We reached the front desk, and after a few minutes and some odd stares we were being passed a card to our room. The room, like the rest of the hotel, had a refined elegance. It was a two-bedroom suite—each bedroom featuring a king-sized bed—toward the top of the hotel, that had a magnificent view of the city. Pulling the curtains apart, the view of the lights and hustle of the city below us was breathtaking. It wasn’t overly late yet; we still had time to run to Saks Fifth Avenue to grab clothing before they closed.
“This is really the life, Mom,” I said, staring out into the city, a smile so wide on my lips that it threatened to split my face in half. This was my first time in the city and I was already overwhelmed. I couldn’t wait to get outside and explore. There was so much to do and the city had so much to offer.
She heaved a sigh as she came to stand beside me, taking in the view. “I hope this lives up to everything you dreamed it would be, dear.”
Glancing over at my mom, I didn’t miss the look of excitement in her eyes as she peered out onto the city. She was trying to be the voice of reason and I understood why. “I won’t get caught up in all this. I promise.”
Looking over at me, my mother smiled. “We come from humble roots. Our family has always worked hard and earned everything we’ve ever gotten. I’m happy we won the money. I truly am. I’m just concerned it will change who you are fundamentally, Keira. Money has a way of turning people into something they’re not—of bringing out the worst in people.”
“It won’t do that to me, Mom.”
My mother turned to face me straight on. Reaching out she placed a hand over my heart. “You’re a good person, Keira. Don’t let the life here change you. Always remember where you came from.”
“I will.” I groaned inwardly. Why was she being so dramatic? My God! How many times would we have to go through this? “This is the start of our new life. No more hot dogs or noodles or grilled cheese because we can’t afford anything more.”
“I know.”
“We paid our dues, Mom.”
She frowned. She seemed to be such a roller coaster of emotion. She’d always been such a strong, independent woman. It was odd to see her so uncertain now.
“There’s something else isn’t there?” I could tell, but I was really having a hard time understanding and she was really killing the high I was feeling.
“The houses we’re looking at…. Our trailer cost me less than a third of that SUV we have in the parking garage and you want to spend tens of millions of dollars on a new house because it’s overlooking Central Park. To show off, because we can…”
“Even after all the indulgences we’ll still be more than set for life, Mom. And I promise, once we’ve gotten the dream house and have it furnished we’ll slow down.”
She raised a brow at me and grimaced. “I can’t tell you where to spend your money.”
“Our money,” I corrected her. This was yet another argument we’d had several times since winning the money. She didn’t feel she had a right to any of it because it was my dollar that got the ticket, to which I reminded her that the only reason I had that dollar was because she’d given it to me. We were at a stalemate really on that argument. We’d finally agreed that once we’re settled in, we’d split what was left.
“Okay. Yes. Our money.” Her frown faded and a smile returned. “Am I being a major downer? I don’t really want to ruin this for you. I’m just still trying to wrap my head around it all. And I’m worried. I still want you to succeed in your life and not just ride this money.”
A little, I thought but would never say that out loud. Stepping forward, I gave her a hug. “Tonight we’re going to Saks and we’re going to go shopping so we can look like a million bucks when house hunting this week. And I think we should have a full spa day tomorrow. You’ve never had a pamper day in your life, Mom. We’ve been given a gift, instead of fearing for the worst try embracing it.”
“I’ve heard so many things about spoiled teenagers of Manhattan socialites. They’re snotty and self-absorbed. It would kill me if you turned into one of those power-hungry bitches that snort coke in the school bathroom.”
I laughed and shook my head. “First off, I think you’ve watched too many reality TV shows. And second, you need to trust that you’ve raised me right. I just want a taste of that life, and we have the means to have that life now. I’m still going to go to college and I’m still going to have a career. It’s just that we have a leg up now instead of having to fight every step of the way.”
She laughed lightly. “You’re right dear. Enough talk. Let’s go raid Saks and spend an ungodly amount of money.”
~*~ TT ~*~
Have you ever woken up and thought that you’d woken into a dream? That’s exactly how I felt as I slowly opened my eyes and stretched on the bed. I’d never slept in anything so soft in my life. It felt like I was sleeping on a cloud.
Sitting up I looked at the huge number of bags sitting on the floor surrounding the bed. At first we’d gotten snubbed by the staff; no doubt we’d been mistaken for tourists or riff-raff off the street. The staff at the store quickly realized that our trip wasn’t a joke. We’d stacked up such a bill at Saks that they assigned a personal shopper to us just to catch up with our purchases and rush to fulfill our every request.
Mom was hesitant at first, but it didn’t take her long to let loose and get wrapped up in the craziness of our spending spree, and I must say it was nice to see her smiling and happy. She said that she felt like Julia Roberts in the movie Pretty Woman. After years of seeing her stressed out, it was a very nice change.
Slipping out of the bed, I took another moment to stretch before making my way to the bathroom, taking a shower and making myself feel fresh for the day. We’d driven for nine hours the previous day and we hadn’t taken the time to shower before going shopping.
