Page 105 of The Secret

“But still, a good reason to put on the pro list.” I winked.

At some point over the last month, she’d mentioned the offer from Columbia. We’d been talking about what she wanted to do with her degree and I’d started a pros and cons list for her, to help her decide.

I was very firmly pro the Columbia job, and it had nothing to do with the library. She deserved that job, she’d earned it through hard work and being fucking smart, and I’d told her on more than one occasion it was stupid to wait until she found something else. I’d long decided that it was the smart move to make, she didn’t need to hedge any bets with this one. The Columbia job would set her up for life, even if she didn’t want to stay there, it would open up jobs that nothing else would. The only selfish part of me that wanted her to take it was the one that meant she’d be close to me, to us, to our home, something I was more in favor of daily. But I wasn’t about to say that either.

“I’ll consider adding it to the pro list.”

I held my hands up. “That’s all I’m asking for, darling.”

She smiled, her eyes twinkling, and I knew I was on the way to being forgiven.

“Hey, you excited about tomorrow?”

“The Met party?”

I nodded, “Yeah, although it’s not really a party. More a gathering of snooty rich people, but the boys will be there so it’ll be fun.”

Her head tilted slightly. “The invitation said gala. Or is that just the word snooty rich people use for party? Also, aren’t you a snooty rich person?”

“No, I’m just rich,” I poked her in the ribs, making her screech loudly. “But I do have an additional surprise for us.”

“Oh yeah, what?”

“Hmmmm, that’s odd.” My brows creased as deeply as I could get them. “For someone who’s so good at the crossword, I’m alarmed you don’t know the meaning of the word ‘surprise’.”

Her lips pursed. “Don’t be a smartass.”

“I thought you liked my smart ass.”

She reached round to pinch it. “No, I just like your ass.”

“Speaking of, let’s go home. Bell’s due for a nap and then you can have as much of my ass as you’d like.”

She jumped up, packing as quickly as possible while I did nothing but laugh at her.

“Careful what you wish for, Murray Williams.”

The only thing I was wishing for was her. And I had no plans to be careful about that at all.

19

Kit

“This dress is really stunning. I can’t believe you’ve never worn it before.” Payton took the hanger, carrying my vintage Dior floor length dress over to the mirror and held it in front of herself.

Payton had come over to help me get ready for the gala. She was also lending her babysitting skills, sleeping over in my room. The room next to Bell’s, my old room before Murray had moved me into his, although the majority of my stuff was still in here. In the reflection of my dressing table mirror, I could see her twirling around, the intricate beading along the neckline catching the light.

I’d seen it three years ago in a thrift store in Greenwich Village, although it had still cost me a month’s rent. I’d needed to wait until the next month so I could have it tailored to my body. I’d never had an opportunity to wear it, given I didn’t tend to go to parties where the dress code was a floor length gown, not that tonight’s was either, but I knew Murray was wearing a tux, so I figured this would complement it nicely.

Thankfully, I hadn’t changed size since then, which was a miracle in itself given I’d survived on a diet of Krispy Kreme’s and breadsticks during my finals.

“I know, but it’s not exactly brunch then shopping attire. Or drinks at the bar.”

“I dunno; you’d turn a few heads, that’s for sure.” She put the dress back on the closet door. “I’ve brought six pairs of shoes, so you can decide which ones you want.”

“Thank you, you’re a lifesaver.” I was attempting to perfect my make-up to thenatural beautylook,even though I’d spent two hours getting the eyeliner right. I’d also coaxed my hair into Hollywood curls, which would sit over one shoulder, leaving the other bare thanks to the asymmetrical neckline.

“Do you know what’s going to happen tonight?”

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