Total pages in book: 166
Estimated words: 157273 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 786(@200wpm)___ 629(@250wpm)___ 524(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157273 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 786(@200wpm)___ 629(@250wpm)___ 524(@300wpm)
“I know.” He slipped his hands into his pockets. “And I’ve done my best to honor the promise I made to Sean that Caroline’s fears wouldn’t hold Juniper back, but I’m telling you right now that she can’t go back to that studio. I’d rather break her trust than watch someone break her down.”
There were two months left before the Classic, and Juniper was determined to compete. “So it’s either she quits dancing, or goes back to Quinn’s and gets herself hurt, or you tell Caroline, which leads to her quitting by force . . .” I blew out a long sigh. She’d never be able to hide attending at Madeline’s, and I didn’t know any of the other local studios well enough to send Lina’s daughter there, which left the only viable alternative. “She’s done with school for the summer? How does she spend her time?”
“Last week.” He studied my face. “She’s in the local activity program on the days Caroline works, and Gavin and I usually try to grab her when we’re off so she’s not stuck there until seven.”
I nodded. “What’s your schedule like?”
“Suddenly interested in my actual life?” He dared a smile.
Too close. “You wish. What’s your schedule?”
“I do wish. And it’s usually as close to nine-to-five as it gets. I pull four to six twenty-four-hour shifts a month, and I get a couple days off a week—not always Saturday and Sunday. Why?” He tilted his head, and I absolutely did not look at his mouth.
Liar.
“Bring her here.” I pushed out the words before I lost the nerve. “I’ll teach her. We’ll just hope she knows her mom better than we do. Hopefully by August I’ve won Caroline over, and at this point . . . in for a penny and all that.” If we were going down, then we may as well do it with giant flames.
His brow knit. “You mean that? You have time for that?”
“I’ll make time.” I nodded.
“She needs a consequence for going around our backs. I’m not sure rewarding her with the best private tutor in the world is the right move here.” Two lines formed between his brows.
“What do you have in mind that doesn’t involve asking her actual parent?” I challenged.
“Not sure yet, but I’ll have to come up with something. She’s broken the rules, lied, schemed, and manipulated every single person around her to get what she wants.” His jaw ticked.
“Yeah, and she’s only ten.” I started toward the studio door. “Not excusing her actions, but you know there’s a label for that kind of behavior in adults.”
“Criminal?” he guessed. “Don’t even think reckless. This isn’t me.”
“Maybe.” I opened the studio doors. “I was thinking CEO.”
Chapter Nineteen
Hudson
WestCoastPointe: Not going to lie, I would die for an invite to the MBC gala.
This place was a black-tie zoo disguised as an art museum. I wove my way through the checkerboard-dressed crowd, and along what I hoped would be the narrowest exhibition hall, careful not to bump into anyone or spill any of the thirty-dollar martinis they were carrying.
I cataloged every face I saw.
“Hudson!” Anne waved from the end of the hall, and I slowly made my way to her. “I’m glad you made it.” Her smile held an edge of nerves. “Allie’s in a meeting with Vasily, otherwise she would have met you herself.”
“Sorry I’m late.” I fought the urge to adjust my tie. “I meant to come down with Allie yesterday, but one of the other swimmers fell off a ladder and broke his leg, and another’s wife went into labor, so I got called in from leave.”
“Don’t care.” She patted my arm as we walked into the center of the museum, an open space easily five stories high, lined with balconies in galleries on the other floors. Round tables for ten filled the floor, with the exception of what was clearly a stage on the far end of the hall. “You’re here now, and that’s all that matters. Do you like it?” She gestured to the room. “I spent the last eight months designing the color scheme. I figured the dark-pink lighting would look great since everyone is dressed for the white-and-black theme. And I think I went through a dozen sample centerpieces before I decided on the orchids and dahlias.”
“It looks spectacular.” I offered what I hoped was a reassuring smile. “And you look great too.”
“Thank you.” She glanced down at her long white dress, then smiled. “Do you need a crash course on who everyone is? Kenna’s around here somewhere. She’s Allie’s closest friend, so I’m sure she’d help you out. Actually, I’m not sure. She might watch you fumble just for the fun of it.”
“I think I’m good.” I shook my head, and she led me past most of the tables. “I checked the website, and Allie’s been quizzing me with photos off her phone every time I pick up Juniper. Though I’m pretty sure I saw a couple of movie stars back by the exhibit who weren’t on her camera roll.”