“I think she was alright. She doesn't want me to tell you this, and I’m probably going to get into trouble for it, but I hate seeing her so sad. Maybe keep it between the three of us for now. She got rejection letters from some of the jobs she had applied for. Then she broke down in tears. She doesn't think she’ll ever get an internship now.”
“Oh no. That was her dream, and now it’s shattered because of that petty bitch and small-minded individuals.” You can see Jazzy’s temper on the rise as she grits her teeth and her hands form fists. She’s practically one move away from stamping her foot.
“I’m sure there’s one out there who will take her on, especially if they know there would be a rather large donation if they did,” Dad murmurs, and I can practically see him scheming. God knows he’ll have to think quickly to beat Nana at it. As soon as she finds this out, she’ll probably purchase a zoo... or two.
“Actually, I may have an idea regarding that.” When she had been muttering about the Tiger King earlier, it had gotten my own mind turning. “What about if we gave her the estate next door? She could turn it into a refuge for exotic animals. You know, rescuing animals from people who had bought them illegally or didn’t know how to care for them properly, that sort of thing. Sort of like what the Tiger King did, but legit and above board. There could be an education center too, one we can allow schools to tour and shit. I mean, I haven't really thought it out, and Harlow would need major input, and we’d have to hire a chief veterinarian or something to teach her, but it’s an idea at least...” I trail off because Dad and Jacinta once again look like they've been hit over the head by a two by four.
“Yes!” Jazzy shouts, jumping up and throwing her arms around me. “That would be perfect. And then maybe you all could move in with her and play happy family.” She does a little jig and leans over for a high five from Dad. Even though he’s chuckling, he indulges her, never about to deny his favorite princess.
“Ah, hang on, don't you think you're getting a little bit ahead of the game?” I splutter. Even I can hear the panic in my voice, but happy family? I get up and start to pace back and forth as Dad and Jazzy look on in amusement. I hadn't thought about us moving with her, if she’d want us to, or if we’re even there yet. The estate needs a lot of work to get it up and running, and I’m not sure if my brothers would be open to the idea, but now that Jacinta has put the idea in my mind, I don't completely hate it. I guess I knew, going into this complicated relationship with her and my brothers, it was a long-term thing, that it wasn't going to be just a fling. Or my brothers and I are, at least. Who knows what Harlow is thinking? I stop suddenly, realizing I need to take another leap of faith.
“No matter what, it’s worth bringing it up. She may hate the house when we do a tour, but I think it’s worth exploring.”
Dad gets up and crosses over to us, folding his arms around me. “I am so proud of the man you have become, Jaxon Summers. So very proud. I love you,” he murmurs into my ear, and a lump develops in my throat as I choke up with emotion.
“Love you too, Dad.” I hug him back, holding on until I feel my sister’s arms wrap around us too.
“Aww, I love you guys too.”
Dad smiles and pulls away. “Okay, I’m going to go deal with the fallout from Cecelia.” He kisses her on the head. “I’ll leave you to contemplate your new fortune. God, I may have to ask the two of you for a loan to buy this new airline.” He chuckles again as he walks out. “Imagine that, my own kids giving me a loan.” He’s still laughing as he walks away.
“Come on. Let’s join the others in watching a movie, but don’t say anything about my idea. When we tour the place, we can see if she likes it. If she does, we can talk about it with the others before we spring it on her. No sense in getting her heart set on an idea if some of the others aren’t into it. The way things are going, I think we may be in an all-or-nothing kind of situation.”
“Sounds good, big bro.” She’s all smiles, but I can still see the tension in her body. “I can’t deny that I don't feel the same way. I think I’m just going to pretend we didn't hear any of that for the next hour or so anyway.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Harlow
I’m snuggled in between a snoring Holden and a cuddly Oliver when Jaxon and Jacinta find their way into the theater. Jacinta dramatically sniffs and wrinkles her nose, but Jaxon’s eyes heat, a smirk crosses his lips, as they each find a comfortable seat nearby. God, my cheeks are practically on fire. I don't really care about Jaxon knowing what we were up to, I mean, the man has been intimately close to my vagina, but I don’t want to traumatize my new sister-bestie.
“How did it go?” Oliver quietly asks the twins, and they exchange a glance.
“Can we just not talk about it for the moment?” Jacinta waves a hand as if shooing the topic away. “I’d rather only tell it once at dinner tonight when everyone’s around.” I can see it takes all of Oliver’s self-control not to push, but he reluctantly leaves the two of them alone. I can’t say I blame him. Anything to get me out of my own head would be great, but then I guess I wouldn't want to be pushed either.
The day seems to get away from us, and before we know it, it’s dinnertime. We’ve all been called to the formal dining room; Forrest, Molly, and Emma have gone home, but everyone else is here, including Hope.
Her face is drawn in sympathy as she wraps her arms around me in a hug. “How are you doing?” she asks as she pulls away, and I shrug.
“I’m okay. The worst that could have happened has, so nothing else will faze me now.” I try to brush off the heartbreak of the rejection letters, but I can tell she knows about them. Jaxon must have said something to Dad despite me asking him not to. I guess I can’t be too mad; with Hope being head of PR, they probably thought she might have some creative ideas for fixing my ruined reputation.
Nana pushes Hope gently out of the way and hugs me too. Then I feel another set of arms and smell Poppy’s familiar scent. It’s enough to have tears pooling in my eyes, and I feel a shudder of emotion run through my body.
“Now, see here, Hally. I will just buy you a freaking zoo if we have to. You’ve worked so hard for your dream, and no one’s prejudices should be able to steal that away from you.” Poppy sounds all gruff, but I know it’s his way of dealing with everything I know we’re both feeling. It’s been a rough day for the Summers family, but the most amazing thing is that they’ve all been a rock of support.
“Thanks, Poppy, but I’m not sure if that will help. I still need someone who will work with me.”
“Pfft.” Nana waves her hand dismissively, looking every bit like Jacinta did in the theater. “Throw enough money at people, and they will do anything. Do research on anyone you want to work under, and we will get them to teach you. Summers can beverypersuasive.” Nana pulls away and smooths down her clothes before taking a seat at the table while Poppy helps me into a chair on the other side of Jaxon and then takes a seat himself. The table is strewn with pizza boxes, and while the smell is appetizing enough, it’s a far cry from the type of homey spread that would normally decorate their table.
Kai sighs, his eyes on the pizza buffet. “Is anyone else missing Mrs. Heyton right about now?” Every single person at the table raises their hands, and laughter breaks out, shedding some of the tension in the atmosphere. For the next few minutes, slices of pizza are passed around and drinks procured from the kitchen and the bar. Finally, after everyone is served and has eaten a little bit, Dad starts talking.
“Okay, we have issued a media statement slamming the inflammatory ‘incest’ claims and established everyone’s relationships—blood or otherwise.”
“But that’s crap! We shouldn't have to explain anything to anyone,” Oliver argues, but Dad just runs a hand across his tired face.
“Yes, Oliver, you’re right. We didn'thaveto explain anything; you know what the media is like. They probably won’t pay any attention to it, but at least our side of the story is out there. The people who want to believe us will, and we won’t be able to change the minds of the people who aren’t interested in the truth.”
“We also announced that yes, you are in a loving and committed poly relationship. It was made clear that you have the full support of the family and the board, and in no way does your relationship affect the day-to-day running of the businesses,” Hope adds in. “We asked that they respect your privacy and to stop the speculation and mudslinging, but how effective that will be is anyone's guess.”
