“What kind of woman is that?” asks Tessa.
Without restraint, Tillie replies, “Smart, witty. Not you.”
Tessa pushes back from the table. “I know when I am not wanted.”
Tillie shrugs and looks away.
Tessa dashes out of the dining room, and Liam stands and throws his napkin on the table. “Really, Tillie?”
“Yes. Go after your fiancée before she leaves you for another man with more money.” Tillie continues eating.
“Tillie.” My father’s voice is firm.
“Sorry, Uncle.”
After a few minutes, Liam reappears without Tessa.
Tillie leans forward. “Sorry, Liam.”
Liam scowls. “You are not sorry, Tillie.”
“You are right, but I was trying to be courteous,” Tillie rebuts.
Liam shakes his head, but the conversations run smoothly. I speak little, enjoying Noelle at my side as she talks to Tillie.
This feels solid and real when it shouldn’t be. What do I do now?
Chapter five
RULE #3 & 4 No Personal Details. Keep the noise to a minimum.
NOELLE
Last night, dinner ended quickly. Everyone went to their rooms since we were all tired. There was a slight awkwardness regarding our sleeping arrangements. In the end, Roman took the sectional, and I took the bed.
And what a bed.
Lying here, I feel like purring. The sheets are soft and silky. The pillows feel cloud-like. When I twist my head to the side, the clouds look like they are hanging low. Light scatters through the falling snowflakes.
I sigh. I couldn’t ask for a more perfect morning.
I hear muffled voices through the walls, and they are moving closer and closer to Roman’s room.
“Let me ask them if they are coming for breakfast.” I hear Elizabeth’s voice clearer. Without thinking, I jump off the bed and tiptoe across the room.
“Did Liam get the jam?” Elizabeth asks. A knock sounds throughout the room. Without thinking, I catapulted myself onto a sleeping Roman.
“Oof.” Roman’s eyes flutter. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”
The door opens, and I press my lips to Roman’s. It didn’t take long for him to hold onto my waist.
“Oh, sorry,” Elizabeth says.
I lift my head and let out a small scream, grabbing Roman’s sheet to my body and pressing my face into his bare chest, acting like we have been caught in the act.
Roman licks his lips and eases up on the chair, holding me close to his chest.
“You wanted something, Mother?” Roman says. I can hear the mirth in his voice.
