Page 31 of Getting the Grinder
I usually make it home every six to eight weeks for a quick visit, but I still feel guilty I’m not there more. I thought when I started law school that I’d at least have the money to change their lives, but then I had to work on a case at my first law firm that went against everything I believe in.
And still, they’re proud of me. I’m an only child, and I don’t know if I’ll ever give them grandchildren. They’ve told me to do what makes me happy.
Being able to send them two hundred and fifty thousand dollars is going to make me ridiculously happy. They might even be able to afford to move into a home that’s fully accessible for my dad. They had to make the living room of their small two-story home into a bedroom after the accident because my dad couldn’t get upstairs.
“Mara?”
I snap out of my daze, looking at Suki. “Sorry, what?”
She shakes her head, a smile tugging on her lips. “You were off in your own world, staring at the guy you can’t stand.”
I wave a hand, dismissing her. “I wasn’t even thinking about him.”
“Right.”
I can tell she doesn’t believe me, but I drop it. Leo is walking back toward us now, a woman he passes gaping at his sweater-vest. But really, she’s gaping at his body.
And how can she not? That single button is fighting for its life, looking like it could fly off at any moment. I should have gotten him a frumpy turtleneck sweater.
Live and learn, I guess. I’ll be spending this entire evening with Leo and his abs, so my second glass of wine will be my last.
It’s not just his body, but those mossy-green eyes and his playful smirk, that could make me forget reason and ask him to come home with me.
God, would that be fun. I lick my lips just thinking about it.
It’s a terrible idea, though. The worst. I’m not here to see Leo in a different light and change my mind about him. I’m here for the money my parents are going to get.
Even though there’s good wine and I’m feeling more than a little bit merry, this is just a transaction.
Chapter Eleven
Leo
* * *
The rich, savory scent of Suki’s cheese fondue makes my stomach grumble with hunger.
I follow Carter into the kitchen, say quick greetings to Suki, Charlotte, and Dex, and then grab a hunk of bread and dip it into the fondue fountain.
Once I pop it into my mouth, I groan with satisfaction. Suki’s monthly fondue night is better than a lot of holidays.
“Whoa. What is that?”
A teenage girl I don’t recognize approaches the fondue fountain with Olivia. Must be one of her friends.
“It’s cheese fondue,” Olivia says. “Suki made it.”
“Hey, Liv.” I smile at the girls.
“Hi, Uncle Leo. This is my friend Macy.”
“Nice to meet you, Macy.”
“Thanks, you too.”
Carter has told me and Bash about Olivia’s volatile teenage moods, and I don’t envy him having to navigate them. She’s not around as much when I’m over, but she gets good grades and keeps out of trouble, so I assume she’s just busy with friends. I know I felt awkward as fuck at her age.
I let the girls have full access to the cheese and chocolate fondue fountains. Carter and Dex are sitting together, both eating, when I sit down next to Carter in the dining room.
