Page 11 of Cold and Broken (The Titans of Founder's Ridge 1)

“Public policy and prelaw.”

“Just what the world needs, another attorney,” Connor quips.

“How about you?” I shoot back at him.

“I’ll get my MBA and take over the family business,” he states dispassionately.

“Another dime a dozen businessman.” I snark back at him before realizing that I probably just insulted Victor. I look over at our dads quickly to apologize. “Victor, I’m sorry.”

He smiles warmly at me. “Never apologize for giving my son his sass right back.” He looks back and forth between us with a calculating gleam in his eyes. “I think it’s going to be an interesting year.”

5

Lilith

I’m standing in my closet looking back and forth between my uniforms and the pamphlet describing acceptable combinations. At first I was happy to see that I had options and it wouldn’t be the same thing everyday but now I’m overwhelmed. I settle on the blue tartan skirt with the solid blue tie and black jacket, at least all the shirts are white. I pick up the high-heeled shoes and double check to make sure I can skip the stockings since it’s warm.

My hair is still in good shape from last night so I kept it dry in the shower. I put on a minimal amount of makeup, just lip gloss and mascara today. I start making myself a bowl of oatmeal when dad comes in holding a gift bag.

“Good morning, Lil.” He sets the bag on the counter. “Ready for your first day at the fancy new school?”

“Morning and yes, I guess.” I point at the bag. “What’s that?”

“Open it and find out.”

I take another bite of oatmeal and pull the tissue out of the bag. There’s a buttery soft camel colored leather messenger bag sitting in the bottom. I pull it out and look it over. “Thanks dad,” I reach over and hug him.

“You’re welcome. I figured you could use an upgrade from your frayed three year old backpack.” He grabs one of his pre-made protein shakes and chugs it. “What time are you leaving?”

“Connor said he leaves at ‘8 am sharp’” I use air quotes. It was the last thing he said to me when we got home from dinner. Then he disappeared into his wing and I retreated to our apartment. I check the time and see that it’s 7:50. “I’ll head down now.”

“Okay, have a good first day.” He hugs me and hands me a bottle of water before taking my empty bowl and putting it in the dishwasher.

“You too. Love you, Dad,” I say as I walk out the door. I get down to the foyer and Connor’s not there yet. I decide to FaceTime Z real fast. He’ll get a laugh out of the uniform. It rings for a minute and then I see Z’s crazy bedhead.

“It’s too early, Lil,” he says with one eye open. “Ready for the first day?”

“Yeah, check this shit out.” I sweep the camera over my body. “I can’t believe I’m wearing a school uniform like this.”

“Holy shit. Yeah,” he shakes his head to clear the sleep from his eyes. “Show me again.”

I do another sweep for him, feeling self conscious now.

“Damn, Lil. You look hot.” His warm moss green eyes are a direct opposition to Connor’s cold jade green that appear in my line of sight.

“Ha, yeah right. Shouldn’t you be getting ready?”

“You done playing show and tell? We have places to be.” Connor snaps at me.

“Who the fuck was that?” Z growls.

Connor snaps the phone out of my hand and turns it too so he can see. “Her ride. We have to go. She can talk on her own time.” He hangs up on Z.

“Excuse me!” I grab my phone back. “Do noteveryank my phone from my hand and hang up on someone I’m talking to again. What the fuck is your problem?” I shoot Z a quick apology text and scurry after Connor. Edward is there holding the door open and studiously avoids looking us.

“You are my problem.” Connor yanks open the passenger door for me, ingrained manners winning out over his usual dickheadedness. When I stand there and cross my arms over my chest he stares back at me with narrowed eyes. “Get in the damn car before I pick you up and put you in it.”

“Apologize.”

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