With a super soft, terry cloth towel wrapped around me, I exited my bedroom in search of my mother. Looking into the living room I actually stopped and stared, I couldn’t help it. My mother looked stunning. She was wearing a yellow, short sleeved, Versace dress that landed mid-thigh, showing off her shapely legs and hugged her curves to perfection. She’d even taken the time to put on make-up. She looked ten years younger.
“What?” she asked, standing and crossing the room to me. “Are you okay?”
I was literally speechless. “I…. Wow.” Laughter erupted from me. “You’re beautiful, Mom!”
She laughed with me. “Thanks, I think…. Was I ugly before?”
“No…. Geez, Mom.” Grinning, I rolled my eyes. “It’s just. You look different, that’s all. Versace really looks good on you.”
“Yeah, well, I feel like I can’t go anywhere in this dress in case I get it dirty. Did you realize everything we bought is dry-clean-only? The dry-cleaning bill is going to be outrageous unless we get some real clothes.”
“We will,” I responded, snugging the towel up around my chest. “Give me a few minutes to get ready.”
Mom looked down at her new silver watch. “It had better be a very few minutes, because we have an appointment to see the first house in less than an hour.”
Excitement raced through me. We could be an hour away from our new home, and from solidifying our new life! I released a little squee noise, spun on my heel and raced back into my bedroom.
“I thought we were going to wait and see houses tomorrow,” I yelled to her from the bedroom.
“This one had a viewing appointment open today when I called so I figured why not. We can do the spa afterwards.”
Rummaging through the bags, I found the perfect dress and pulled it out. It was a red, off-the-shoulder bandage dress with the bottom half of the skirt that flowed out. It was perfect for house hunting. I really should have hung this stuff up last night, but I’d been too exhausted by the time we’d gotten home.
While applying my make-up, I couldn’t stop myself from singing, despite not being able to carry a tune. A few flicks of mascara and
the transformation was complete. Straightening up, I smiled as I looked at myself in the mirror. The new me.
Stepping out into the living room I cleared my throat to get my mother’s attention. When she looked, I spun around, the skirt of the dress I was wearing flowing out around me before settling against my thighs. I was so happy I felt giddy. “What do you think?”
She smiled as she stood. There was so much pride in her gaze. “I think we’re going to be late if we don’t hurry.” She walked across the living room to stand beside me.
Draping my arm around her shoulders, I turned her so we could look at ourselves in the mirror. “Rags to riches, Mom. Could you ever imagine? I feel like an entirely different person. Like I’ve stepped out of the pages of a fairy tale.”
She nodded. “Me too. But remember what I said. You might be different on the outside, but don’t allow this to change who you are deep down.”
I rolled my eyes. I’d heard this speech to many times since we’d won the lottery. “I promise. I won’t.”
Chapter 3
The first townhouse we were scheduled to see was a five-story red-brick home on the corner of the street, with the left side facing Central Park, though you could see the park from both the side and the front of the 12,000-square-foot corner-lot house. Massive. Impressive. Upon examining the ad originally, my mother had announced it was excessive, but she agreed to view it anyhow. I was pleasantly surprised she’d taken it upon herself to book a viewing without my nagging.
“Welcome.” The real estate agent was a woman who appeared to be in her forties, wearing a black pants suit. Her red hair was cut in a stylish bob and her make-up was flawlessly applied. I imagined she spent a fortune on beauty supplies in order to make herself look on par with her clientele.
I looked at my mother and then back to the agent and smiled. “Thank you. We’re quite excited to see the house.” I could hear the awe in my voice as I watched her unlock the home.
“I bet. This is a magnificent home. And the location is top-notch. Can’t get any better in all of Manhattan.”
The doors were tall double doors that when she opened them, opened into the grand foyer. “The current owners of this house, I’m not at liberty to reveal, but I can say that they are very affluent and reside overseas.”
Affluent.... The possibilities of who the current owners could be raced through my head. Could they be some high-powered business owner? Royalty? The list was endless. I grinned as I looked at my mother again. She didn’t look as impressed as I was.
“Wonderful,” my mother said, keeping the unimpressed look on her face. “Let’s go over the reasons why this property cost so much.”
The real estate agent’s smile faded just a smidge. “Worth so much, of course.” She nodded toward the staircase leading downward. “How about we go down to the pool and hot tub area and then move up through the floors and I can tell you everything you need to know.”
A pool! In the house! I was beyond thrilled. Swimming was one of my loves. Normally I did it in the ocean, but a pool would be amazing. Looking over at my mother again as the agent descended the staircase that was painted to look like white marble with gold trim, she caught my gaze and made a motion for me to hush.
Frowning, it took me a moment to understand why she wanted me to be quiet, but the realization came to me quickly. She was finally on board, and my mom being my mom, was going to make sure whatever house we decided on we’d get the very best price possible, which meant keeping a poker face on. When you’re talking about buying a house worth tens of millions, negotiation could make a massive difference.
~*~ TT ~*~
We’d been in the city four days and we’d gotten to see five houses before it was time to meet up with the headmistress of Greisbach Academy. The last three houses we’d see tomorrow and then make a decision. Personally, I liked the first one we saw, but I promised my mother I’d keep an open mind.
