Page 46 of Ashes of Saints

“Maybe just accept the gift horse and all that,” Chloe says after I voice my concern again while she drops the last of my bags on the floor.

I could.

Then again, what if I don’t and her alleged illegal past comes back and bites me in the butt?

I walk over to the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Central Park and watch the world below us. How many people are dreaming of owning property in NYC right now? To be standing where I am?

Is Chloe right?

Mom’s death has set me up for life.

“I know what you’re saying.” I turn to my best friend. “But wouldn’t you wonder every day of your life where the money came from and be worried?”

Chloe glances around the penthouse as she props her hands on her hips. “Yeah, fuck. I would.”

Even if she hadn’t admitted it, I knew she would. Chloe is sassy, but her morals are all lined up.

“I need to find out who she truly was. And who that makes me?”

“You are still you, Aurora. My best friend. Nothing she did can change that. Perhaps she kept all these secrets to protect you.” Chloe walks over and rubs my arm. “Legally, she may not have been able to tell you anything. Don’t think the worst of her.”

I sigh.

She might be right.

Parker’s blue eyes flick back into my memory, and I stare out at the Manhattan sunshine. Why do I keep thinking about his eyes whenever I am reflecting on my childhood?

When I push for the answer, the vision of that little boy, that I’d long forgotten, returns.

It’s silly. How many people have blue eyes?

Millions.

Now I’ve moved in, I can spend time going through Mom’s things. Mr. Lynch said her name was changed legally, but there’s no more information aside from her name, the place, and date of birth.

A detective could unearth more, but I don’t have the cash yet to do that.

But one day I will.

For now, I’ll dig through her boxes and see what I can learn.

“You are right. I need more answers before I judge her.”

“Atta girl. Enjoy this insanely gorgeous home in the meantime.” Chloe hugs me. “I have to go to my yoga class. Call you later.”

“Okay.”

“We’re having a big housewarming party for you, right? Invite your boyfriend and his hot friends.” She grins, skipping backward toward the lobby where the elevator is tucked around the corner.

Boyfriend?

The one who spread my legs, made me come, and has now ghosted me for a week?

He’s not my boyfriend.

“That’s over.” I shrug like I don’t care. “Go do stretchy things.”

“That’s what my last boyfriend said.” She wiggles her brows. “It didn’t look like he wanted it to be over. Have a party. Invite his friends. It’s your best friend duties to hook me up with them.”

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