Page 54 of Hard to Break

The smile in his tone warms me.

When we click off, I feel better than before.

Sarah: Between you and me, I wish she’d picked you for the deal.

Brooke: You’re sweet.

Sarah: If it helps, I don’t think Caroline’s engagement swayed her. Elise never liked Kevin. I remember hearing rumors about him being involved in some shady stuff. Nothing concrete, but whispers. I never knew what to believe.

Despite his apology, which seemed sincere, I’m curious.

I should let it go, thank her for the support and get back to work.

What I say instead is:

Do you remember any specific incidents?

It’s none of my business. She has every right to tell me that, and if I were smart, I’d say it to myself too.

I’m about to sign off when dots appear.

Sarah: He was involved in this top-secret cheating ring back in law school.

I blink at my phone. That’s not what I was expecting.

Not at all.

14

MILES

“Idon’t want to bankrupt you.”

I blink at my grams. “Hmm?”

She nods to Illinois Avenue and the shiny new hotel on it. “You can’t afford this.”

We’re sitting around the coffee table in the lounge, the space cheerfully illuminated with bright light streaming in the windows. The game is spread out in front of us, a new edition that makes it easy to transport without having to put everything back in the box.

“Sure I can.” I peel bills off my stack and pass them over to her.

In the past month, Grams’s arm has healed well, and the staff have been attentive and kept me updated on any changes in her health.

A TV flashes on one wall, silent with subtitles.

A few residents enter the room, and my grandmother waves.

“Glad you’re making friends,” I say as they whisper to one another.

“I’ve tried watching the sports news, but it’s a lot of men with strong opinions,” Grams says. “But I couldn’t help but see what’s happened. And my neighbors are asking.”

About me, she means.

“I’m sorry people are asking.” It didn’t occur to me that she’d bear the brunt of any gossip.

Not unlike how Brooke has been.

“I don’t care what anyone thinks. I care about you.” She straightens, eyes blue and sharp.

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