“Because a financier is looking to invest and make money back. I don’t know what his terms are.”
“Did you ask?”
“No.”
“Why not?” she asks.
“Because I don’t know, I guess…I guess I didn’t believe him.”
“Oh, for crying out loud.” Aunt Kitty shuffles out of her chair and then storms to the front door, where she flings it open.
“What are you doing?” I ask, chasing after her.
“Finding out the terms.”
She moves down the porch stairs and power walks across the yard.
“Wait, don’t!” I shout, catching up to her just as she stops in front of Rupert.
“Where is your lord?”
Rupert pauses his music, slowly lowering his sunglasses—along with his aluminum foil—and says, “You didn’t comment back on my song choice. You know, engagement with your fans will only pick up your algorithm.”
“I’m not about to give in to thirsty fans,” Aunt Kitty says with her chin tilted high. “Now, I asked you a question. Where is your lord?”
With a smirk, Rupert thumbs toward the house. “Last I saw he was working out.”
“Thank you.” Aunt Kitty starts to move away but then pauses, takes her phone out of her pocket, and snaps a picture of Rupert.
“Saving for later?” he asks.
“As a matter of fact, I am.”
Dear God in heaven.
As we walk away, Rupert shouts, “Why settle for a picture when you can have the real thing?”
“Because the real thing will only lead to disappointment,” Aunt Kitty replies and then knocks on the door.
“Listen, this is not a good idea,” I say. “We don’t know this guy, we don’t know what he has planned. It could be a con job for all we know.” I don’t really believe that, but then again, this is Aunt Kitty. I have to talk carefully with her and not let her knowthat I slightly believe Theo is the way to go. “Let’s just go back to the house?—”
The door opens and Theo stands on the other side in a pair of chino shorts, no shirt…and those godforsaken loafers.
“Hello, ladies.” He smiles. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
Sweat speckles his chest and his hair is in slight disarray.
Aunt Kitty looks him up and down and says, “What on earth are you wearing? Are you really working out in that?”
Thank God she said it so I didn’t have to.
He rubs the side of his face. “Yeah, kind of forgot to pack my workout clothes. Have yet to find a store in town that can help me out. Not used to driving on these roads, so I haven’t been able to travel far. I’m at the mercy of these shoes.”
“Well good God, man. Ask for help. Renley here can drive you to a sporting goods store.”
He perks up. “That would be great. When should we go?”
“Uhh…”
