Page 55 of Renegade Roomie

Callie gives me a weird look, but she doesn’t get it. This is my role these days: The wayward grandson, driving Zelda crazy with my antics.

“Didn’t I hear something about some new start-up you’re invested in?” Mr Horsfall continues.

“Oh yes,” his wife agrees. “I was reading all about it in… What was that magazine? You were on the cover.”

“New Entrepreneur,” Callie pipes up.

“And doesn’t he make a handsome picture.” Zelda says affectionately. “You know, it’s a good thing he got my looks. He wouldn’t get away with half his shenanigans otherwise. And then where would you be?” she asks, patting my cheek.

“He’d be just fine.” Callie’s voice comes, and it’s annoyed. “You do realize, he’s a big success, don’t you? Annoyingly so. But Dash has great instincts. His bar in New York is a huge hit, and now there’s a second location, too. Plus, he didn’t just trip and stumble his way into investing in those start-ups, he knows how to pick winners.”

Zelda blinks, looking just about as surprised as I feel from the outburst. “Well, yes. I know that.”

“So why not say it, instead of acting like he’s a dumb himbo who’s only coasting on good looks and charm?” Callie retorts, color in her cheeks. “I would have thought you’d be proud of him, for everything he’s achieved.”

There’s silence. I’m standing in shock that she would defend me like that. Wasn’t she the one giving me grief about being too rich and charming just the other day? But before I can say anything, Callie seems to realize she’s just made a scene. “Excuse me,” she mutters, quickly escaping into the crowd.

“Well…” The Horsfalls exchange a look. “We better mingle. Lovely party, as always Zelda!”

They make their escape too, leaving us alone. The awkward silence lingers.

“I should go see abut Callie—” I start, but Zelda, catches my arm, looking flustered.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have teased you like that.”

I clear my throat, uncomfortable. “Sure, it’s fine.”

“No, I mean it.” She furrows her brow. “I know I give you a hard time occasionally—”

“Occasionally?” I echo.

“Well, maybe more often than I should.” Zelda admits. “But that’s only because I care about you. I want you to be happy.”

“I know that,” I assure her. “It’s my fault, too,” I add. “I like winding you up, about all the bad decisions I’m making.”

“You certainly do.” Zelda pauses, then breaks into a smile. “Perhaps I’ve been too hard on you. Callie’s right, you have made a success of things. It’s not fair of me to try and control how you go about it.”

I pause, thrown by her admission. Zelda never admits when she’s wrong.

So wait, does this mean…?

“I’m releasing your trust,” Zelda says. “You’re doing just fine without my interference. You have your friends, your business… And if you still plan on proposing to Callie, I won’t stand in your way.”

What?

I gape at her. “Since when?” I ask. “I thought you hated her?”

“Hate is a strong word we reserve for improv comedy and hairless Siamese cats,” Zelda says automatically. “And of course I don’t hate her. I had my reservations, it’s true. But it’s clear, she’s a fine woman, with excellent taste in men,” she adds with a wink. “And you’re in love. I’m not going to argue with that.”

I swallow hard, suddenly feeling like the worst kind of asshole. Because I’m not in love with Callie, not really.

Right?

Zelda brightens. “In fact, I just had a wonderful idea. Why don’t you propose tonight? Here, in front of your family? It’s already such a romantic setting with the gala, and I have my mother’s diamond ring, I’ve been saving it for you.”

Oh shit.

Guilt hits hard as I fumble for an excuse. “Uh…Well…The thing is, I’ve been planning this perfect New York City proposal. Since that’s where we met. Once I have more details, I’ll let you know.”

---