumstances, things might have been different.”

“When you’re negotiating, it’s best to have all parties involved at the table.”

“Noted.”

He will not say anything about my parents being idiots. It’s implied enough in the things he’s said in the last few minutes. If he is going to help them out without this deal, I can’t know, but I’ve said all I need to say.

“It’s difficult for me to say but I’m not a fool, Brooke. As parents we want what is best for our children.” He pauses when I scoff but goes on. “My son still has a lot to learn whereas you needed no assistance to become the person you are today.”

“I never have,” I raise my chin.

“It has been interesting meeting with you today, Brooke. My mistake was not doing so sooner. Have a pleasant evening.”

He isn’t being rude, I’ve given him a lot to think about. And I hope it’s his son on his mind, not my parents. For a second, I think about saying so, but it’s not my place. This is another win in my favour.

Dad’s assistant let me know my parents won’t be back for another week. They’re the only people I have left to deal with. And they’re spending money they don’t have at an expensive resort in Vermont.

While still expecting me to bail them out.

You can’t make this shit up.

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