Page 169 of Now and Forever

Chapter 56

It was my first day at work, and after filling out forms for almost an hour, I couldn’t hide my relief when I finally got to meet the intern I would be assisting with. Basically, I was the bottom of the bottom, but I didn’t mind because I could learn a lot by starting out this way.

I was being shown to my desk when Jackson called for the second time. It was on vibrate, but even still, it was annoying as hell. So when he rang a third time, I knew I had to answer his call.

Slipping into the nearest supply closet, I answered, “Jackson, if you’re calling to ask if I forgot to buy bacon, yes, I did. Now get over it! This is my first day at work, so I’d appreciate it if you don’t get me in trouble!”

“Mom and Grandma are arriving in four hours. Gear up, booger face; this weekend should be fun.” He laughed as though he was looking forward to it.

Did he say Mom and Grandma?

“What? Why?” I groaned.

Oh, God. My mother could never learn of this internship, or she would ship me back home and force me to mingle with her Club Snoozefest.

“I don’t know why, but I just got off the phone with Dad.”

“We’re screwed.” Grandma was fun. Our mother was … annoying.

Jackson perked up. “Not if you’re on top of the sugar coating. Each time they try to ask about school, answer it without hesitation, but in a vague and uninteresting enough way that they will take to the next subject to divert them.”

As simple plans went, this was a good one as long as I stuck with it.

“Okay, good. We’ll be fine.” Hanging up the phone, I went through a few boxes consisting of staplers, paperclips, and whatever else I could find and take back to my desk in order to not look suspicious for being in the supply closet.

The people I worked with were friendly enough, but I was told I hadn’t met Nola yet. They said she would change my mind quickly. So there was that to look forward to come Monday.

?

Of course, when Grandma and Mother arrived, they booked themselves a suite at the Waldorf because, not only did we not have space, but my mother needed room service since she was barely any use in the kitchen.

“Where’s my darling Drew?” It was the first thing Grandma asked when she hugged and kissed Jackson and me. She seemed confused as to why Drew, who was always with Jackson, wasn’t there to greet her, too.

“He’s with his father,” Jackson said as we entered their hotel room.

“Oh, dear. Is he all right?” our mother butted in, frowning.

Drew was the closest thing she had to a second son, so her concern was genuine—a novelty for her. She didn’t care much about other people. She was kind of cold in a way, but my father seemed to adore her.

Grandma shook her head, unimpressed by my brother’s explanation. “I’ve heard stories about him. Nothing impressive.”

Jackson then provided his father’s name along with the list of global companies Drew’s grandfather was known for all over the world.

“His family’s worth billions. You should be more impressed than that,” Mother gushed, as though money were the only thing she respected. My assumptions weren’t too far off.

“Honestly, Vicki, is there anything in your head other than air?” my grandmother chided, shaking her head as she set her purse on the nearest table. “I was looking forward to seeing all three of you. It saddens me that one is missing. Does he know I’m coming?”

“Don’t worry, Grams. He’s coming to join us for dinner tomorrow.” Jackson flung an arm around her, making Grandma grin at him. “He’s busy these days, but he’ll be there.”

“And what about you? Is there any special girl for me to meet? Drew, as well? I’m sure you two have plenty to choose from.”

“I’m not sure if Drew’s bringing Poppy. And as for me, I’m still single.”

Ugh, Poppy. That bitch was going to be the death of me.

Ignoring the stupid name, I frowned at my brother. “What happened to Yvonne?”

“Yvonne? Oh, do tell,” our mother chimed in.

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