Page 12 of Royally Benevolent

“Can I tell you something in confidence?”

“Sure. I’ll just put on my big brother hat.”

He gestured as if settling an enormous cowboy hat on his head.

“Stop it!” I laughed.

“I’m serious. What is it, Odie?”

“I have a stupid crush on someone. Turns out he’s Wyatt Worthington?—”

“The billionaire?”

“Yes. I ran into him in town. He didn’t know who I was back then. And he’s… well, I find him utterly charming. Anyhow, we escaped together. Karin nearly skinned me alive over it. She threatened to tell Alex. I swear I’m not acting out. This isn’t mania?—”

He smiled. “No, it’s just a crush. On a man much too old for you.”

“You should talk!”

Rick chuckled. “Perhaps. Don’t worry. I won’t say it. It’s okay. I see all your work and how hard you try to stay healthy, Odette. I know what it is like to be the flake. My only excuse was I am stubborn and often selfish.”

“I disagree,” I said. “Not about the stubborn bit, but the selfish one. Maybe you were. I don’t know. But now… you’re only going to take care of us. It takes someone lovely to take on four sisters and a perfect dad to manage this chaos.”

“I’m touched you think that, Odette. My point, though, is it’s unfair that you constantly beat yourself up over it. I get it. I was labelled the fuckup. I’d know.”

Rick smiled kindly, knowing what really worried me. His voice softened, “You aren’t your dad, Odie. Alexandra and I aren’t Celeste. We aren’t here to torture or judge you. I know it’s hard sometimes, but let that go and live. What is it you want out of life, sweetheart?”

“I want respect,” I said. “I want to be loveable—admirable.”

“You are, Odie,” Rick assured. “You are always loveable and very admirable. I am sorry you don’t always see that. You will someday.”

“But will I ever meet someone who feels that way?”

“I think you will,” Rick said. “If I could find the person who saw the good in me, I have hope for you.”

“I’ve settled on being the family spinster,” I sighed.

“Come on, you got a billionaire to follow you… where did you go? Should I ask?”

I laughed. “It wasn’t too sinister. We went to Keys.”

“Ah, that’s on-brand.”

I snickered.

“Well, he chased you there, Odette. You charmed him. I think it’s good for you. He’d be stupid not to see how smart and kind you are. Give yourself some credit.”

I wished I could believe Rick.

“Overall, other than the boy—man—you found, how did it go?”

“Really great,” I answered. “I felt good. Can I tell you another secret?”

Rick smiled. “Anything, kid.”

“I want to prove my worth to Alexandra. I want this Vision 360 patronage to be mine. I know I can help her.”

“I can try to put in a good word—maybe point it out?”

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