Total pages in book: 162
Estimated words: 158872 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 794(@200wpm)___ 635(@250wpm)___ 530(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 158872 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 794(@200wpm)___ 635(@250wpm)___ 530(@300wpm)
“Good point.” He snorts and actually smiles. “See? There’s that clever mind I was talking about.” His teasing expression melts. “Grandpa left some money for you to go to college. So don’t worry about that.”
“I thought I needed a lawyer to let me take the money out?”
“You do, but one of the things you can take it out for is school expenses.”
“Oh.” This is new information and would’ve saved me a lot of stress if I’d known about it sooner.
“It’s not a lot,” Remy adds. “You’ll probably still need financial aid, but it should help. You’re going to school. I don’t want you trapped here helping me run the bar and working at the grocery store for a nickel above minimum wage.”
“Excuuuse me.” I draw out the words and add a silly face. “I make a whole twenty-five cents above minimum wage, thank you very much.”
“Oh, well, in that case…” He rolls his eyes. “Seriously, though. I’m sorry I didn’t think about the financial aid forms.” He taps his forehead like he’s stupid for not being aware of something that should be common knowledge.
“You’re not a parent, Remy,” I say gently. “And you didn’t get the chance to worry about all the college stuff for yourself because you were taking care of Nana and Grandpa.”
“That’s not the only reason why,” he scoffs. “I didn’t have the grades you have.”
I bite my tongue. Remy’s just as smart as me, if not smarter. Our chaotic home life never gave him the chance to prove himself in school. But saying that might insult him, and that’s the last thing I want.
“Well, why would you be worried about all these forms? I should’ve said something sooner, but I didn’t want to stress you out over something I didn’t know how to fix.”
“Oh, I know how I’m gonna fix it.” His hard-faced stare should chill me to the bone. If I thought it was directed at me, it would. “And don’t walk on eggshells around me. You need something, say it. Stop acting like you’re so grateful to live with me, you don’t want to make a peep. It’s your house too.”
“Thanks,” I whisper, a bit embarrassed he’s nailed exactly how I feel. “Wait, how are you going to fix it?”
“Get me those forms. Whatever you need filled out. And I’ll be the one to take them over to the house and have a chat with our dear old dad.”
“Remy, no.” Fear freezes my insides. Even when he’s not drunk, there’s no way to have a civil conversation with our father. “I don’t want you getting into trouble because of me.”
“I won’t throw any punches,” he promises in a less-than-reassuring tone. “Unless he gives me a reason to.”
“That’s little comfort.”
“It’ll be fine.” Staring me in the eye, he walks around the edge of the desk and rests his hand on my shoulder. “I’ll look into what we need to do about your license. Although, your birthday’s so close—”
“I might as well wait until I don’t need a parent to go with me,” I finish for him. “You’re right. I’ve made it this long. A few more weeks won’t matter.”
“You’re a great driver. You won’t have any trouble passing the test.”
“Thanks.” I bump my shoulder against his arm. “I mean it.” I probably shouldn’t open this can of worms. This is the best conversation Remy and I have had in such a long time. “And thanks for being okay with Griff and me.”
He blows out a long, slow breath. “I wish you were a little older. I want you to experience life outside of this town. If you want to come back and settle down, that’s one thing, but if you never get to leave at all…”
“So it’s not me dating Griff that bothers you?” Huh, who knew? “You’re worried he’ll keep me tethered here?”
“I’m not thrilled about you dating anyone.” He releases a bone-weary sigh. “But I’ve never heard you say entering a nunnery was on your list of ambitions, so no, you two together doesn’t bother me the way you think it does. I know he’ll treat you right.” He holds up his hands. “Not because he’s threatened by me. Because he’s a good man—”
“He is.”
“I know.” His face twists with doubt. “Maybe it’d be better if you had more dating experience—”
I raise an eyebrow.
“Not that kind of experience. Ugh.” He shakes his body side to side like he’s trying to throw off a nest of spiders. “Just experience in general, so you don’t have regrets later.”
I open my mouth to protest, then stop as his words sink in. His concern makes sense. But I don’t think there’s a time in my future I could ever regret being with Griff. The few experiences I have had only make me appreciate our relationship even more.
“I’ve dated a little.” I force some steel into my tone. “And…” No one sets me on fire the way Griff does. No, Remy won’t be receptive to that. “I don’t need to kiss more frogs to know Griff is a prince.”