by Nora Cobb
Chase stands behind me. “So, when’s the date?”
We watch Naomi, so thrilled, holding onto Dad’s arm. Her four-carat diamond is visible from here, but she’s more interested in the man who gave it to her. “Next month,” I reply, “I’m looking forward to it, and Maya is invited.”
“That’s progress,” comments Silas, rocking in the desk chair.
“All the credit goes to Naomi,” I reply, “she’s a peace dove personified.”
“Hey.” Rory reaches for Chase’s sleeve and gives it a tug.
“Oh no,” I whisper, “don’t tell Daddy Auntie Vicki curses.”
“Hey you!” shouts Rory.
“You have to clean up your vocabulary,” says Dom, pulling Rory out of my arms. “Your auntie’s mouth is dirtier than your diaper, kid.”
“Brat,” I smile, and then look at Rory, “Not you.”
“Eek,” Luna walks into the office. “No, you cannot have one of those yet. Give it back. And I have a lead for you.”
Luna goes over to Dom and takes Rory out of his arms. She nuzzles her neck, making her laughter bounce off the walls.
“What lead, Luna?” I ask her.
“I met a model on my last shoot who can sing.” She looks at Chase. “You’d love her voice. The girl has range.”
With Jagan’s help, Luna signed up with a legit agency in Beverly Hills, and her book is growing with international clients. Her parents aren’t expecting her to return home anytime soon unless it’s for a visit.
I run to my desk, scooting Silas to the side. We check the calendar and point to the screen. “We have a client for an ad who is interested in you, Luna. Spoiler, you have to run through the woods in a long flowing dress.”
Laughing, Luna rolls her eyes. “Let me see that.”
Dom opens his arms. “Here, toss me the kid.” Luna lifts Rory high in the air, and that silly toddler squeals like it’s all fun and games.
“No!” I shout, “My brother loves me, but that baby is cuter.”
Chase intervenes and takes Rory away from Luna as Theo comes into the office with Rhys. We wave before we look down at the computer. The greeting is a little lukewarm with Rhys hanging around. He floats around the room, checking out Theo’s workspace and admiring his artwork on the walls.
“Any news from Jagan?” asks Luna.
“Go ahead and tell them,” says Theo. Rhys approaches the desk but stops short when Rory shouts and kicks out her legs. Rhys is unfazed by her reaction and winks at her. Chase holds her out, and Rhys takes Rory into his arms, cuddling her close as he smiles sweetly. I’ve changed my mind; he’s okay.
“We saw Jagan in Santa Monica at his new office,” replies Rhys, “Jagan got quite the parachute to leave Redwood. He was smart and spun everything to his advantage with emails to back up his claims.”
Luna scrunches up her face. “Doing what in his office?”
Rhys sighs. “He’s a life coach guru to those who can afford him. His office is near Goop corporate.”
“I designed his new cards.” Theo holds up a matte white card with a custom glyph in gold on one side and Jagan’s info on the other.
Silas grabs a card. “The man has balls bigger than his ego.”
“Balls!” shouts Rory and then fills the room with laughter.
I rescue my niece, pulling her into my arms. “Don’t knock Jagan. He said it would work out for us.”
Dom scoffs. “I think it was 80 percent us and maybe 20 percent other.”
“Well, he’s telling people his graduates are heading the next media empire.” Dom is producing new filmmakers in small-budget projects. Chase has gone in a new direction and is scoring films and games. Silas is releasing his memoir, detailing how he survived Hollywood.
“He’s impossible,” I reply, “Dad helped us form the company as a graduation present. It’s our responsibility to make it work.”
I head the company, and the boys are co-owners. It’s a contract that binds us together, just like a wedding certificate. This business is our baby, and I am proud to be the creative director of Quadfecta Productions.
“Well, he did help me get into my agency,” Luna points out. “And he did help all of you graduate on time.”
“Oh, I’m not ungrateful.” I hand the baby to Silas and take an envelope out of my desk drawer. It has the same logo as the business card but drawn in marker. I smile as I reread the handwritten note for the hundredth time.
To the student who put me on my path. J.J. Abrams is expecting your call.—Jagan
I won’t share the digits.
“My turn to hold the baby.” Silas pulls Rory out of my arms. She giggles as she presses her face against Silas’ shoulder. She must like his smoky aftershave, and I do too. I watch that little girl flirt shamelessly with one of my men. And this is how every day should be for us.
THE END
Vicki’s story is the direct sequel to the 5-book Montlake Prep series – see where it all started in BOOK 1: New Girl. Available FREE on Kindle Unlimited: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T7H1C7B
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BOOKS IN THE ELITES OF REDWOOD ACADEMY SERIES
Power struggles, drama, dark secrets, and even darker scandals.
Three drop-dead gorgeous boys who rule Redwood Academy with impunity and cruelty.
One girl who’s been through hell and back.
Nothing could prepare her for what the Elites of Redwood Academy will do to her.
But no way in hell is she going down without a fight.
CRUEL BOYS
BRUTAL BOYS
SAVAGE BOYS
VICIOUS BOYS
WICKED BOYS
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MONTLAKE PREP SERIES
NEW GIRL
OUTCAST
REPRISAL
REVENGE
MERCY
KINGS OF WEISSMORE ACADEMY
RUIN ME
HATE ME
LOVE ME