“It must be hard for you to relate to coming-of-age, high school movies.”
“Maybe.” I’ve never thought about that. All the coming-of-age movies are about middle-class, regular people who went to regular high schools. Not the son of a billionaire, who had his pick of private schools. “But I think it’s because they didn’t drive good cars.”
“You must like the Fast and Furious movies.”
I shake my head. “No, because I can drive better than they can. Momoa was like a kid when he was filming that movie. He loved the driving.”
Sophie’s eyes widen. “You know Jason Momoa?”
“Yeah, but it’s cool.” It’s not cool—it’s fantastic that I know Jason Momoa, and I had no trouble telling people about it. Yes, I would drop names, rub it in that I bumped elbows with the rich and famous. But with Sophie… I don’t feel like bragging. So I keep it cool. “You’re staying in a castle.”
“I wasn’t comparing myself to you. I just think it’s… really neat… that you’re friends with him.”
Neat. She’s kind of adorable. “I wouldn’t call us friends.”
“Your friends… the Billionaire Brats.”
I frown. “I hate that name.”
“What would you callyour group?”
“A group of friends who have known each other for years and have always got my back. Gunnar’s part of it, and you don’t hear anyone calling him a brat around here.”
“When he was younger, maybe.” Sophie laughs, secure that she knows a different side of Gunnar than I do. She knows theyoung Gunnar. The little brother Gunnar, thebrother’s best friend.“It must be nice to have friends like that,” she adds.
“It is.” I give my head a shake. Biting her head off isn’t going to do me any favours. “So. Any other favourite movies?”
“Alien.”
I raise my eyebrows. “Really.”
She shrugs. “What can I say? I like to be scared.”
“Did not see that coming.” We talk movies for a while, pausing only when the maid knocks to check on Sophie, and asks if there’s anything we need.
“I would love a coffee,” Sophie says almost apologetically. “Ashton…?”
This is the time I could leave. She’s giving me the out to saythank you, but I’ve got to be going.
And I could. I should, because I’m enjoying myself more than I expected.
“I’d love a coffee,” I tell her, turning to Sophie. “I’ve got nowhere to be. Unless you want to get rid of me.”
Sophie’s cheeks are pink as she shakes her head.
13
Sophie
Thenextmorning,Ashtonis back. This time, he brings me coffee.
“Fen helped set up a delivery service, sort of like Uber Eats but better. Apparently, this is the first time delivering to the castle.”
I eye him warily as he flops onto the couch.
“You ordered coffee for me?” He looks pointedly at the large to-go cup in my hand. From the smell, I can tell it’s my regular order—caramel macchiato with unicorn foam. “How did you know…?”
“You’re a bit predictable,” he says. “Silas knew exactly what your order was.”
