Page 35 of Royal Shark
“They do have a tutoring club to help underprivileged high school students.”
I nearly smack my forehead because she’s just not getting it. Not that there’s anything wrong with a club like that. She was an underprivileged high school student not so long ago. I just want her to meet people her age socially.
She goes on. “I plan to volunteer at the hospital too. That starts next month.”
Maybe she’ll meet a doctor. That wouldn’t be so bad since she wants to be a doctor too. I just want her to have a relatively normal college experience—friends, boyfriends, maybe the occasional rowdy night. The kind of experience I never got to have. I want everything for her.
“You’re here!” a feminine voice exclaims.
We both turn to see Silvia beaming at us. “Thanks for coming on such short notice!” She hugs me and turns to Chloe. “Look at you! All grown up!” She hugs her, and Chloe gives her a stiff hug in return.
Silvia pulls back. “Do you remember me? You were only five the last time I saw you.”
Chloe squints. “Vaguely. I remember the beach, and you had a white tent you sat under for a long time with a pile of books.”
Silvia smiles. “And I helped you build sandcastles too, which you destroyed.” She gestures for us to follow, her high ponytail swinging as she walks. She’s wearing a pale pink silk blouse with dark gray trousers and black suede ankle-length boots. I’m glad I dressed up a bit in a green V-neck short-sleeved sweater, black jeans, and black ballet flats. Normally I’m in a T-shirt and shorts or jeans, unless I’m working. “This way to the elevator.”
We follow her.
“My brother Adrian will be here soon,” Silvia says to Chloe. “Do you remember him? He’s my twin.”
Chloe lifts one shoulder. “Also very vague. He played cards with Sara.”
“And still does, right, Sara?” Silvia asks. “He told me he joined you for poker night.”
“More like invited himself,” I mutter.
Silvia laughs. “He could never pass up a good poker game. He hasn’t gotten to play as much now that he runs the casino.” She smiles at us both. “This is so great. I can’t believe I get to see you both after all these years.”
The elevator doors open on the top floor, and we follow her to a corner apartment. The first thing I see is a wall of windows facing Central Park. The living room is large and has a desk by the window with a laptop and a seating area with a brown suede sofa and two turquoise chairs arranged around a glass coffee table. Across from that is a dining area with a black wood table and six matching wooden chairs.
A mountain of a man steps out of the adjacent kitchen. He’s got a full beard, his dirty blond hair tied back in a low ponytail, tall and bulky with muscle. I’d almost say hipster territory, but he looks too much like a lumberjack. He doesn’t look like the kind of man I pictured Silvia would choose. I thought for sure she’d want a fellow bookworm—a clean-shaven, neat hair part, academic type.
Silvia hooks her arm in his. “Cade, I’d like you to meet my oldest, dearest friends, Sara and Chloe. This is Cade.”
My throat tightens unexpectedly. Silvia thinks of me as a dear friend? And I haven’t stayed in touch. I feel horrible. My defenses were up, working overtime to prevent any more pain from coming my way with reminders of Villroy and my parents. I hope I haven’t caused her pain in protecting myself.
Cade smiles and gives us both warm handshakes. “Great to meet you. I didn’t have much notice, so we’re having roast chicken, potatoes, and kale. Are either of you vegetarian?”
“No,” I say.
“I’m thinking of trying it out,” Chloe says thoughtfully. “But I’ll wait until after our dinner.”
I stare at her. That’s new. She never told me that. She usually tells me everything.
“I tried it for a year in college,” Cade says. “Couldn’t stick to it. I only buy free-pasture meat, so it’s better for you and the animal.”
Silvia wraps her arms around his middle and gives him a squeeze. “Cade’s the chef around here. I clean up the mess.”
He gives her a kiss. “I’d better go check on dinner.” He disappears into the kitchen.
I head over to the view of Central Park, peeking into the kitchen on my way. It’s a small kitchen but modern with stainless steel appliances and dark wood cabinetry. I wonder about the rent but don’t ask. I’m sure it’s a lot more than I could afford.
“I got us some champagne to celebrate our reunion,” Silvia says, bringing the bottle and some glasses over to the coffee table. “I’ll wait for Adrian to get here to do our toast.”
The intercom buzzes.
She gestures toward it. “Speak of the devil and he arrives!” She calls downstairs to let him up. I guess he knows his way. She turns back to us. “Oh, Chloe, would you like sparkling water instead? I forgot you’re not legal yet.”
