Page 38 of Tied Up in Riches

“Sounds like she’s a hard worker.”

“That’s her argument. But at what cost? She never went above and beyond for me. Didn’t come to a single Girl Scout event, or ever volunteered in my class. The only time she chose me over work was prom night. And it was only because I finally picked a ‘right guy.’”

“What qualifies as ‘right?'’’

“Rich.”

“That’s her only criteria?”

“Basically. She thinks if I marry someone rich, she’ll be set for life because they will take care of her too. That’s why she always sucks up to the club members. I only ended up with Beau at first because my mom was halfway up Martha’s ass.”

“Beau is the lawyer.” He confirms rather than asks.

I nod.

“Why didn’t it work out?”

Hesitating, I contemplate how much to tell him as I pick at my fingernail.

“It’s fine. You don’t have to tell me. I’d just like to be prepared for whatever happens this week.”

Oh yeah. Of course. This is just a business deal to him. He doesn’t actually want to know. I take a breath and release the bare minimum information. “Long story short? He’s an asshole. Imagine your stereotypical lawyer, and you’ve got Beau. Cares more about his job than any other part of his life. Treated me as if I was his employee all the time, rather than just at work.”

“So you dumped him?”

“Something like that.”

Marcus stops prying and after a few minutes of silence between us, I wedge my Air pods in my ears and open my meditation app. I leave it playing for the next twenty minutes, with my eyes closed, head leaned back against the seat, until Marcus taps me gently, letting me know we’re here.

Chapter seventeen

Marcus

Tugging mine and Brooke’s suitcases from the trunk, I wheel them both forward with one hand, lifting them over the curb outside the hotel where her dad works. Brooke pushes through the front door with far more enthusiasm than I expected, considering how trepid she’s been.

She scans the hotel lobby before landing on an everyday man dressed in tan slacks, a light blue button-up and a striped navy tie. “Dad!” she yells like we are the only ones in here and leaps at him, flinging her arms around his neck.

“There’s my girl.” He squeezes her tight before releasing her just as I catch up. “You must be Marcus. I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Have you now?” I smirk, adjusting my laptop bag on my shoulder with one hand and reaching out the other to shake his. “Only good things I hope.”

“The man who doesn’t try to clip my baby birds’ wings,” he says. “I can’t wait to hear more about this job.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Fields. Thank you for having us.”

“Please call me Joseph. And thank you for coming. I know this trip isn’t exactly on any bucket lists.” He turns away and leads us to the tan marble lobby counter.

“We’re happy to be here,” I reply. Brooke seems to be out of words, the spark of joy she had for her dad instantly diminishing at the reminder that we are here to spend time with her mom too.

“Alright, well I’ve got the keys to your room right here.”

Room. Singular.

Why did it not occur to me that we’d be sharing a room–sharing a space?

It must not have occurred to Brooke either based on the way her eyes widen. “You know, Dad,” she starts. “We can stay in separate rooms. I know you’re old-fashioned.”

“Nonsense, Brooke.” He waves his hand before holding out the white paper packet containing the keycards. “You’re an adult. I want you to feel as comfortable as possible during your stay so you come back to see me. If that means having your boyfriend with you to make you feel safe after a day with that wretched woman, then so be it.”

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