Page 28 of Tangled Trust

"Join us, Ella," Andrew insists.

"If you don’t mind," Ella says, looking at me.

"Of course. Please join us," I answer.

"I’d love to."

Andrew gives me the look and winks. He’s teasing me, I can tell.

"I’ll get the Chef to whip us up something."

"I wouldn’t mind nice seafood or something. I’ve had my fill of Texan steak for a while," Carly sighs. "I miss pulling lobsters from the bay."

"Then Lobster it is."

Dinner with my brother and his sharp-witted wife is something I always look forward to. Andrew is a barrel of laughs, and Carly and Ella chatter away as if they’re old friends. They talk about England and its wonderfully diverse theaters and culture, and Ella talks about her adventures with Jagger.

I sit back for a while and watch my guests as they interact. It feels so natural, as if Ella’s been a part of the group for years. She is so easy to talk to, and I listen with half an ear to her conversations with Carly.

It’s close to 11 p.m. when Ella calls it a night.

"You’ll have to excuse me, but I’ve had a long day. It’s been an absolute pleasure meeting you both. Thank you for dinner, Carter."

"Hmm, nice girl," Andrew grins once Ella is out of earshot and Carly goes to the bathroom.

"Stop grinning at me like that, Drew."

"Was I?"

"Yes, you were. Ella is Jagger’s Au Pair. That’s it."

"Come on, Caboose. Are you blind? She’s gorgeous. And, if I’m not mistaken, which I rarely am, she’s up for a bit of slap and tickle, as they say in her homeland."

"Did you come here just to bust my balls, or what?"

"Look. You and Amanda were never suited for each other. I’m sorry if I’m being a dick, but it’s true. Ella, on the other hand, is delightful. More your speed."

"She works for me, Andrew."

"Oh, I see. Far be it for the master to not diddle the help, is it?" he says in a posh English accent.

"Don’t be ridiculous. You know I’m not a snob. But that’s not the point. The point is that I hired Ella to be my son’s Au Pair. I’m not going to take liberties just because she’s living in my home."

"Fair enough. But I wouldn’t be too quick to write this thing off if I were you. That's my final word on the subject."

"Andrew, you will always have just one more thing to say on any given subject. But I love you anyway."

"That was a wonderful meal. Thank you, Carter," Carly says as she joins us in the living room. "Ella is delightful."

"See," Andrew winks, "it isn’t just me."

"What did I miss?"

"Absolutely nothing," I laugh.

9

ELLA

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