Page 11 of Wonderstruck

She just smiled, the big, warm smile that always made me feel like she sawthrough every shield I tried to hold up. Without a word, she handed me a bowl and went back to help Cora with the rest.

Dinner with filled with stories about how everyone's days had gone. I stayed silent, for most of it, only letting a giggle slipwhen Cora confessed how she's spent half the day getting lost now that her classes were on the opposite side of the campus.

“Anyone run into the guys yet?” Daisy asksed, setting her fork down and leaningback with a sigh of satisfaction.

Goldie lit up, rinsing her bowl at the sink. “I met up with Tristan for lunch,”she said, her voice all breathy and delighted, like she was trying not to squeal.

Cora raised an eyebrow, grinning. “Wait, I’m sorry—correct me if I’m wrong,but are you… happy he’s here?” She stood, taking her bowl to the sink with a playful nudge.

“So happy. So happy that your sarcasmdoesn’t bother me.” Goldie sighed, her cheeks as bright as the candle light. “Now that the tour’s over, he’sback to songwriting and coming to classes, and… God, it’s just so good to see him actually enjoying himself.”

Cora chuckled, rolling her eyes. “I’d bepretty thrilled too if I had half a millionmonthly listeners.”

Daisy laughed. “Oh yeah, totally.” Her tonewas full of mock jealousy. “Good for Tristan and his shiny record deal. Meanwhile,I’mlucky if seven people listen to my stuff. And those seven are you three, the guys, and my grandpa.”

I reached over, squeezing her hand. “Hey,you’ll get there, Dais.”

Goldie sank back down into her chair,crossing her legs as she smiled over atDaisy. “Any luck finding band members?”

Her sigh said everything before she'd even let her cupids bow pop. “Not really. I met a guy who might’ve worked as a drummer, but his vibes were off. And apparently, no onewithin ten miles knows how to play guitar or isn’t already tied up in a band.”

Cora was voice like warm honey. “These things take time, sweetpea.You’ll find your people. Just wait.” Then she got up with a stretch, before wandering to the counter and pulling out a small stack of envelopes. “Oh, and we got mail today.”

Goldie sighed dramatically, slumping over the table. “Great. Nothinglike coming home to bills. I wanna be five again.”

I laughed, but quickly flicked my eyes to Cora once I felt her staring at me, holdingone of the envelopes. “This one’s for you, Ror.”

I frowned, reaching for it. “For me?” I lookedup, meeting her gaze as she nodded. “Oh… okay.”

It was probably how regal it looked thatwas the cause of the nerves that beganto bubble in my stomach. I took the navy blue slip from her hand and turned over to make sure it said my name. It did, and I glided my finger over the top just to be sure. But all that did was make my skin tickle and what felt like fingers made of icicles claw down the back of my neck.

While the others were distracted, Igently peeled back the seal until it wascompletely off, before pulling out the paper and unfolding it in my lap. The corner was stamped with a stack of names and the weighing scales symbol.

This came from a lawyer. With a New York City address. And immediately Iknew what was coming.

For the attention of Miss Aurora Greene (The Inheritor and Executor of the Will and Estate of Mr. Arnold Greene)

My stomach fell ten stories.

We appreciate that this is a difficult time and please accept our deepest condolences regarding the death of your father.

I forced my eyes closed, expecting theswell that always showed up whenever mydad was mentioned. But I didn't feel it. Which threw me.

Why wasn't I getting upset? I’d been sadall day.

I shook it off and carried on reading.

However, we are writing to discuss the remainder of Mr Greenes’ estate and what has been left to you. With your copy of the will, we’re sure that you are aware that everything was inherited by yourself, and that includes his properties.

Properties? As in, plural?

Listed below are the addresses of these properties.

22 Newark St

Sunnyside

New York

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