Cursed (Enchanted Gods #1) - K.K. Allen Page 0,13

overlooks a breathtaking view of the bay and the endless sea beyond it.

Charlotte takes me past the foyer and grand staircase into another section of the house, skipping a narrow hallway. “What’s down there?”

“Oh, that’s Rose—er, your grandmother’s quarters. Rose prefers to not take the stairs, so if you ever need her, this is where you’ll find her—in her bedroom, her study, or the library. They’re all down there.”

“Library?” My curiosity is immediately piqued.

Charlotte lights up, her eyes practically glowing with excitement. “Oh, yes. And it’s by far the most charming room in the entire house. I’ll leave that up to your grandmother to show you herself, but I’ll let her know you’re eager to see it. Come with me.”

She continues the tour, showing me the many guest bedrooms, her arts-and-crafts room, and a giant darkroom with theater seating and a projection screen on one wall.

Then she turns to me and claps her hands. “That’s pretty much it for the tour. You’ve seen the pool and the beach. This is your home now, Kat. We’d very much like for you to feel comfortable here, so if there’s anything you need, please let me know.”

Staring back at the woman, I wonder for the hundredth time in the past week who exactly she is to my grandmother. What is a “caretaker,” and what are her responsibilities to Summer Estate—and now to me?

We’re on our way back downstairs when I can’t help but ask, “Why such a large home? This place is gorgeous and all, but I can’t imagine one person needing”—I sweep my arms around me—“all of this.”

“Rose and your grandfather lived in Apollo Beach most of their lives. Their parents were the best of friends and all traveled from Greece to build the School of Gaia, a private college here. After she married your grandfather, they took what their parents built and expanded the community, which Rose now oversees. She has her hands in many areas—politics, real estate, education, and the environment. I suppose that all comes with a certain status that’s critical for her to uphold.” Charlotte is clearly being cautious as she answers.

“You make it sound like Rose owns this town.”

Charlotte shrugs. “Some say she does. Overall, your grandmother is a very well respected woman here.”

“Overall?”

Charlotte smiles. “Well, let’s just say there are a number of folks in this town who don’t love the idea of a woman running things. After George passed, it seems she’s never stopped having to prove herself.”

“Really? Why?”

Charlotte shrugs. “I’ll never understand it, but ever since the fire, Rose has had to deal with insurmountable pressure from the community. And it’s never let up.”

“Wait. What fire?”

Charlotte’s eyes flit away from mine, her eyebrows slightly furrowed. “Your mom never told you about the fire? Rose and your grandfather had a section of the house remodeled because of it.”

I shake my head, and discomfort churns in my stomach. Why is it starting to feel like my mom kept so many secrets from me? “Not a word. Like I told you, she didn’t tell me much.”

Charlotte sighs. “Right. I guess she wouldn’t have had a reason to share that. I shouldn’t have assumed you knew. Forget I said anything. Rose will surely tell you all about it in good time.”

My jaw drops. “You can’t do that, Charlotte. I want to know about the fire. What happened? When?”

Charlotte frowns, the deep creases between her eyes showing her worry. “I really should let Rose tell you, Kat. It’s her story, not mine. I’m sorry I mentio—”

“Oh my gosh, Charlotte. Just tell me what you know,” I beg. “Unless you want me to start digging around on the internet and believe everything I read.”

Charlotte’s eyes flash with worry before she lets out a heavy sigh and casts a long, stern look at me. “All right, all right.” Her voice is hushed and her eyes narrowed as if Rose might overhear her from wherever she is. “A little over ten years ago, there was an awful fire in the estate. No one knows how it started, but your grandfather was in the library when it all began. He was trapped for so long that everyone began to believe he was dead. Rose finally got to him and pulled him out. He was alive, but his condition worsened over time, and respiratory issues killed him a year later. Rose didn’t want to leave the place she and your grandfather had built, so she sought help to care for Summer Manor. That’s how