over to Kairo knowing he’ll want to eat it despite the two bowls he’s already chowed down. I push up from the table and make my way to the kitchen to dish up dinner for mom.
“How’s the new job going?” Sebastian asks, sitting up on the kitchen counter.
Mom sighs, leaning back on the couch. “It’s great. Better than I thought it was going to be but it’s exhausting. It’s got long hours and it’s going to take me a little while to adjust to it. The Carringtons are great hosts. I was expecting them to be like the snobby rich people you see on TV, but Charles is great and a very generous man. He gives me a great rate and makes sure his staff are well cared for, Ocean too. I’m not so sure about Colton though, I haven’t really had a chance to get to know him yet but I’m sure that will come. My feet though,” she chuckles, leaning over and giving them a rub. “They’ve been aching with having to be on them all day long. I wasn’t quite expecting that.”
“I bet,” I tell her, walking across the room and handing over her dinner. “Have you got the same shift tomorrow or do you get a break?”
“I’ve got a half-day tomorrow,” she explains. “Charles is flying out at 4 am for a business meeting across the country and won’t be requiring the staff on hand until the afternoon. Though the maids will still have to come in at their usual time and do their thing. After all, we have that big party to prepare for on Saturday. Friday is going to be insane with preparations. Maryne has been giving me the rundown on how it’s all going to work.”
“Wait,” I say, my brows furrowed. “What party? I haven’t heard about a party.”
“Oh, you haven’t?” she questions, her eyes beaming with excitement. “It’s going to be amazing, like one of those grand parties you see in the movies. Apparently, it’s some kind of tradition that Charles’ ex-wife started some good ten years ago. They were so successful that even after she left, they’ve continued the tradition. There’s a theme and all. This one is going to be black and white and I think they’re planning a masquerade ball for next month's party. The best of the best are going to be there in gowns and tuxedos.”
My eyes brim with wonder. “Are you kidding me?” I screech, hardly able to sit still as I picture an elegant party held in one of the ballrooms, complete with decorations, chandeliers, champagne, and everyone having an amazing time. “That sounds incredible.”
“It will be but it’s also going to be a massive job. Maryne has been going crazy with scheduling and event planning. I was thinking I could give her a hand in the morning. I've always been good with that sort of thing and it beats sitting around in here doing nothing while you’re at school.”
“Great idea. I’m sure she’ll be grateful for any help she can get,” I say, pressing my lips into a firm line and trying to work out how to word this next question. “So, this party …” I start. “Is it like, invitation only, or could I maybe … you know, sneak in?”
Mom’s eyes bug out of her head. “You will do no such thing,” she demands. “I can’t have you sneaking in and getting in trouble. The whole drama with the school hasn’t even started blowing over yet. You need to lie low, however, if Charles or Colton speak to you about the party and offer you an invite then I’d be happy to see you there and enjoying yourself, but under no circumstances will you be sneaking in or embarrassing us by trying to win yourself an invite.” She looks around at the group of boys. “That goes for all of you. Ocean and I need me to keep this job. It’s the only thing keeping us clothed, bathed, and fed at the moment. We can’t be screwing it up. Not to mention, Ocean is currently receiving an education from some of the most sought out teachers in the country.”
I nod, completely understanding where she’s coming from. “Alright, mom. I’ll behave,” I tell her, feeling a slight pang of disappointment at the idea of not being able to attend the party, but then I guess I can always watch through the window and pretend there isn’t glass sitting between me and the most expensive