“Yes, sir.”
Papa removes his reading glasses and stands, starting toward hisoffice. “Ali, I’m sorry to have to cut this short, but I’ll see you at dinner tonight?”
“Of course.” I nod.
We hug, and I leave the room, my mind a jumble of thoughts.
“Well, Princess? How did it go?”Bruce, the head of my security detail, asks as he drives us back to St. James’s Palace. He’s been my personal protection officer for the last eight years. We have an easy relationship between us. He’s in his mid-fifties and has dark-brown hair and kind brown eyes.
I rub my temples. “No changes on the flat situation. Mum and dad still want me to find a place that’s within their approved bubble. We’re back to where we were before I left.”
“I’m sorry,” he says in a sympathetic tone. “Did you try and lay out the argument just as we’d practiced?”
“There was no point. I could tell he wasn’t going to budge without Mum around.” I stare out the window at the tourists gathered near the front gates of Buckingham Palace, snapping selfies and watching the famed foot guards stand in their sentry boxes. It’s funny, they’d do anything to see the inside of the palace, while I’d love nothing more than to escape it. Heaviness fills me.
“You know, ma’am, I wouldn’t give up hope yet. I’m sure everything will work out just fine when the timing is right.”
“I hope so.”
“It’s only June. You still have plenty of time.” He glances back at me in the rearview mirror. “Have you thought about enlisting your brother or Ms. Collins? She seems to have a gift for pulling off what others deem impossible.”
“Hmm, I haven’t.” A jolt of energy shoots through my body at the thought of Eddie’s fiancée. “You’re right. Amanda might be the perfect person to get somewhere with my parents.”
Amanda is a spunky American who met my brother about five years ago. She loves all things Disney, and before moving permanently to theUK, she worked as a flight attendant. These days, she helps my brother run his charitable organization.
On paper, it doesn’t seem like she and my brother would have anything in common. They were like water and oil. But now, I can’t imagine themnotbeing together. Amanda and Eddie are living, breathing proof that opposites attract. Even though we aren’ttechnicallysisters yet, I still consider her to be one.
Pulling out my mobile, I tap on the green bubble icon and start typing a new text message.
Alice
Hey, A.
I only have to wait a few seconds for her to respond.
Amanda
Ali! You’re back! I need to see you ASAP!
My body shakes with laughter. That’s Amanda for you. She’d drop everything she’s doing to see me.
Alice
Agreed! It’s been too long. Are you free tonight? Eddie is doing dinner with Papa and I’m joining them.
Amanda
I wasn’t planning to, but if you’re going to be there, count me in.
Alice
Brilliant, because I could use your help.
Amanda
Awesome sauce. What do you need?
Alice
