Andre chokes on his drink. “You married the one and only princess of the Russian Bravata? What the fuck?”
“When she came into our lives, she didn’t even have any idea who she was. By the time anyone figured it out, I was already sunk, and she was mine. So here we are.” Mason shrugs.
“Yes, and to say that it has been lucrative is an understatement,” Theo cuts in.
“Have you finally officially joined the family?” I ask Theo because, although he may have married the Irish princess, he has always said that he is a tech man, not a Mafia man.
“Nope, just handle the tech side of things. And you tend to learn some things about what’s really going on when you do,” Theo smirks.
“I’ll have to remember that in the future,” Andre grins.
We spent the next several hours going over what our futures look like. Working through all the ins and outs of what is mutually beneficial for us all. Before we realize how long we’d been there talking, there is a soft knock on the door.
Fifteen
Loretta
Mia and Lawson are talking so fast between the two of them I barely have time to keep up with the conversation. As we step through the door, my jaw drops at how absolutely beautiful the home is. I stop walking just to look around at it, trying to take it all in. Mia and the little blond Lawson all stop and look at me with questions in their eyes.
“This place is utterly gorgeous,” I whisper in awe.
Mia looks around as if seeing the home from my point of view for the first time. “You know I always forget that this place truly is spectacular. I guess you just get used to the grandness of it all.”
“That’s an understatement of the century,” we heard mumbled.
Lawson looks over the woman. “I’m so sorry. You must think we have no manners at all. What is your name, sweetie?”
A blush covers her cheeks before she answers Lawson. “I think nothing of the sort. My name is Tinsley.”
“It is an absolute pleasure to meet you, Tinsley. I hope you have a great time while your here.”
“I know it’s going to be great. Thank you for including me. I truly just came to watch over Mr. Silas. So, I truly appreciate you including me.”
Lawson claps her hands in excitement. “Oh, this is going to be so much fun. We’re going to show you to your rooms so you can freshen up, and then we’ll head out and do some shopping.”
I watch as Tinsley smiles wide. “I’m in the same boat as Loretta here. If the store requires six figures to shop at it, I’m afraid I won’t find anything in my price range. But I could find something banging at the thrift store.”
Mia, the more serious and quieter of the two, speaks up then. “We’re going to spend these men’s money and enjoy every second of it. So, you ladies follow Mrs. Washington here to your rooms and great ready.”
“I’ll hang out in this room while Tinsley gets ready. When I said I knew nothing about this trip before leaving, what you see is what I have.” I spin around, arms wide.
Mia’s eyes scan my body. “Looks like we're about the same size. So come to my room and we’ll find you something to wear.”
Instantly I wave her off. “Oh no, I couldn’t. I’ll get what I need when we go out.”
Lawson starts chuckling. “Telling her no won’t help you at all. When Mia gets it in her head that something is going to happen, she won't stop until it’s done. It would save us all some time if you just went with her.”
Mia swats Lawson on the arm. “It doesn’t help that I literally have two full wardrobes at this point and the stuff in this house never gets worn anymore. So, if she can wear them and enjoy them, then she should.”
Tinsley and I look at each other wide-eyed. I hold up two fingers and whisper, “Two wardrobes?”
Tinsley covers her mouth, laughing. Suddenly, an elderly woman comes into view with a soft smile and knowing eyes. Lawson spins around, pulling her into a tight hug.
“This here is Mrs. Washington. If you need anything at all while you are here, she is the one to ask.” Lawson turns to the older woman. “Can you show Loretta and Tinsley to their rooms?”
“I sure will, love,” Mrs. Washington tells her before looking at us. “Come ladies, I’ll show you how to get there and how to reach someone if you need something.”
Tinsley and I fall into step behind her as she starts up the stairs. I’m moving slowly, still in awe of such a dazzling home.