“This is it!” I looked at the large gothic styled school. It sure as hell wasn’t anything like the schools back home. Before walking through the entryway of the seven-foot-tall wrought iron fence I gave myself a minute to let it all sink it. This was going to be my new school; it was like something right out of a movie!
“It is,” my mother confirmed, looking as excited as I was. “As much as I’ve been finding your choices excessive, education is important, and this is one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in the country. Presidents have gone here.”
Anxious to see if the inside was as magnificent as the outside we made our way down the cobblestone pathway toward the main entrance. “It’s amazing. I never dreamed I’d be graduating from here.”
“Keep up your grades and Harvard or Yale or whoever you choose will be knocking down your door, begging you to attend.”
My grin widened, if that were at all possible. I was grinning so wide my cheeks were beginning to become sore. “All our dreams, Mom.”
“Yes.” She gave me a little side hug as we ascended the marble steps and entered the building. “Apparently, the office is just to the left.”
We walked just a short way and sure enough, the office appeared. The school was virtually deserted; the only people present seemed to be in the office. All three people in the office turned to watch as we entered. The first person to appear was an older woman wearing silver-rimmed glasses, impeccably dressed and with her graying hair tied up in a tight knot at the top of her head.
She extended her hand to my mother first. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Rigby. I’m Mrs. Witherspoon, the headmistress of this fine institution.” she said introducing herself, then turning to me she asked, “And you must be our new student, Keira. I’ve got to say your academic record is impeccable. Dare I say it’s going to be the strongest record in the school. You’ll be a welcomed addition.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Witherspoon.” I took her hand and was surprised at how firm and commanding her handshake was. Her hand was incredibly soft, with nails polished in a nice unassuming neutral cream color.
Mrs. Witherspoon motioned to the woman behind the desk. “That would be my right-hand lady at this school, Mrs. Albertson. She takes care of the front end of this school and escalates issues, if the need arises, to me.” She then turned to the third person who I’d have guessed to be my age. “And this is Trina Kayne. While your mother and I have a chat about your future with us and fill out the required forms, Trina will be giving you a tour of the premises and fill you in on the things you need to know. She’s one of our top students and school vice-president. She’s also going to be a senior with us this coming school year.”
Trina smiled at me and then at the head mistress, giving a little laugh. “Vice-president for now. This next election I’m running for president.”
“Hmm. You’ll make a fine candidate dear.”
Despite the smile on my face, I wasn’t feeling so secure with Miss Vice President. Even though she was smiling at me, there was a little something in her blue eyes that gave me a sense of foreboding. She ran her hands through her golden locks, which shone in the light in exactly the same way you see the models on television hair shining.
Maybe it was just my imagination, but she looked too picture-perfect. No one in my experience can give off the air of perfection like she did and be approachable. Though who was I kidding; I’d never been to school with any teenager who looked so polished. But this was the Upper East Side, a world I really knew nothing about, except for in movies, so what did I know?
“Wonderful to meet you.” I stepped forward to shake her hand. I had to look up just slightly since she was roughly three inches taller than I was.
“The pleasure is all mine.” She released my hand and took another step forward, placing an arm around my shoulders. “I’m going to give the newbie a spin around the school. We won’t be long,” she called over her shoulder leading me into the hallway.
I looked back at my mother, who smiled at me and shrugged. Was she not feeling what I was feeling? Maybe I w
as just being too nervous and completely misreading the situation.
We’d barely got out of view of the adults when Trina dropped her arm from my shoulders and spun to face me. I nearly stumbled over my own feet, to avoid falling into her. Damned high heels. Confused, I stared at her not sure what to say.
She smirked as she planted her hands on her hips. “Look. Let’s get things straight right off the bat. This is my school. I run this place and everyone in it. So, if you want to make it through senior year then you’re going to respect the status quo, do you read me?”
What in the fuck! I squared my shoulders and lifted my chin, meeting her stare. I knew her type. We had the exact type of girls back home; they just didn’t carry purses or wear shoes worth thousands. But a bitch was a bitch was a bitch; regardless of whether they shopped at Walmart or Saks. I wouldn’t be bullied in the trailer park and I sure as hell wouldn’t be bullied now!
“I don’t know you and you sure as hell don’t even know me. How dare you come at me demanding anything?”
She took a step closer to me; there was barely a foot between us at this point. “Don’t consider it a demand. Consider it some words of wisdom. I can make your time here bearable or make it a living hell. If you play your cards right with me, you might even enjoy it. It’s up to you which way this will play out.”
I was literally floored and at a complete loss for words as I contemplated how to deal with this situation.
Her smirk disappeared and what appeared to be a genuine smile took its place. “Now that we’ve got that out of the way, and I’m certain you understand the rules, I’ll give you the tour.” She began walking, expecting me to follow.
She was insane, she had to be.
When I didn’t follow, she stopped, made a half-turn and tapped her red-soled Louboutin on the floor expressing her impatience. “We don’t have all day. I’ve got a spa appointment that if I miss because of you, will be taken out of your hide. Keep up.”
Outsider: Upper East Side (Greisbach Academy #1) Page 3