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“That’s thebestpart.” Her grin can’t be contained. “I met your neighbor when I went out for a walk, and she told me they were moving to California for her husband’s new job and were just about to put their house on the market. I asked if I could see it, and she let me. I made her an offer, and she called me just now to say they accept.”

“Wow,” I laugh in surprise and admiration. “You don’t waste time, do you? Welcome to the neighborhood.”

“Yeah, I’m excited. It’s only a few blocks from Dad. And it’s perfect for us.”

“Did you at least get a good price?” I ask.

She grimaces. “That’s what I wanted to talk about. I need some help with it.”

“Sure, I know a good realtor.”

“No, I mean, I made a cash offer. But I don’t have the cash.”

I do a quick calculation in my head. The house next door is a tad smaller than mine, but I only bought mine three years ago, and housing prices haven’t risen much in that time.

“Once you sell the house in Calabasas, you’ll have more than enough to pay whatever they’re asking.”

She clears her throat and gives me a tentative smile. “About the house?—”

“What’s the kitchen like?” Hannah asks her mom.

“Just like Uncle Omar’s. Nice. Brand new.”

“What about the house, Layel?” I give her a pointed look.

She shrugs. “I don’t want to sell it. I was thinking I could rent it out and use the rent money to pay you back for the loan to buy the house next door.”

I purse my lips. “I see you worked it all out without me. I suppose you’ve got the check all filled out and just need me to sign, right?”

Hannah’s expression grows pained at the harsh tone, and I bite my tongue. I say a silent prayer for patience and remind myself that I created this monster.

Between my ten years of astronomical income when I played for Chelsea and eight years of smart investments and profitable business ventures, I’ve made enough money to last me several lifetimes. I’ve been supporting my family since I was a teenager, and I’ve always been proud that I can. I went straight to the pros and skipped college, not so I could drive a Bentley, but so my dad wouldn’t have to sweat another mortgage payment again. I’ve never been good at saying no to the people I love. Sometimes, though, Layel makes me wish I’d been less generous. She acts like money grows on evergreen trees.

After her divorce three years ago, she took the lump sum settlement she received and decided that the time was ripe for dipping her toe in the world of crypto currency.

She lost every penny she invested. But she was fine because the annuity I created for her gives her a very healthy monthly income for life. The house in Calabasas is hers, free and clear.

“I’ll give you a loan. Let’s talk about it after the party, though.”

I can afford to give her the money outright, and I feel a touch of guilt that I’m not. But as long as she thinks budgets are for other people, she’ll always need me to bail her out. And I don’t want Hannah and Ethan to think that’s how life works.

“There you all are,” my father calls from just inside the open terrace doors.

“Oh great,” I mutter under my breath.

“Poppa!” Hannah mobs him, and I use the distraction to brace myself for this conversation.

I’m 6’2, but I still have to tip my head back to look at my father. He’s a giant of a man, in more ways than one. But he’s never used his size to intimidate me. He didn’t need to. I’ve been in awe of him my whole life and respect him tremendously. But right now, he’s the last person I want to see.

“Girls, excuse us, please. Omar and I need to talk alone.” The please is only because he’s unerringly polite, but it’s not a request, and they know it. We say our goodbyes, and they hurry back inside.

As soon as the door closes behind them, his expression hardens. “How long have you been seeing her?”

He picks up the conversation exactly where we left it when I climbed out of the car at the Club’s valet.

“Since I left the Galaxy.”

His mouth falls open, his wide stare incredulous. “You’ve been in touch with her forfouryears?”