Page 76 of Sweet Redemption

Me too. And I’m sure Liv would be interested.

Serena

No. If I do this, I’m not dragging you into it with me.

Aurora

So you’re considering it?

Serena

It’s not the worst idea I’ve ever heard . . .

Aurora

That’s not a no.

Saylor

For what it’s worth, I think this would be perfect for you, Serena. You have a business degree with a minor in accounting. Which I still don’t understand, but whatever. If numbers are your thing, go with God. You do you, boo. But seriously, you’re so smart. You were raised by Max fucking Kingston, the baddest MF’er to ever run a billion-dollar conglomerate. And you’re a Kingston heiress. If you want this, you have the means to do it right there at your fingertips. You just need to reach out and take it.

Serena

It’s a little more complicated than that.

Aurora

But does it have to be?

“Is this seat taken?” my Uncle Jace whispers in the quiet cabin before dropping down into the seat next to me.

“That depends,” I joke. “Are you a spy?”

“Kid.” His lips tug up in a lopsided smile, both dimples popping. “Don’t ever forget that I was the first kid your dad ever raised. I’d sooner spy on him for you than you for him.”

“You know.” I lean my head back against the soft leather seat and turn my face toward his. “I kinda tend to forget Dad was your guardian after Grandpa died. He doesn’t talk about it much.”

“That’s because I was a way bigger pain in the ass than you ever were. I like to think I was the reason he and your mom only had one kid. They were so grateful you were nothing like me, they stopped while they were ahead.”

The waitress stops next to us and hands me my ginger ale and Jace his . . .

“Jack and coke, Mr. Kingston.”

“Thanks, Leslie.” He waits for her to walk away before tapping his glass against mine. “Cheers to a good season.”

“Cheers.”

Jace watches me closely, his head tilting and eyes narrowing. “You planning on sticking around for the season or are you really quitting?”

“I already quit,” I tell him firmly. “Hockey isn’t my thing.”

“Good.”

Well, I wasn’t expecting that answer. “Really?”

“I love your father. But he’s stubborn and always thinks he’s right. I think it’s the oldest brother in him. He was in charge of all of us and King Corp. before Dad was ever gone. His legacy is different from the rest of ours. I don’t think your dad ever really had a choice, and I doubt he even realized that he’s been basically doing the same thing to you since you retired from soccer.”

Well, that’s one way of saying I got hurt bad enough to make rehabbing my way back impossible.