“You could say that,” McKinley replies.

“Then I think I can be the bigger person and accept your offer. I’ve never had a problem with you, Ms. Riscoff, and I truly enjoyed working here.”

“Then we would be pleased to have you rejoin us as assistant day manager.”

Jackie’s expression betrays only the smallest hint of her excitement. “If your mother’s not going to have another heart attack because of it, I would like that.”

“Wonderful.” McKinley Riscoff’s smile is genuine. “If you’d like to come down to my office later today, we can go over the details, and you can meet with your new immediate supervisor.”

“Thank you, Ms. Riscoff,” Jackie says with a nod. “I appreciate the opportunity.”

“You earned it.”

“I should be going too.” Lincoln steps toward his sister, and I curse the fact that my body immediately registers the new distance between us. “If you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to press the majordomo call button on your phone. Each suite has been assigned someone, and you’ll be in good hands.”

“And feel free to call for room service, use the spa, pool, fitness center, or anything else we have to offer,” McKinley adds. “We want to make sure you’re truly comfortable.”

I meet Lincoln’s gaze and choose the simplest response possible. “Thank you.”

Thirteen

Whitney

I follow Aunt Jackie into the suite she’s sharing with Karma and the girls. A quick glance around the space tells me it has three bedrooms and must take up a quarter of the floor.

“Is this really going to be okay with you?” I ask her.

Jackie spins around to look at me. “Are you serious, Whit? Do you have any idea where we are? The rooms on this floor are some of the most expensive in the whole country. I might have to swallow some pride, but when the options are this or dodging reporters on my front lawn, I’m not about to say no to living in luxury for a while.”

“I’m so sorry about that—”

She holds up a hand. “Don’t start apologizing for more stuff you didn’t do.”

The fact that my aunt doesn’t even question what’s going on reminds me that she’s been on my side for my whole life in a way no one else has ever been.

Before tears can start burning my eyes, I change the subject. “And the job? Are you sure you’re okay with that too?”

“More money, better hours, and more authority? I think I can handle it just fine.”

I look at the closed door that Karma must be behind. “And what about Karma?”

Jackie’s lips press together into a flat line. “I don’t know what it is this time with her, but I’m going to figure it out. I swear, that girl just doesn’t know how to be happy. I don’t know where I went wrong with her, but I’m damn sure trying to do better with my grandbabies.”

The closed door flies open, and I don’t even know why I’m surprised. Karma is the queen of shitty timing.