Dad and I painted the walls while Mom and Cass assembled furniture.
When we were finished, the room was a clash of vibrant colors. Not a pastel in sight. Cass insisted children saw bright, primary colors better and that it strengthened their brains. The intensity of it reminded me, in some ways, of the wild mismatch of colors in Hannah’s room.
By the time dinner came, I realized Mom and I hadn’t fought or spat at each other once. There’d been laughter in the room instead. It had been a good day. A day we hadn’t had with the four of us in a really long time…maybe ever.
When I got a call from Elsa Chan late in the evening, Mom barely squinted when I walked away to talk in private.
“So, I’m sorry, but the bank rejected the offer,” Elsa told me, and she actually sounded like she was truly sorry.
“I can’t believe the bank’s board would agree with William’s call,” I told her. She was quiet, and I knew I had latched on to something. “Who should I talk to?”
She sighed. “I’m not saying it’ll work, or that William’s wrong, but if you wanted to talk to someone who might change their mind, you could talk to our Aunt Victoria. She’s the Chairman of the Board.”
“How do I get a hold of Aunt Victoria?”
“She lives in New York City because she spends most of her days on philanthropic efforts there. I can send you the details for her office.”
A quiet settled between us. “Why are you helping me?” I asked.
“I love my brother, but he really needs someone to cut him down a peg or two before he loses any decent part of him that’s left,” she said.
I laughed. “He’s definitely a different William than the one I used to hang with.”
“I kind of wish we could have that William back.” Her voice was wistful.
“Well, thanks,” I said.
“I can’t say it’ll help, but good luck.”
We hung up, and when I came back into the living room, Cass was alone. I caught her up on the situation with Kincaid’s.
“The last thing I want is for you to spend more money than the place is worth,” Cass said quietly, her eyes darting to the kitchen where our parents were chatting about whether or not Dad should have the third piece of cake. At least it seemed like the rift between them was healing some, because it was a good-natured ribbing.
“This isn’t just about buying Kincaid’s for you, Cass. This is also aboutLa Musicaand Tristan. If I can get someone over William’s head to put pressure on him, it could solve everything. I have to be in New York City on Thursday to interview the two candidates Lee has lined up for Dani’s job, so I’ll see if I can get Victoria Chan to meet with me then.”
“Fine, but promise me you won’t do something ridiculous and spend more than we can ever get back,” she said.
I nodded with a smile. “Promise me you’ll find someone to hang out with you so I won’t be leaving you unattended.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’ll figure it out.”
“Promise me,” I demanded. “Or I won’t go. I’ll just do all the meetings via video.”
She flicked at my earlobe, and I wasn’t quick enough to protect it. She smiled at her small success as I winced. “Stop being as ridiculous as she is,” she said, sending a look in Mom’s direction. “But I promise.”
Tristan
SOMEBODY LIKE THAT
“And I want
That all in, fallin'
Keep the fire burning like the first time feeling no matter what.”
Performed by Tenille Arts
Written by Veltz / Kline / Arts
