Page 87 of Twisted Truth

“Let me say my piece, and then I’ll let it go, for now. You have buried yourself in work your whole life, Asher. You’ve pushed women, love, and people away. You let so few people into your life, and while that can be a prudent thing in many ways as a Langford, it’s not healthy for you to stay that way forever. You’re only human, and humans were not made to be alone. For some people, having good friends and family is enough, and I’m sure you’ve told yourself the same thing over the years. But I know you, my boy, and I don’t think it’s enough for you.

“You need a partner. Youdeservea partner. You deserve at least one person in your world that gives your life more meaning. All of our money, our business, our world would meannothing to me without your mother, you, and your brothers. At the end of your life, do you really think you’ll be thinking about what deals you did or didn’t close? How much money you had? No. You’ll be thinking of the things that are truly important, and right now, Asher? There is nothing in your life that is truly important.”

His words are like a punch to the gut.

“But when you stood in front of the board, defending Ella and fighting for her, I had hope for the first time in a long time. I know you two haven’t known each other long, but I see the way you look at her. And I see what kind of woman she is. I think Ella could be someone in your life that means something. She could be something thatactuallymatters if you let her.”

His words hit with a different kind of force this time, and I don’t know what to say. But I’m saved from trying to answer as my mother comes back into the room.

“Here we are,” she says, handing me one large midnight-blue velvet jewelry box, and a small one to match.

I open the large one. I can’t help the breath of surprise that escapes me. It contains one of the gold Langford pendants. The one set aside for me. The teardrop gold pendant has an elaborate cursive “L” engraved on the surface, with a small diamond set into the beginning of the “L” and another at the end of it. Its actual value isn’t much—it’s just a gold pendant and two small diamonds—but its history makes it incredibly valuable. It’s an antique that has been in our family for two centuries. It’s the original Langford pendant.

“I . . . I can’t, mom.”

“Yes, you can.”

“It’s a Langford pendant!”

“I’m aware, darling.”

“Why would I give this to her when she couldn’t wear it?”

“And why couldn’t she wear it?”

“Because someone will see it!”

“And what’s wrong with people seeing it?” she asks, innocently.

“Don’t play dumb. You know full well that this gift may seem innocuous at first, but eventually, someone who knows what these pendants mean will see it on her, and then it will be reported.”

“Which will be excellent press, darling.”

“And what happens when this is all over, do I just ask for it back? I can’t think of anything more insulting.”

“If this is the business transaction you say it is, I don’t see why that would be a problem.”

“Why don’t I just fucking propose tonight while I’m at it!”

“Language, darling. And don’t be silly, a proposal is always at least a fortnight after the pendant.”

“Yes, but only because it took a fortnight to settle the terms of a woman’s dowry! Shall I call her father and open the discussions tomorrow?”

“I love you, my son. But sometimes you are your own worst enemy. For once in your life, have some faith. Take a leap. You might be surprised by what you find on the other side.”

“You’re not making any sense, Mom. I know Declan has asked for his pendant at least three times, and you’ve denied him every time.”

“Declan would have given his pendant to his high-school girlfriend of three weeks, once upon a time. He was too eager to jump into what he thought was love, headfirst and without a thought, when what he was feeling was lust. But he was burned too many times and has unfortunately learned his lesson. And now I know when he asks for this pendant, it will be for the right woman, and I will happily give it to him.”

“Okay, but I’m not in love, and yet you’re here practically shoving it down my throat. Ella is not even my real girlfriend or soon-to-be-fiancé, as per the pendant’s usual custom.”

“Asher, where do you see your life in ten years?”

“The same as it is now.”

“And that doesn’t bother you?”

“No, I love my life.”