Sophia
Leo and I saton a plush couch as we flew across the country and sipped champagne that a petite redhead had greeted us with when we’d stepped onto the plane. I hadn’t even known flying like this was a thing people did. I’d just assumed the private-jet experience was less glamorous in reality than they made it look on TV, but that was not the case at all. It was swanky as hell.
Apparently, my boyfriend is rich. Who knew?
“Do they fully staff these things?” I asked as the second flight attendant walked away, having just set down a charcuterie board.
“Yeah, I think it has something to do with regulations,” Leo said, leaning forward to grab food. “I really have no clue. I have zero interest in the family real estate business.”
“Does your mom run the company?” I asked as he passed me a few grapes. Leo had mentioned the family real estate business but he’d leftout that his mother was the daughter of Zachariah Acker and that she had basically grown up as an heiress.
“No. She technically has all the control though. She has people like Jace who run everything and she just approves high-level shit. She never wanted the company, but I think she’s a little more invested now that she and Jace have reduced the profits so much and started building for underserved communities instead of just for growing their wealth like my grandfather did.”
“Do you have any intention of working there?” I asked, sipping my champagne.
“Nope,” Leo said, popping a grape in his mouth. “I do own a bunch of shares, but my mom is going to transfer her controlling interest to Jace eventually. I’ll make money, but I’ll never do anything. I offered not to take any shares since I knew I’d never work for the company, but Mom and Jace insisted. It’s a good safety net if my hockey career ever gets cut short.”
Leo put his arm around my shoulders again and we leaned back on the couch. “I had no idea you were rich. I mean, your parents’ place is gorgeous, but not billionaire gorgeous.”
Leo laughed and kissed my cheek. “Yeah, my parents never wanted to raise me like that. It’s just not who they are. My mom has no problem buying designer everything, but aside from that, I never felt all that different from my friends. We obviously do well, but living an overly luxurious life isn’t their style.”
“Your mom has incredible fashion sense. My sister would die if she saw her closet.” I finished the champagne, and Leo took the empty glass from me, setting it on a table to his left.
“Is Elena into fashion?” Leo asked.
“Obsessed.” I chuckled. “I don’t know if she’s going to end up working in high-end fashion or designing it herself, but she has fashion magazines and mood boards galore. Whenever I need help with an outfit, she’s the first call I make. When she was twelve, she picked out my prom dress, and it slayed.”
Leo laughed as my phone dinged. I picked it up.
Mom:Arrival time still scheduled for 6:00 p.m.?
“Oops,” I said. “It’s my mom. I should probably tell her my flight has changedandI’m bringing a guest.”
“Go ahead.” Leo picked up his phone. “I’ve got to give Jace shit for bragging about his dick earlier. Asshole.”
I shook my head and typed a response, noticing the chat included Kennedy, Mom, and me.Probably in case Kennedy or Dad want to pick me up too.
Me:Surprise! I’m not coming home alone. Leo is coming with me.
Kennedy:Wow. That is not the advice I gave.
Mom:What advice?
Kennedy:Just let this one go. Trust me.
Mom:You’re bringing the hockey player home? Is it still casual?
Me:I don’t think so.
Kennedy:See? Definitely not what I advised.
Mom:You suggested she have a casual hookup?
Kennedy:Yes, and it was good advice for the situation.
Mom:Coparenting with you is a constant source of stress.
Kennedy:You would have said the same thing if she’d come to you.
