Chapter 16

She pouted, “You won’t let me learn? Fine. I’ll get Dad to sign me up. One day, I’ll totally crush you—and don’t be jealous!”

I knew Yvonne was a gifted kid who picked things up quickly. But jealous? Not at all. I was already ready to cut ties with her. Soon enough, I wouldn’t be in her life anymore.

That afternoon, she stuck to me like glue. While I was in class, she napped nearby. When I practiced violin, she played games, looking bored out of her mind.

Later, I asked if she wanted to go visit her grandma, and she lit up, practically jumping at the offer.

I called Sally. She was over the moon and immediately had the servants prepare Yvonne’s favorite mini cakes and yogurt.

“Grandma!” Yvonne darted into Sally’s arms.

“Oh, sweetie. Look how tall and gorgeous you’ve gotten.” Sally cupped Yvonne’s face, covering it with kisses.

I set Yvonne’s backpack on the couch and told Sally, “I’ve got dinner plans tonight. Yvonne can stay over, and I’ll pick her up tomorrow around noon.”

Sally glanced up at me. “You’ve been running around a lot lately. Prepping for work?”

Yvonne spoke up loudly. “Mom’s always going out to eat. She even had lunch with a bunch of people today.”

Sally’s brows creased. I was still a Holcomb, and no mother-in-law would be thrilled to see her daughter-in-law always running around.

“Yvonne,” I said, shooting her a warning glance, “haven’t I told you? Kids shouldn’t interrupt adult conversations.”

Yvonne’s bottom lip stuck out. She buried herself in Sally’s arms, shooting daggers at me.

Sally had clearly overthought things. She looked at me seriously and warned, “I don’t care who you befriend. But don’t you dare make friends with the wrong crowd. The Holcomb name’s on the line here. Don’t make trouble for Jared.”

Back in the day, those words would’ve crushed me. I’d have freaked out, doubting myself and wondering if I’d messed up. Then I’d clamp down and act “proper” to keep everyone else satisfied. Now, I just replied flatly, “Got it. No worries.”

Sally nodded. Probably because I’d never done anything improper, she seemed pretty trusting of me.

After leaving the Holcomb residence, I swung by to pick up Melissa.

The second she got in the car, she started ranting about the cases she’d handled that day. She got more fired up by the minute, cursing guys for being so damn ungrateful. Those divorce cases must’ve soured her on love.

I just let her vent, not saying much.

Suddenly, she tugged at my sleeve and grinned, “Guess who’s treating tonight?”

I blinked. “Who?”

“Our class president from college. He’s killing it now—heard he’s a manager at some big tech company. Dude’s got a bright future,” Melissa said dreamily.

I teased, “Then go for it. You’re acting all goofy over him.”

“Please. He wouldn’t even look at me twice,” Melissa sighed, then dramatically pouted. “With a knockout like you around, I’m just the backup.”

I burst out laughing. Melissa was quirky as ever. Sure, she always said the most random stuff, but she was still my best friend, the one who kept my boring life interesting.

Soon, we arrived at the restaurant, and our old classmates were clustered near the entrance. As we approached, their eyes immediately lit up.

“The beauty queen’s here!” someone called out.