Page 20 of After Midnight

Rather than going to my room, I slipped into a nook underneath the stairs, where I knew Margarette couldn’t see me. From there, I could still hear any further conversation between her and Miss Rita.

I didn’t know if I was disappointed or happy that Margarette didn’t say another word and instead, stormed out of the living room, practically stomped to her bedroom, and slammed the door. I remained in place because as I’d suspected, Margarette came back out a few minutes later and left the house. I waited until I heard the garage door closing before venturing to the kitchen.

I tossed my empty soda can in the recycling bin and sat at the kitchen island, watching Miss Rita empty the dishwasher. I felt mentally exhausted but also exhilarated that I’d finally got all of it out into the open. For the first time in my life, no one but me would control my destiny.

“So?” I asked.

“So what?” Miss Rita asked back matter-of-factly, although her smile gave away her true emotions.

“So, what do you think of all that just happened with Margarette?”

“I think it was a long time coming.”

I nodded, relaxing. “Yeah, me too, but I didn’t have a leg to stand on when she controlled all the money.”

Miss Rita shrugged. “You’ve always had more power than you thought, and I figured when you finally came to realize that yourself, you’d put that old bag in her place.”

I chuckled. She always knew exactly what to say. “Well, we aren’t out of the woods yet. If she wants to be nasty, she could leave with the girls.”

Miss Rita nodded solemnly while continuing to put the dishes away but didn’t say anything.

“But she won’t leave with them, right?” I asked, starting to question what I’d just done. “Not when the alternative is a comfortable life for her, free from the responsibility of raising stepchildren she’s always hated?”

“You would think she’d have sense enough not to fight you on this, unless she figures she could somehow milk you for more money.”

I shook my head. “I’ve thought of that. Unfortunately, if I give in an inch on the amount, she’ll keep pushing for more and more. I wasn’t bluffing, Miss Rita. If she decides to fight me, I’m going to expose her for what she’s done in defrauding the trusts and just pray it’s enough to be awarded custody of the girls.”

Miss Rita frowned. “None of that’ll be easy but living with her isn’t easy either. The girls’ trust fund not being big enough for that woman’s spending habits should work in your favor, though. If you cover her expenses, at least that money can be used to fluff her pampered self. You know how she’s concerned about keeping up appearances. Too bad ain’t nobody looking at her but herself.”

I snorted a laugh and my tension eased. Miss Rita had the oddest sayings. I always figured it was because she was from the South. “All we can do now is wait, I guess,” I said. “Oh, and get your employment sorted out. I wouldn’t put it past that evil witch to try to fire you.”

Miss Rita smiled. “Son, are you offering me a job?”

“Well,” I drew out, deciding to be ornery just to get her going. “I’m considering it. What is your experience working with young children, and do you have references?”

“I’ll reference this spoon on your rear end,” she said and pointed a wooden spoon at me, making me laugh out loud. It felt good to laugh.

“Nothing’s changing here,” I said, getting serious again. “Margarette has been nothing but a burden on this family since she weaseled her way into it. At least if she isn’t here to create problems, we can get on with our lives and help those girls grow up to be respectable women. So, whaddya say? We got a deal?”

She knocked my outstretched hand out of the way and came around the island to kiss my cheek. “Don’t you ever think I don’t know how incredible you are. You make me so proud.”

I considered Miss Rita one of the most amazing human beings on Earth, but she rarely got emotional or sentimental around us. Her speaking from her heart undid me, and a tear slipped from my eye before I could stop it.

I stood up and pulled the woman into my arms and hugged her for several moments. Then I stepped away, turning to dab at my eyes and get myself under control.

“I’m taking the family out for pizza tonight,” I announced. Miss Rita smiled at me, and I noticed her eyes were watery too.

I dashed through the back stairway to my bedroom and lay on my bed, intending to relax while waiting for the girls to return home. Olivia and Alli usually spent Saturday afternoons visiting friends, and today was no different.

I must have drifted off because I found myself walking down a grand staircase in a large castle.As I reached the bottom of the stairs, I saw Margarette standing to my left. For some reason, she didn’t appear to recognize me. On my right were Miss Rita and the girls, and they were arguing. Miss Rita looked tired and frustrated, and my sisters looked annoyed and haughty. They were nastily demanding Miss Rita fetch their clothes and comb their hair, basically treating her like the hired help.

I turned to approach them, ready to intervene. Miss Rita looked back at me and subtly shook her head, indicating I should leave the situation to her. Then she corrected the girls telling them their behavior was ugly and unbecoming. Seeing the girls appropriately chastised I walked past them.

I followed a strip of red carpet that led to a ballroom filled with elegantly dressed people and classical music. Dillon, looking as handsome and regal as a prince, sat on an elevated throne. My heart skipped.

When Dillon saw me, he rose and met me in the middle of the room. Bowing to me before taking my hand in his, he began to lead us in a dance.

As we glided across the ballroom, all of the other guests fell away until it was just me and Dillon, my own personal Prince Charming. It felt as if we lifted off the floor, his firm hold around me never wavering, and neither did his loving gaze. The entire thing felt like a Disney movie. Magical, dreamy, romantic.

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