Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 110757 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 554(@200wpm)___ 443(@250wpm)___ 369(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 110757 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 554(@200wpm)___ 443(@250wpm)___ 369(@300wpm)
She rolls her eyes at me with affection and turns back to my mom, saying, “That’s an incredible idea. If there’s anything I can do to help, just say so.”
“Let’s get together for lunch with Aldous’s assistant, Trinity, and get the ball rolling,” Mom says.
Dad beams at Mom. “She’s more than just a beautiful face. I’ve never made big decisions of any kind without getting Kate’s opinion.”
My parents have always made it known that they’re deeply in love, and they’re partners in every way. They both came from wealthy families, but service and generosity were emphasized. My dad’s father was the Illinois governor for eight years, and his uncle served a term as a US senator.
I’ve always wanted what my parents have. That’s why I didn’t plan to settle down in a committed relationship until I was in my thirties, so I could just have fun for a while. But then I met Hannah, and my definition of fun has completely changed in the past ten months.
“So what’s new with work, Dad?” I ask.
“Oh, just the usual.”
If not for Hannah, I know he’d list off what kinds of companies he’s been acquiring and investing in, and I appreciate that he’s not getting too specific. I don’t want Hannah to feel overwhelmed by the realities of having almost unlimited money.
“I’m actually part of something I’m really excited about,” Dad says, looking over at the dessert cart our server is approaching with. “Innovative scientific research. I got to visit the labs a few days ago, and I was stunned by what’s being accomplished.”
“Oh, I love science,” Hannah says. “What kind of research is it?”
“I wish I could talk about it, but I’m bound by some legal stuff.” Dad eyes the desserts. “Is that lemon berry cheesecake?”
“Yes, sir.” The server passes him a plate, and Dad passes it to Mom, grinning. “It’s her favorite.”
I study the many desserts on the two-tiered cart, then glance at Hannah. “The chocolate brownie-looking thing, right?”
Her cheeks flush a pretty pale-pink shade and she smiles. “That’s right.”
“Two of those, please,” I tell the server.
“Make that three,” Dad says.
We’re all focused on our desserts for a minute, and then Dad says, “I hope I can share more details about this project with you guys soon. It’s groundbreaking stuff that we hope will help people around the world.”
“Yeah, I’d love to hear more,” I say.
It’s not really true. My intelligence is above average, but my dad is a literal genius who comprehends math and science in ways most people can’t even imagine. My mom always helped me with homework growing up because Dad’s mind works so fast and in such intricate ways that he had trouble explaining things in ways I understood. But I always show interest in what my parents are doing, just like they pretend accounting is interesting when I talk about it.
“Hannah, if there’s any way you could join us in Aspen for Thanksgiving, we’d be so thrilled,” Mom says. “Invite any family or friends you like. We always have a big get-together and there’s something for everyone. Some people ski every day, and some people don’t ski at all.”
“Oh.”
Hannah looks at me, and my breath stills in my throat. My mom might have overstepped. My girlfriend has been hit with a lot of new information about me lately, and a holiday at our ten-bedroom Aspen lodge isn’t exactly a soft introduction to my extended family.
“If Pax is okay with it,” Hannah says slowly.
I scoff. “Are you kidding? Nothing would make me happier.”
She smiles at my mom across the table. “Then I’d love to, thank you for the invitation.”
We finish the meal, and when I’m helping Hannah into her coat near the coatroom, my mom catches my eye and mouths, “I love her.” I mouth back, “Me too.”
I’m looking forward to the chaotic but merry Thatcher annual Thanksgiving in Aspen more than I ever have before. If it goes well and we’ve met each other’s families, I plan to propose to Hannah by the end of the year.
9
“I’m attaching a map I drew of the prison. There are three underground levels, and the lowest one is where they keep the most valuable prisoners. Impenetrable, the propaganda calls it? All it took for a guard to let me in was a low-cut top and a hand job.” -- Decoded message from ILF undercover operative Nightingale to ILF handler Hiro Tanaka
Briar
“Thready.”
Ellison mutters the word from Nova’s arms as we run back toward our camp as a group. Theron is right behind us, and my skin won’t stop prickling with worry about what he might do.
Stella and the rest of Command Team Two are watching us, hidden in the jungle. Marcus wanted us to have backup if things went bad. I have to trust my back to people I can’t even see, but I know they’re capable.