Page 53 of The Romance Library

‘That was different. That was… anyway, there must be something else you’re good at apart from winding me up.’

‘As well as those talents, I’m decent at juggling. Well, better than that guy earlier.’

‘That’s not difficult. I can’t juggle, though, so that won’t work.’

‘What are you good at, then?’

‘Good question.’ Her gaze dropped to the sticky carpet.

‘Poetry?’

‘Nope.’

There was a long pause. Jessica played with the stem of her glass and seemed to be lost in thought.

‘I can play the piano,’ I blurted out to break the silence.

‘Of course you can.’ She rolled her eyes.

‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

‘Nothing.’

‘If you’ve got something to say, say it.’ My jaw tensed.

‘It’s just it’s so typical. Of course Daddy would arrange for you to play piano. I bet you had one that cost more than people like me earn in a year. You’ve got everything you’ve ever wanted all laid out nicely for you on a silver platter. You’ve probably never had to work hard for anything in your life. Securing Seaview High is just one big game for you.’

‘That’s not true,’ I snapped. ‘You have no idea the pressure I’m under.’

‘Awww. Poor little rich kid. What’s the matter? Finding it hard to choose between the caviar or foie gras for your next dinner party? Diddums.’

‘You really have no idea.’ I shook my head.

‘Enlighten me. Tell me about your nepo baby problems.’ She did a fake lip quiver.

As Jessica pretended to wipe away crocodile tears, I ground my jaw.

I wasn’t denying that I’d lived a privileged life. Yes, I came from money. I grew up in a nice house, with a nanny and a cook and a driver. And I went to the most prestigious schools in the country.

But what wasn’t true was what Jessica had said about me having everything I ever wanted.

What I wanted was not to be sent away to boarding school.

What I wanted was not to have lost my mother when I was just nine years old.

What I wanted was to not have my whole life mapped out without having any say in whether or not I wanted to take over the family business.

And to have a say in who I wanted to marry.

So, no, Jessica couldn’t be more wrong if she tried.

The reality of the state of my life hit me like a truck.

‘I’m leaving.’ I downed the rest of my wine and got up. ‘Enjoy the rest of your evening.’

17

Jess

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